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◄ Sieges: Setting in Array Against►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, sieges were a common military strategy employed by nations to conquer fortified cities. The act of setting in array against a city involved surrounding it with armed forces to cut off supplies and compel surrender. This tactic is frequently mentioned in the Bible, illustrating both divine judgment and human conflict.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of sieges, often as instruments of divine retribution or as part of Israel's military campaigns. One of the earliest references is found in the account of the conquest of Jericho, where the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, laid siege to the city as commanded by God. The unique strategy involved marching around the city for seven days, culminating in the walls collapsing (Joshua 6:1-20).

Another significant siege is that of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar. This event marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, resulting in the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian exile. The prophet Jeremiah vividly describes the siege and its devastating effects: "The city was besieged until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah" (Jeremiah 52:5).

The Assyrian siege of Lachish is another notable example, where King Sennacherib's forces captured the city, as recorded in2 Kings 18:13-17. This event is corroborated by archaeological findings, including the Lachish reliefs, which depict the siege in detail.

Prophetic Symbolism

Sieges in the Bible often carry prophetic symbolism, representing God's judgment against sin and rebellion. The prophet Ezekiel was instructed to enact a symbolic siege against Jerusalem, using a clay tablet to represent the city and laying siege works against it (Ezekiel 4:1-3). This act served as a warning to the Israelites of the impending Babylonian conquest due to their unfaithfulness.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on sieges, it does allude to the concept in prophetic teachings. Jesus foretold the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70, a judgment for the nation's rejection of Him as the Messiah. InLuke 21:20-24, Jesus warns, "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near" (Luke 21:20).

Spiritual Warfare

In a spiritual sense, the concept of siege can be applied to the believer's life, representing the spiritual battles faced against the forces of darkness. The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11). This imagery suggests a defensive posture, akin to a city under siege, requiring vigilance and reliance on divine strength.

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of sieges serve as powerful reminders of God's sovereignty over nations and His righteous judgment. They also provide insights into the historical and spiritual dynamics of warfare, both physical and spiritual, that continue to resonate with believers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 50:9
For, see, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great nations from the north country: and they shall set themselves in array against her; from there she shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; none shall return in vain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

What Cestius didagainst the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging...
... Tisri,] when he had put his army inarray, he brought... hurt, and got all things ready
forsetting fire to... in, left behind them their engines forsieges, and for...

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... but the others must be taken in length of thee, by longsieges, both on... Now Joshua
was glad that he was under no necessity ofsetting them inarray, or of...

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... of Scythians under King Madyes, son of Protothyes,setting out from... they ride upon
horses; every one set inarray as a man to the battle,**against thee, O...

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... in the plains and in the mountain districts"Camps, battles,sieges; cruelty shown...
Tiglath pileser I.: Ms campaignagainst the Mushhu, his conquest of Kurhhi...

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... stakes," but, unlike his predecessor, he directed his effortsagainst Nairi and... he
subjugated from the sun-rising to its down-setting; victorious, irresistible...