Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, "bulwarks" refer to defensive structures or fortifications that provide protection and security. The term is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe God's protection over His people or the strength and security found in His presence.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of bulwarks is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of ancient cities and their defenses. In
Psalm 48:13 , the psalmist encourages the people to "consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation." Here, the bulwarks of Jerusalem are highlighted as a testament to God's enduring protection and the city's strength.
In
Isaiah 26:1 , the prophet declares, "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 verse uses the imagery of bulwarks to symbolize the salvation and security that God provides to His people, emphasizing His role as a divine protector.
Symbolism and MetaphorBulwarks in the Bible often symbolize God's protection and the spiritual fortifications that believers have through faith. In
Psalm 18:2 , David proclaims, "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 imagery of a fortress and stronghold conveys the idea of God as an unassailable bulwark for those who trust in Him.
Similarly, in
Proverbs 18:10 , it is written, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." This verse underscores the protective power of God's name, likening it to a fortified structure that offers safety and refuge.
New Testament ContextWhile the specific term "bulwarks" is not commonly used in the New Testament, the concept of spiritual fortification and divine protection continues.
Ephesians 6:11 instructs believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage emphasizes the spiritual defenses available to Christians, akin to the protective bulwarks of a fortified city.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, bulwarks represent the security and stability found in a relationship with God. They remind believers of the divine protection that surrounds them, both in times of peace and in the face of adversity. The imagery of bulwarks serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering strength and His commitment to safeguarding His people.
In summary, bulwarks in the Bible are more than mere physical structures; they are emblematic of the spiritual security and divine protection that God provides to those who trust in Him. Through faith, believers are assured of a refuge that is as steadfast and unyielding as the strongest of fortifications.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Mural towers, bastions, were introduced by king Uzziah (
2 Chronicles 26:15;
Zephaniah 1:16;
Psalm 48:13;
Isaiah 26:1). There are five Hebrew words so rendered in the Authorized Version, but the same word is also variously rendered.
Strong's Hebrew
1354. gab -- a back... an unused root meaning to hollow or curve; the back (as rounded (compare gev and
guwph); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye,
bulwarks, etc
...Library
Thy Neck is Like the Tower of David, Builded withBulwarks; a...
... CHAPTER IV. 4. Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded withbulwarks;
a thousand shields hang upon it, all the armor of mighty men....
If She be a Wall, we Will Build Upon itBulwarks of Silver; if She...
... CHAPTER VIII. 9. If she be a wall, we will build upon itbulwarks of silver;
if she be a door we will frame it with boards of cedar....
Our Strong City
... OUR STRONG CITY. 'In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have
a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls andbulwarks....
The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace
... but she has much to learn, and one day she shall learn this psalm also:""We have
a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls andbulwarks." Into the...
To Olympias. Having Risen from the Very Gates of Death I Address...
... kind of storm"the power of a philosophic soul"which is stronger than ten thousand
armies, more powerful than arms, and more secure than towers andbulwarks...
Our Stronghold
... will. He who owned a strong tower felt, however potent might be his adversary,
his walls andbulwarks would be his sure salvation....
The Broad Wall
... election of grace, the redeemed by blood, the peculiar people, the adopted, the
justified, the sanctified"around the church there arebulwarks of stupendous...
By Far the Ablest of These Seven Essays is from the Pen of the "...
... Mr. Pattison says contemptuously,""The current phrases of thebulwarks of our faith,'
dangerous to Christianity,' are but instances of the habitual position...
The Gospel Refuge.
... the King. Surely I shall be safer far within its lofty walls andbulwarks
than in one of these little cities of the Levites. Is...
Song of Songs of Solomon
... within. 4. Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded withbulwarks; a thousand
shields hang upon it, all the armor of mighty men. 5...
Thesaurus
Bulwarks (22 Occurrences)...Bulwarks (22 Occurrences).
... 2 Chronicles 11:10 and Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron,
that 'are' in Judah and in Benjamin, cities of
bulwarks. (YLT).
...Bulwark (29 Occurrences)
... 20:20 Only the trees of which you know that they are not trees for food, you shall
destroy and cut them down; and you shall buildbulwarks against the city...
Mire (21 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs
of ashes, yourbulwarks arebulwarks of mire. (DBY)....
Siegeworks (8 Occurrences)
... 20:20 Only the trees of which you know that they are not trees for food, you shall
destroy and cut them down; and you shall buildbulwarks against the city...
Window (24 Occurrences)
... The word thus rendered in Isaiah 54:12 ought rather to be rendered "battlements"
(LXX., "bulwarks;" RV, "pinnacles"), or as Gesenius renders it, "notched...
Waist (36 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence, the middle part of other bodies; especially (Naut.), that part of
a vessel's deck,bulwarks, etc., which is between the quarter-deck and the...
Foundation (82 Occurrences)
... In Jeremiah 50:15, the Revised Version (British and American) reads "bulwarks" for
"foundations"; conversely in Psalm 89:14; Psalm 97:2, for the King James...
Traverse (5 Occurrences)
... war -- (YLT). Psalms 48:13 Mark ye well herbulwarks; Consider her palaces:
That ye may tell it to the generation following. (See JPS)....
Rail (8 Occurrences)
... place by chairs, splices, etc. 6. (n.) The stout, narrow plank that forms
the top of thebulwarks. 7. (n.) The light, fencelike...
Ramparts (7 Occurrences)
... Ramparts (7 Occurrences). Psalms 48:13 Mark ye well herbulwarks; Consider her palaces:
That ye may tell it to the generation following. (See JPS NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
What is a bulwark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBulwarks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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