What can we learn from the city's defense strategy in Judges 9:51? The text “Inside the city, however, there was a strong tower, and all the men and women, including the city’s leaders, fled there and shut themselves in; and they climbed to the top of the tower.” (Judges 9:51) Key elements of the city’s defense strategy • A pre-built strong tower already in place • Immediate, united movement toward the tower • Securing the entrance (“shut themselves in”) • Taking the high ground (“climbed to the top”) Spiritual parallels • Prepared refuge – Just as the tower stood ready, God is “a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). • Urgent flight to safety – The citizens wasted no time. Believers are told, “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14) and “Pursue righteousness” (1 Timothy 6:11). • Shut the door behind you – They removed access to the enemy. We are called to “make no provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14). • Occupy the heights – High ground limits the enemy and grants perspective. “God… seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Practical takeaways for believers today • Build your tower before the attack – Establish regular habits of Scripture reading, prayer, and fellowship; they become your ready refuge (Colossians 3:16). • Move together, not alone – The entire city—leaders and citizens—acted in unity. “Two are better than one… a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). • Close off points of entry – Guard eyes, ears, and mind against influences that invite spiritual defeat (Proverbs 4:23). • Stay above the fray – Keep an eternal perspective; set your mind “on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). • Depend on God’s proven fortification – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). Summing up The tower in Judges 9:51 was tangible stone; our tower is the living God. Like those citizens, we prepare beforehand, move without delay, seal off compromise, and stand on higher ground—confident that the Lord Himself is our unshakable defense. |