or סוֹלְלָה; active participle feminine of סָלַל, but used passively; a military mound, i.e. rampart of besiegers; bank, mount.
Transliteration:çôlᵉlâh
Pronunciation:so-lel-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term סֹלְלָה (çôlᵉlâh), Strong's number `{{H5550}}`, is a noun derived from the verb סָלַל (salal), `{{H5549}}`, meaning "to cast up," "to heap up," or "to exalt." While grammatically an active participle feminine, it functions passively in its nominal form, denoting "that which is cast up." Its core meaning centers on a military engineering structure: a "siege mound," "rampart," or "bank." This refers to an artificial elevation constructed by besieging armies to gain a tactical advantage over a fortified city. The purpose of such a mound was typically to bring battering rams or other siege engines to the level of the city walls, or to provide an elevated platform for archers and slingers to target defenders within the city. The semantic range is quite narrow, consistently pointing to this specific military construct, highlighting the aggressive and strategic nature of ancient siege warfare.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סֹלְלָה (çôlᵉlâh) appears consistently in contexts describing military sieges, emphasizing the destructive power and strategic ingenuity of attacking forces.
In [[2 Samuel 20:15]], during Joab's pursuit of Sheba ben Bichri, it is recorded that Joab's forces "cast up a siege mound against the city" of Abel of Beth-maacah, illustrating the practical application of this engineering feat in a specific historical conflict. This mound was intended to breach the city's defenses.
The word frequently appears in prophetic literature, particularly in relation to the siege of Jerusalem. In [[2 Kings 19:32]] and its parallel in [[Isaiah 37:33]], a divine promise of protection is given to Jerusalem against Sennacherib, stating that he "will not cast up a siege mound against it." This signifies God's direct intervention to prevent the ultimate instrument of siege from being employed, thus guaranteeing the city's safety.
Conversely, in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, the casting up of siege mounds is a vivid sign of impending divine judgment and the inevitability of Jerusalem's fall. [[Jeremiah 32:24]] describes the Chaldeans' advance: "Behold, the siege mounds have been cast up to take the city." Similarly, [[Jeremiah 33:4]] speaks of houses being broken down to construct these very mounds. Ezekiel's prophetic actions and visions frequently involve the construction of these siege works, as seen in [[Ezekiel 4:2]], where he is commanded to "cast up a siege mound" against a representation of Jerusalem. Further references in [[Ezekiel 17:17]], [[Ezekiel 21:22]], and [[Ezekiel 26:8]] (concerning Tyre) reinforce the image of the סֹלְלָה as a definitive tool of conquest and a harbinger of destruction.
Finally, in [[Daniel 11:15]], the term describes Antiochus III's military campaign against the fortified city of Sidon, where he "casts up a siege mound" and captures it, demonstrating its continued relevance in later historical periods within the biblical narrative. Across these occurrences, the סֹלְלָה consistently represents the methodical and relentless pressure exerted by besieging armies, often as an instrument of divine will.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb סָלַל (salal), `{{H5549}}`, from which סֹלְלָה (çôlᵉlâh) is derived. While סָלַל can mean "to make a highway" or "to exalt," the common thread is the act of *heaping up* or *raising*. The siege mound is literally a "heaped-up" structure.
Other related concepts include:
* **Siege Warfare (מָצוֹר - matsor, `{{H4692}}`):** The סֹלְלָה is an integral component of the broader military strategy of siege, which aimed to isolate and eventually breach fortified cities.
* **Fortifications (חֹמָה - choma, `{{H2346}}`; מִבְצָר - mibtsar, `{{H4692}}`):** The very existence of the siege mound implies the presence of strong city walls and defenses that necessitated such an elaborate attack strategy.
* **Military Engineering:** The construction of a סֹלְלָה required significant labor, planning, and resources, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of military engineering in the ancient world.
* **Instruments of War:** While not directly named, the mound would often be used in conjunction with battering rams or siege towers, which themselves are instruments of assault.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of the סֹלְלָה (çôlᵉlâh) is profound, particularly in its prophetic usage. It serves as a tangible symbol of divine judgment and the instruments through which God exercises His sovereignty over nations.
When besieging armies construct a סֹלְלָה against a city, it is frequently portrayed as part of God's punitive action against a rebellious people. For Jerusalem, the appearance of these mounds signifies that the cup of iniquity is full, and God is allowing external forces to bring about the consequences of disobedience. The relentless advance of the besiegers, marked by the meticulous construction of these mounds, becomes a metaphor for the inescapable nature of divine wrath.
Conversely, the *absence* of a siege mound, as promised to Jerusalem regarding Sennacherib's attack, powerfully illustrates God's protective hand and His ability to deliver His people from overwhelming odds. In such instances, the lack of this crucial military implement signifies divine intervention, demonstrating that no human power, however formidable, can prevail against God's will.
Thus, the סֹלְלָה highlights the vulnerability of human strength and fortifications in the face of God's purposes. It underscores the biblical truth that God raises up and casts down kingdoms, using even the most brutal aspects of warfare to fulfill His redemptive and disciplinary plans. It is a stark reminder that the course of history, including the rise and fall of empires, ultimately serves the sovereign will of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סֹלְלָה (çôlᵉlâh), `{{H5550}}`, denotes a "military siege mound" or "rampart," a structure meticulously cast up by besieging armies to overcome city defenses. Its consistent usage across historical narratives and prophetic texts, from [[2 Samuel 20:15]] to [[Daniel 11:15]], underscores its critical role in ancient siege warfare. Theologically, the סֹלְלָה serves as a potent symbol of divine judgment, particularly in the prophecies concerning Jerusalem's fall, where its construction signifies the unfolding of God's disciplinary hand. Conversely, its absence, as promised in [[2 Kings 19:32]], represents divine protection and deliverance. This specialized term, derived from the verb meaning "to heap up," reveals the strategic ingenuity of ancient warfare while simultaneously pointing to the ultimate sovereignty of God, who orchestrates even the destructive acts of nations to achieve His righteous purposes.
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