What does the Bible say about fortresses?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that fortresses may provide earthly security, but no human stronghold can withstand God’s judgment, while the Lord Himself is the sure refuge of His people. Isaiah 33:16 portrays the righteous as dwelling securely in God-given heights, with their needs faithfully supplied. By contrast, Jeremiah 51:53 and Isaiah 25:12 declare that even Babylon’s lofty defenses would fall before the Lord. Israel’s history records fortified cities and strongholds in times of conflict, including David’s occupation of Zion in 2 Samuel 5:9 and Rehoboam’s defenses in 2 Chronicles 11:11. Yet Judges 6:2 shows that fear can drive people to inadequate hiding places. Believers are therefore called to trust God’s sovereign protection rather than human strength.
Study outline
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- Places strong by nature Numbers 24:21
- Places fortified by art Jeremiah 51:53
- The security of a nation Isaiah 33:16; Daniel 11:10
- Places used as
- Cities Judges 9:31; Nehemiah 4:2
- Strong-holds Judges 6:2; 2 Chronicles 11:11
- Forts 2 Samuel 5:9; Isaiah 25:12
- Strong towers 2 Chronicles 26:9
- Afforded protection in danger Judges 6:2
- Defended against enemies Nahum 2:1
- Often
- Entered by the enemy Daniel 11:7
- Spoiled Hosea 10:14
- Levelled Isaiah 25:12
- Deserted, & c Isaiah 34:13
- Destruction of, threatened Isaiah 17:3
- Illustrative of
- God’s protection Psalms 18:2; Jeremiah 16:19
- Christ, the defence of saints Isaiah 33:16
- Protection afforded to ministers Jeremiah 6:27
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