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Fenced cities, also referred to as fortified cities, play a significant role in the historical and theological landscape of the Bible. These cities were strategically constructed with defensive walls and fortifications to protect inhabitants from enemy attacks and invasions. The concept of fenced cities is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, illustrating both the physical and spiritual dimensions of security and divine protection.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The earliest mention of fortified cities can be traced back to the Canaanite period. When the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised Land, the spies sent by Moses reported, "The people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large" (Numbers 13:28). This description underscores the formidable nature of these cities, which were often seen as symbols of strength and human ingenuity.

During the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites encountered numerous fortified cities. Jericho, one of the most famous examples, was a heavily fortified city with walls that "fell down flat" after the Israelites marched around it for seven days, as instructed by God (Joshua 6:20). This miraculous event demonstrated God's power over human defenses and His ability to deliver His people.

In the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy, fortified cities continued to serve as centers of administration and military strength. King David and his successor, Solomon, invested in the fortification of cities to secure their kingdom. Solomon is noted for building cities with walls, gates, and bars, enhancing the security of Israel (1 Kings 9:15-19).

Spiritual Significance

Fenced cities in the Bible often symbolize divine protection and refuge. The Psalms frequently use imagery of God as a fortress or stronghold, reflecting the security that fortified cities provided.Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge." This metaphorical language emphasizes the belief that true safety and security come from reliance on God rather than human fortifications.

Prophets also used the imagery of fortified cities to convey messages of judgment and hope. Jeremiah warned of the impending destruction of Judah's fortified cities due to the people's disobedience (Jeremiah 5:17). Conversely, Isaiah prophesied a future where God would establish a city with salvation as its walls and ramparts (Isaiah 26:1), pointing to a time of ultimate peace and divine protection.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations have provided valuable insights into the construction and significance of ancient fortified cities. Sites such as Hazor, Megiddo, and Lachish reveal complex systems of walls, gates, and towers, reflecting the advanced engineering skills of ancient civilizations. These findings corroborate biblical accounts and enhance our understanding of the historical context in which these cities existed.

Conclusion

Fenced cities in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of human effort to achieve security and the ultimate reliance on divine protection. They remind believers of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through the lens of fortified cities, the Bible communicates enduring truths about faith, obedience, and the nature of true security.Fenced Cities

FENCED CITIES

SeeFORTIFICATION.

Fenced Cities

i.e. cities fortified or defended. The fortifications of the cities of Palestine, thus regularly "fenced," consisted of one or more walls (sometimes of thick stones, sometimes of combustible material), crowned with battlemented parapets, having towers at regular intervals, (2 Chronicles 32:5;Jeremiah 31:38) on which in later times engines of war were placed, and watch was kept by day and night in time of war. (Judges 9:45;2 Kings 9:17;2 Chronicles 26:9,15)

4013. mibtsar -- fortification
... fortifiedcities (1), fortified city (1), fortress (3), fortresses (1), strongest
(1), strongholds (6), tester (1), well-fortified (1). mostfenced, fortress...

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
... the day of wrath, that day; a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of cloud and
whirlwind, a day of trumpet and clangour, upon allfenced cities, and upon all...

Jehoshaphat
... Men of war, mighty men of valor, . . . waited on the king, beside those whom the
king put in thefenced cities throughout all Judah." Verses 12-19....

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... And he placed forces in all thefenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the
land of Judah, and in thecities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken.3....

Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
... before him.6. And he builtfenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he
had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.7. Therefore he...

National Apostasy
... Verse 9. In this crisis Asa did not put his trust in the "fenced cities in Judah"
that he had built, with "walls, and towers, gates, and bars," nor in the...

Tiberias.
... when it is written, 'And thefenced cities were Ziddim, Zer, Chammath, Rakkath,
and Chinnereth.' But it is clear to us that Rakkath is Tiberias....

'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers.5. And he set judges in
the land throughout all thefenced cities of Judah, city by city.6. And said...

God's Dealings with the Earth During the Tribulation Period.
... and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness,
a day of the trumpet and alarm against thefenced cities, and against the...

Manasseh's Sin and Repentance
... to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up
a very great height, and put captains of war in all thefenced cities of Judah...

Refutation of Another Argument Adduced by the Marcionites, that...
... which they did, by all the works in which they oppressed them with rigour." [4215]
And with immense labour they built for themfenced cities, increasing the...

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