Babylon was a beautiful city. It had been built into a fortress that was second to none. It was surrounded by a huge wall that some say was 87 feet wide and estimated to be over three hundred feet tall in places. Six chariots could run abreast on top of the wall. It was encircled by a large moat and the Euphrates River ran through the midst of the city. They had plenty of food and water for a long siege. The Babylonians trusted the security of the city. But as is the case anytime we trust man’s wisdom and ability, they were trusting in a false security.
One ancient account alleged that Persia’s General Ugbaru had troops dig a trench to divert and thus lower the waters of the Euphrates River. Since the river flowed through the city of Babylon, the lowered water enabled besiegers to unexpectedly invade via the waterway under the thick walls and reach the palace before the city was aware.
Lesson: Security rests in God, not man’s devices.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
What have you built? Are you safe?
Give it some thought.
Gary