Eighteen People Killed by a Tower - Luke 13:4

The beloved physician Luke wrote, “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose you that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish”, and in chapter thirteen and verse four of his book Luke shared how Jesus refers to, “those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell” where we read:

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them,

think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

The verse reads, “Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them,” Luke began with the words, “or those eighteen” or “either the eighteen people”, “upon whom the tower in Siloam fell” which means “upon whom the fortified structure which was near the Pool of Siloam fell down on them. The Pool of Siloam was a fountain of water in Jerusalem, and the tower rose to a considerable height and was built to repel a hostile attack or to enable a watchman to see in every direction”, “and slew them” or “and killed and destroyed the eighteen people”. Luke shared how Jesus continued His response to the people who questioned Him about Pilate adding the “blood of Galilaeans” to their sacrifices by using the example of the “Galilaeans” upon whom this “tower fell” beside the “Pool of Siloam”.

The verse goes on to say, “think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?” Luke continued with the words, “think you” or “do you suppose, judge and determine” “that they were sinners” which means “that the eighteen people upon whom the tower fell were greater debtors, ones who owed, transgressors and morally delinquent toward God” “above all men” or “over each, every, the whole and everyone of the people whether male or female” “that dwell in Jerusalem” which means “who live, abide and inhabit the city of Jerusalem which means set you double peace”? Luke shared how Jesus questioned the people asking Him as to whether they “thought” the ones upon whom the tower fell were somehow “greater sinners” than any other people who lived in the city of Jerusalem.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we see how Jesus again showed how “all” people are “sinners” and in need of a “Savior”. Though some people face horrific circumstances and others seem to live smoothly, all of them “have sin and come short of the glory of God”, (See Romans 3:23), and “there is none righteous, no, not one”. (See Romans 3:10). This is why Jesus came. Jesus died upon the cross for the “sins” of everyone, and those who put their faith and trust in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and inherit everlasting life with His Father God. Those who are wise will not only observe their circumstances, but also see their “spiritual condition” and submit themselves to Jesus who alone can save them from their sins.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “except you repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".