Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "bulwark" refers to a defensive wall or fortification that provides protection and security. It is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe God's protection and strength for His people. The concept of a bulwark is deeply rooted in the imagery of ancient warfare, where cities and strongholds were surrounded by walls to defend against enemy attacks.
Biblical References:1.
Psalm 48:13 : "Consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation." In this verse, the psalmist speaks of the city of Zion, encouraging the people to observe its defenses, including its bulwarks, as a testament to God's enduring protection and faithfulness.
2.
Psalm 91:4 : "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Here, the imagery of a bulwark is used to describe God's faithfulness as a protective barrier, offering safety and refuge to those who trust in Him.
3.
Isaiah 26:1 : "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts.'" This prophetic declaration speaks of God's salvation as a bulwark, emphasizing the security and strength that come from His deliverance.
Theological Significance:The use of "bulwark" in Scripture underscores the theme of divine protection. It conveys the idea that God Himself is a fortress for His people, safeguarding them from spiritual and physical threats. This imagery reassures believers of God's omnipotence and His role as a defender against the forces of evil.
In the context of spiritual warfare, the bulwark represents the believer's reliance on God's power and promises. Just as ancient cities depended on their walls for defense, Christians are called to depend on God's Word and His presence as their ultimate protection.
Historical Context:In ancient times, bulwarks were essential for the defense of cities. They were often constructed of stone or earth and served as the first line of defense against invaders. The strength and height of a city's bulwarks were a measure of its security and stability. This historical understanding enriches the biblical metaphor, illustrating the comprehensive protection God provides.
Practical Application:For believers today, the concept of God as a bulwark encourages trust and confidence in His protection. It serves as a reminder to seek refuge in Him during times of trouble and to rely on His strength rather than human means. The assurance of God's protective presence offers peace and stability amidst life's uncertainties.
In summary, the biblical use of "bulwark" powerfully conveys God's role as a protector and defender, providing a vivid picture of His unwavering faithfulness and strength.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A rampart; an earthen wall for fortification and protection; a bastion or outwork.
2. (n.) That which secures against an enemy, or defends from attack; any means of defense or protection.
3. (n.) The sides of a ship above the upper deck.
4. (v. t.) To fortify with, or as with, a rampart or wall; to secure by fortification; to protect.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BULWARKbool'-wark: The word represents several Hebrew terms (chel,Isaiah 26:1; chelah,Psalm 48:13; matsodh,Ecclesiastes 9:14; matsor,Deuteronomy 20:20). In2 Chronicles 26:15 the word is translated in the Revised Version (British and American) "battlements."
SeeFORTIFICATION.
Greek
5313. hupsoma -- height, that which is lifted up... lifted up. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hupsoma Phonetic Spelling:
(hoop'-so-mah) Short Definition: height, barrier,
bulwark Definition: height
...Strong's Hebrew
2430. cheylah --bulwark...bulwark. Transliteration: cheylah Phonetic Spelling: (khay-law') Short Definition:
bulwark.
bulwark Feminine of chayil; an intrenchment --
bulwark.
...1785. dayeq --bulwark, siege wall
... 1784b, 1785. dayeq. 1786 .bulwark, siege wall. Transliteration: dayeq
Phonetic Spelling: (daw-yake') Short Definition: wall. Word...
2430a. chelah --bulwark
... 2430, 2430a. chelah. 2430b .bulwark. Transliteration: chelah Short Definition:
bulwark. Word Origin the same as chel, qv. 2430, 2430a. chelah. 2430b...
4685. matsowd -- siegeworks
... 4684, 4685. matsowd. 4685a . siegeworks. Transliteration: matsowd Phonetic
Spelling: (maw-tsode') Short Definition:bulwark.bulwark, hold, net, snare...
2426. chel -- rampart, fortress
... rampart (3), ramparts (2), walls (1). army,bulwark, host, poor, rampart,
trench, wall. Or (shortened) chel {khale}; a collateral...
6438. pinnah -- a corner
...bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower. Feminine of pen; an angle; by implication,
a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain --bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower....
4692. matsor -- siege enclosure, siege, entrenchment
... 1), siege (17), siegeworks (1). besieged,bulwark, defense, fenced, fortress,
siege, strong hold, tower. Or matsuwr {maw-tsoor'}; from...
5507. socherah -- a buckler
... 5506, 5507. socherah. 5508 . a buckler. Transliteration: socherah Phonetic
Spelling: (so-khay-raw') Short Definition:bulwark. Word...
6110. atsumah -- perhaps defense
... strong. Feminine of atsuwm; abulwark, ie (figuratively) argument -- strong. see
HEBREW atsuwm. 6109, 6110. atsumah. 6111 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace
... Outside the wall, on the other side of the moat, lies what is called thebulwark;
the earthwork where, in times of peace, the citizens delight to take their...
How Herod Made War with the King of Arabia, and after they had...
... against them with the greatest part of the forces he had; and when he was come near
to Cana, he resolved to encamp himself; and he cast up abulwark, that he...
Our Strong City
... This is what the prophet tells us is the wall andbulwark of his ideal-real city.
Mark the eloquent omission of the name of the builder of the wall....
The Martyrdom of James, who was Called the Brother of the Lord.
... 7. Because of his exceeding great justice he was called the Just, and Oblias, [494]
which signifies in Greek,Bulwark of the people' and Justice,' [495] in...
Storming the Battlements
... would be dangerous. Hence most churches are shielding themselves behind
an ignominiousbulwark of extreme caution. You never hear...
Revelation of Esdras.
... I wish to have thee like Paul and John, as thou hast given me uncorrupted the treasure
that cannot be stolen, the treasure of virginity, thebulwark [2493] of...
Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
... without, will not the trials from above and the temptations from beneath all seem
but light afflictions when we can hide ourselves behind thebulwark of "He...
Seventh Commandment
... It speaks plainly, without compromise. MARRIAGE AND THE HOME. This commandment
is God'sbulwark around marriage and the home. Marriage...
Nor have I Undertaken that in the Present Discourse...
... This it is in them that must from the very first be assaulted, this which is, as
it were, their fittingbulwark must with blows of Truth be battered and cast...
The Relation of Home to the Church.
... Nothing can throw over our homes a higher sanctity, or invest them with greater
beauty, or be to them a greaterbulwark of strength, than the church....
Thesaurus
Bulwark (29 Occurrences)... protect. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BULWARK. bool'-wark
... FORTIFICATION.
Multi-Version Concordance
Bulwark (29 Occurrences). 1 Timothy
...Rampart (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A broad embankment of earth around a place
as a defensive fortification; abulwark. It forms the...
Floods (37 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged, and drunk strange waters, And
I dry up with the sole of my steps All floods of abulwark. (YLT)....
Bulrushes (3 Occurrences)
Bulwarks (22 Occurrences)
Steps (113 Occurrences)
... (BBE NAS RSV NIV). 2 Kings 19:24 I have digged, and drunk strange waters, And I
dry up with the sole of my steps All floods of abulwark. (YLT)....
No-ammon (1 Occurrence)
... Nahum 3:8 Art thou better than No-Ammon, That is dwelling among brooks? Waters she
hath round about her, Whosebulwark 'is' the sea, waters her wall. (YLT)....
Warring (13 Occurrences)
... 7 And as a dream, a vision of night, hath been The multitude of all the nations
Who are warring against Ariel, And all its warriors, and itsbulwark, Even of...
Fruit-tree (4 Occurrences)
... 20:20 Only, the tree, which thou knowest that it 'is' not a fruit-tree, it thou
dost destroy, and hast cut down, and hast built abulwark against the city...
Fence (12 Occurrences)
... mibhtsar, "fenced city," is a fortified place (Numbers 32:17, 36 Joshua 10:20; Joshua
19:35, etc.); matsor, "fenced cities," means "bulwark," "citadel" (2...
Resources
What is a bulwark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho is Bill Gothard and what is the Institute in Basic Life Principles? | GotQuestions.orgMiscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.orgBulwark: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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