The construction of the Great Wall of China began in the third century BC. Often called the "eighth wonder of the world," it is approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) long. The Great Wall was built to protect the people against raids by nomadic peoples and invasions by rival states.

In Zechariah 2, we read about another wall of protection. Zechariah had a vision of a man with a measuring line, who was trying to determine the length and width of Jerusalem (vv.1-2). His intention was apparently to begin rebuilding the fortified walls surrounding the city. The man was told that this would not be necessary, because the number of God's people would be so great that Jerusalem's walls would not be able to contain them (v.4). Besides, they would not need walls, for the Lord promised: "I . . . will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst" (v.5).

Physical walls can be scaled or broken through, no matter how high or strong they are. But as God's children, we have the best wall of protection anyone can have—God's personal presence. Nothing can pass through to us without first passing through Him and His will. In Him we are safe and secure.  — Albert Lee