Tower
“From gadal, 'to become great'; a lofty structure”
Summary
Towers in biblical times served as military fortifications, watchtowers for vineyards, citadels within cities, and were used figuratively to represent divine protection.
☩Types of Towers
Several Hebrew terms describe different tower structures. Migdal (from gadal, 'to become great') refers to a lofty tower and is sometimes used as a proper noun. Bachon (from bachan, 'to search' or 'explore') indicates a watch-tower, as in Isaiah's reference to the tower of Ophel. Matsor denotes a strong fortification, translated 'tower' only in Habakkuk 2:1. Pinnah, usually meaning 'corner,' is twice rendered 'tower' in Zephaniah. Misgab refers to a refuge and appears only in poetry.
☩Military and Defensive Towers
Isolated watchtowers or fortified posts were built in frontier or exposed situations, such as the tower of Edar and the tower of Lebanon. King Uzziah constructed towers in the pasture grounds, and his son Jotham built them in the forests of Judah for the defense of wells and protection of flocks and commerce. Mural towers formed essential parts of city fortifications, built especially at corners of walls and gates. Jerusalem was notably provided with such towers, many bearing special names. Sentries were stationed on wall towers to watch for approaching enemies.
☩Vineyard Towers
Besides military structures, towers were built in vineyards as almost necessary appendages. The parable of the Wicked Husbandmen describes a landowner who 'built a tower' in his vineyard. Such towers remain in use in Palestine, particularly near Hebron, serving as lodges for vineyard keepers during summer and autumn. During vintage they housed workers gathering grapes. Remains of ancient solidly-built towers commanding views of entire enclosures can still be found throughout Syria.
☩Notable Biblical Towers
The Tower of Babel represents humanity's earliest recorded tower-building attempt. The tower in Siloam, whose collapse killed eighteen people, may have been connected with fortifications near that fountain, possibly related to Pilate's aqueduct construction. Jerusalem's walls in the first century had sixty towers, including Hippicus and Phasaelus, the latter partly preserved in the structure called David's Tower. The Temple was likewise supplied with numerous towers.
☩Figurative Usage
Scripture employs towers as metaphors for divine protection and strength. 'The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.' The Psalms describe God as a tower, a refuge, and a stronghold for His people. In Jesus's teaching, the illustration of a builder unable to complete his tower warns against beginning what one cannot finish.
Related Verses62 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Tower," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Tower," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.George Morrish, "Tower," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Tower," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).