Cities were surrounded by walls, as distinguished from "unwalled villages" (Eze 38:11; Le 25:29-34). They were made thick and strong (Nu 13:28; De 3:5). Among the Jews walls were built of stone, some of those in the temple being of great size (1Ki 6:7; 7:9-12; 20:30; Mr 13:1-2). The term is used metaphorically of security and safety (Isa 26:1; 60:18; Re 21:12-20). (See Fence.)
having a great and high wall; having also twelve gates, and over the gates twelve angels, and names written upon them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel: on the east, three gates; on the north, three gates; and on the south, three gates; and on the west, three gates. read more. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations; and on them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb. And he that spoke with me, had a golden reed, that he might measure the city, and its gates and wall. And the city is square, and its length is equal to its breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs: and its length and its breadth, and its height are equal. And he measured its wall, one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. And the wall was built of jasper, and the city was pure gold, like refined glass. And the foundations of the walls of the city, were adorned with every precious stone. The first foundation is jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.