Tower of David, Old Wall and Olive Trees—Jerusalem
Tower of David, Old Wall and Olive Trees—Jerusalem In Bible times, the towers formed part of the defenses of fortified cities ( Neh. 3:1 ). They were erected beside the city gates—the one in our picture is at the Jaffa Gate—at the corners of the walls, and at intervals in the intervening space ( 2 Chronicles 26:9 ). Watchmen were stationed on them, military engines for shooting arrows and stones were mounted on them, and the citizens found refuge in them when sore pressed by the enemy ( Judges 9:51–52 ). Within their massive walls, the inmates were secure; their height allowed openings for light and air, out of reach of the adversary; and from their top, missiles could be advantageously discharged at the foe.