“. . . and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God:. . . And had a wall great and high, . . .” Revelation 21:10-12.
Much is heard these days regarding a wall, particularly along the southern border of the United States and Mexico. It is a politically hot topic fraught with side issues that separate Democratic/Republican parties specifically, and conservative, progressive liberals in the general population. The flood of people migrating into the USA are in sufficient numbers to threaten the stability of the county. Illegal drugs flowing through that southern border wreak havoc on a large segment of people who are willing to drop out of productivity and become dependent on an ever shrinking workforce.
At issue over the proposed walled border is whether or not such a wall would work. Some say the very idea of a wall is archaic and reeks of medieval times. Others say differently. The crux of the matter of a wall is not whether it will work. In reality, walls by their very nature are not active. Walls either are, or they are not. They stand or they are broken down. So if there is a wall, it
is
not
active,
but
static,
and
its
very
presence
fulfills
the
purpose
of
containment/restraint/defense.
It is interesting to note that the word “Wall” is used in the Bible well over 200 times. Most usages are literal, but several are metaphorical. One of the most impressive is revealed in the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea in their exodus from Egypt. Entrapped by a pursuing Egyptian army, there was no place to go but into the sea. However, God created an intangible wall between the Egyptians and the Hebrews; a wall of darkness to the Egyptians that was a wall of light to the Hebrews. Then He caused a strong wind to create a wide swath of dry land through the breath of the sea. The water was a wall on their left hand and their right hand, allowing them to cross over dry shod. Exodus 14:29
Additionally, walls about ancient cities were sufficient to intimidate the Hebrews from entering the Promised Land. Num. 13:28. Jerusalem was built with massive walls about it, and their reconstruction under the prophet Nehemiah caused considerable political problems, but God allowed it to happen. In fact, a city of any size without walls was almost inconceivable, and its possibility gave force to proverbs. Solomon said, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” Prov. 25:28.
It is also interesting to note that in the final heaven age the glory bride of the Lord will live in New Jerusalem, the magnificent city of gold and precious gems, which will also be a city with massive walls. Rev. 21. Common sense dictates that if walls fulfilled their purpose then, it really is hard to argue that they fail to fulfill their purpose now. But, these days, common sense is not so common. I like walls! they enhance control, defense, and containment.
FOR THOUGHT: Think of some walls that are most effective. Now think of some walls that are bad such as social walls people build between themselves. How do you feel about these walls?