In the ancient world walls were critical components to insure the safety of the occupants of a city. Some cities, such as Jericho, even had double walls with houses built into the walls (Rahab, the harlot's house for example). Walls were guarded by watchmen who alerted the city dwellers to invaders by blowing a trumpet. In fact God declares that watchmen on the walls who fail to warn the city of impending danger will be guilty before Him of the blood of every slain citizen of the city (Ezekiel 33:6). Walls were important for safety.  In order to conquer a city an invading army had to tear down the walls. This was a lengthy and complicated process often involving months of siege and the building of siege mounds and the use of battering rams. Soldiers building the siege mound had to endure arrows raining down on them, boulders being dropped on them, and tubs of boiling oil being poured on them. Tearing down walls is not easy!

There is another usage of walls when it comes to counseling. In counseling we want our clients to feel safe enough with us to tear down the self-protective walls they've erected and tell us the truth. Tearing down the walls takes time and trust but if it doesn't happen counseling cannot proceed. Counseling depends on the client feeling safe, trusting the process, and speaking absolute truth. Without all three counseling is futile and a waste of time and money.

In many ways counselors are watchmen on the wall warning clients of impending danger. Woe to the counselor who does not speak truth and warn his client of destructive behaviors, words, and attitudes. God will hold that counselor guilty for withholding the truth.

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31),

Irv