Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5316 fortress

A secure dwelling-place, often a city, protected by walled defences. God is seen as the fortress of his people, their security and divine protector.

Fortresses were places of security

Jeremiah 4:5-6 See also 1 Samuel 23:14; 2 Samuel 5:9 pp 1 Chronicles 11:7-8; 2 Samuel 20:6; Samuel 24:7; 1 Kings 15:17

Examples of fortified cities

Numbers 32:34-36 See also Deuteronomy 3:4-5; Joshua 19:35-38; 2 Samuel 5:6-7 pp 1 Chronicles 11:4-5; 1 Kings 4:13; Kings 12:25

Fortresses were symbolic of self-reliance

Deuteronomy 28:52 See also Proverbs 10:15; Ezekiel 24:21; Daniel 11:38-39

Fortresses cannot withstand the judgment of God

Jeremiah 51:53 See also Isaiah 2:12-18; Isaiah 17:1-3; Isaiah 25:2,12; Jeremiah 48:1; Lamentations 2:2

Judgment on Israel's neighbours:

Amos 1:4,7,10,12,14; Amos 2:2,5 Hosea 10:13-14 punishment for Israel; Nahum 3:12 judgment on Nineveh

God is the secure fortress of his people

Psalm 9:9 See also 2 Samuel 22:2-3 pp Psalm 18:2; Psalm 31:2-3; Psalm 59:9,16-17; Psalm 144:2; Proverbs 14:26; Isaiah 17:10; Isaiah 25:4; Nahum 1:7

See also

5256  city
5315  fortifications
5323  gate
5324  gatekeepers
5490  refuge
5604  walls
5611  watchman
5942  security
7240  Jerusalem, history
7270  Zion, as a place
7338  cities of refuge
8030  trust