Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, citadels were fortified structures or strongholds that served as centers of defense and protection within a city. These fortifications were often strategically located to provide a vantage point over the surrounding area, offering both security and a place of refuge during times of conflict or siege. The concept of a citadel is deeply intertwined with the themes of strength, protection, and divine refuge found throughout Scripture.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently mentions citadels in the context of military and defensive strategies. One notable example is the citadel of Zion, also known as the City of David, which King David captured from the Jebusites and established as his capital (
2 Samuel 5:7). This citadel became a symbol of God's chosen city, Jerusalem, and played a significant role in Israel's history.
In the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and citadels is a central theme.
Nehemiah 2:8 records Nehemiah's request to the king for timber to "make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the house I will occupy." This highlights the importance of citadels in the restoration and protection of the city.
The citadel of Susa is another significant mention, particularly in the book of Esther.
Esther 1:2 describes King Xerxes' reign from his royal throne in the citadel of Susa, setting the stage for the events that would lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot.
Symbolic SignificanceBeyond their physical presence, citadels in the Bible often carry symbolic meaning. They represent God's protection and strength, serving as metaphors for His unwavering support and refuge for His people.
Psalm 46:7 declares, "The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Here, the imagery of a fortress or citadel underscores the divine protection offered to believers.
Proverbs 18:10 further illustrates this symbolism: "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." This verse emphasizes the spiritual security found in God's name, likening it to a citadel where the faithful can find safety and peace.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not explicitly mention citadels, the concept of spiritual fortification and protection continues. Believers are encouraged to put on the "full armor of God" (
Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against spiritual adversaries, reflecting the idea of being fortified in faith.
The imagery of a citadel can also be seen in the teachings of Jesus, who speaks of building one's life on a solid foundation. In
Matthew 7:24-25 , Jesus compares those who hear and act on His words to a wise man who built his house on the rock, a metaphor for spiritual resilience akin to a well-fortified citadel.
ConclusionIn summary, citadels in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of protection, strength, and divine refuge. They are integral to the historical and spiritual narratives of Scripture, illustrating both the physical and metaphorical fortifications that God provides for His people.
Strong's Hebrew
759. armon -- a citadel... 758, 759. armon. 760 . a citadel. Transliteration: armon Phonetic Spelling:
(ar-mone') Short Definition:
citadels. Word Origin of
...1037. Beth Millo -- "house of earthwork," a place near Shechem...
... house of Millo. Or Beyth Mil-loh {bayth mil-lo'}; from bayith and millow'; house
of (the) rampart; Beth-Millo, the name of twocitadels -- house of Millo....
Library
Archelaus Goes to Rome with a Great Number of his Kindred. He is...
... At this time, indeed, Sabinus, to gratify Varus, neither went to thecitadels, nor
did he shut up the treasuries where his father's money was laid up, but...
The Advance of Xerxes into Greece.
... picturesque. They were also, in the days of Xerxes, densely populated,
and adorned profusely with temples,citadels, and towns....
The Schoolboy of Madaura
... Pauses were made at inns with walls thick as the ramparts ofcitadels, their interiors
bordered by stables built in arcades, heaped up with travellers' packs...
Translated by the Rev. ...
... The outcry is that the State is filled with Christians"that they are in the fields,
in thecitadels, in the islands: they make lamentation, as for some...
The Jews Fight a Great Battle with Sabinus's Soldiers, and a Great...
... But Sabinus came, after he was gone, and gave them an occasion of making innovations;
for he compelled the keepers of thecitadels to deliver them up to him...
That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the...
... 1. And now Vespasian had fortified all the places round about Jerusalem, and erected
citadels at Jericho and Adida, and placed garrisons in them both, partly...
How Izates was Betrayed by his Own Subjects, and Fought against by...
... he esteemed him to be his principal assistant, he intrusted his children and his
wives to a very strong fortress, and laid up his corn in hiscitadels, and set...
A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of...
... thereby so oppressing the Jews, and giving them so great disturbance, that at length
they rebelled; for he used force in seizing thecitadels, and zealously...
Song of an Angel
... And shed on me a smile of beams, that told. Of a bright World beyond the
thunder-piles,. With bless??d fields, and hills, and happy isles,. Andcitadels of...
An Exhortation to the Romans to Renounce Paganism.
... Juno, from whom you deduce your origin according to the flesh, did not so bitterly
grudge Rome'scitadels to the Trojans, as these devils whom yet ye repute...
Thesaurus
Citadels (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Citadels (15 Occurrences). Psalms 48:3 God has
shown himself in her
citadels as a refuge. (WEB RSV NIV).
...Citadel (20 Occurrences)
Cithern
Defense (49 Occurrences)
... Psalms 35:23 Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me! (See
NIV). Psalms 48:3 God has shown himself in hercitadels as a refuge. (See RSV)...
Refuge (111 Occurrences)
... The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV). Psalms 48:3 God has
shown himself in hercitadels as a refuge. (WEB KJV ASV WBS)....
Shown (131 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS RSV). Psalms 48:3 God has shown himself in hercitadels as a refuge. (WEB
RSV NIV). Psalms 60:3 You have shown your people hard things....
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