Topical Bible: Fortresses: Protection Afforded to Ministers

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In the biblical context, fortresses often symbolize divine protection and strength, serving as a metaphor for God's safeguarding of His people, particularly those who are called to minister in His name. Throughout Scripture, the imagery of a fortress is used to convey the security and refuge that God provides to His servants amidst trials and adversities.

Biblical Imagery and Symbolism

The concept of a fortress is frequently employed in the Psalms, where it represents God's unwavering protection. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, the psalmist David acknowledges God as his fortress, emphasizing the divine protection afforded to those who serve Him.

Similarly, Psalm 91:2 states, "I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" This verse underscores the trust and reliance that ministers and believers are encouraged to place in God, recognizing Him as their ultimate protector.

Protection in Ministry

The role of a minister often involves spiritual battles and challenges that require divine intervention and protection. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently alludes to the spiritual warfare faced by those who preach the Gospel. In Ephesians 6:10-11 , Paul exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage highlights the necessity of divine protection and strength for ministers as they carry out their mission.

Moreover, the Old Testament provides numerous examples of God acting as a fortress for His prophets and leaders. In 2 Samuel 22:3 , David sings, "My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior—You save me from violence." This acknowledgment of God's protective role is a recurring theme in the lives of those called to lead and minister.

Divine Assurance and Encouragement

The assurance of God's protection is a source of encouragement for ministers who face opposition and persecution. In Isaiah 41:10 , God promises, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This divine promise serves as a reminder that God is a steadfast fortress, providing strength and support to His servants.

The New Testament also offers reassurance of God's protective presence. In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 , Paul writes, "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." This verse affirms the faithfulness of God in safeguarding His ministers from spiritual harm.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of God as a fortress underscores the profound protection and refuge He offers to those who minister in His name. Through the imagery of a fortress, Scripture conveys the strength, security, and unwavering support that God provides, enabling His servants to fulfill their calling with confidence and trust in His divine protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 6:27
I have set you for a tower and a fortress among my people, that you may know and try their way.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... state of its ports, the position of the islands and the fortresses; and they ... suspended
from rods between the first row of columns, afforded protection from the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... in Plionicia in the third year, which afforded an opportunity ... he razed to the ground
the fortresses and ramparts which might afford protection to his ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... Ruined cities, fortresses overthrown, lands laid waste, the ... armies and taken for
their ministers and generals ... the situation of Rome offered it no protection. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... them from justice, and compelled the innocent victims also to purchase their protection. ...
and its security was ensured by a number of fortresses and isolated ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... by her recent struggle, Assyria lay at his mercy, her fortresses alone being ... Jahveh
possessed altars, He kept guard over His people, but His protection was not ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... as expressed by the mouth of her ministers, would hasten ... certain Sanduarri, who
possessed the two fortresses of Kundu ... Assyria or to claim the protection of its ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... so willed it, have bestowed His protection on any ... losses during the breathing-space
afforded by the ... a demonstration in force before the Babylonian fortresses. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... or to her fortunate choice of ministers, we are ... This work, however, afforded her
sufficient excuse, according to ... built upon piles, as a protection from the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... to Hrihor by one of the ministers of the ... had constituted, and which extended its
protection over a ... towns one after another, razed their fortresses, smote the ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm