Meaning
Fenced cities There were in Palestine (1) cities, (2) unwalled villages, and (3) villages with castles or towers (1Chr 27:25). Cities, so called, had walls, and were thus fenced. The fortifications consisted of one or two walls, on which were towers or parapets at regular intervals (2Chr 32:5; Jer 31:38). Around ancient Jerusalem were three walls, on one of which were ninety towers, on the second fourteen, and on the third sixty. The tower of Hananeel, near the north-east corner of the city wall, is frequently referred to (Neh 3:1; 12:39; Zech 14:10). The gateways of such cities were also fortified (Neh 2:8; 3:3, 6; Judg 16:2, 3; 1Sam 23:7).
The Hebrews found many fenced cities when they entered the Promised Land (Num 13:28; 32:17, 34-42; Josh 11:12, 13; Judg 1:27-33), and we may estimate the strength of some of these cities from the fact that they were long held in possession by the Canaanites. The Jebusites, e.g., were enabled to hold possession of Jerusalem till the time of David (2Sam 5:6, 7; 1Chr 11:5).
Several of the kings of Israel and Judah distinguished themselves as fortifiers or "builders" of cities.
