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 References

The 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 Metaphor

Bulwarks 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 Context

While 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 Implications

From 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.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. 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 ...
/hebrew/1354.htm - 6k

Thy Neck is Like the Tower of David, Builded with Bulwarks; a ...
... CHAPTER IV. 4. Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded with bulwarks;
a thousand shields hang upon it, all the armor of mighty men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/4 thy neck is like.htm

If She be a Wall, we Will Build Upon it Bulwarks of Silver; if She ...
... CHAPTER VIII. 9. If she be a wall, we will build upon it bulwarks of silver;
if she be a door we will frame it with boards of cedar. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/9 if she be a.htm

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 and bulwarks. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/our strong city.htm

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 and bulwarks." Into the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/the song of a city.htm

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 and bulwarks ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias having risen from.htm

Our Stronghold
... will. He who owned a strong tower felt, however potent might be his adversary,
his walls and bulwarks would be his sure salvation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

The Broad Wall
... election of grace, the redeemed by blood, the peculiar people, the adopted, the
justified, the sanctified"around the church there are bulwarks of stupendous ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the broad wall.htm

By Far the Ablest of These Seven Essays is from the Pen of the " ...
... Mr. Pattison says contemptuously,""The current phrases of the bulwarks of our faith,'
dangerous to Christianity,' are but instances of the habitual position ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vi by far the ablest.htm

The Gospel Refuge.
... the King. Surely I shall be safer far within its lofty walls and bulwarks
than in one of these little cities of the Levites. Is ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/iii the gospel refuge.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... within. 4. Thy neck is like the tower of David, builded with bulwarks; a thousand
shields hang upon it, all the armor of mighty men. 5 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

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). ...
/b/bulwarks.htm - 13k

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 build bulwarks against the city ...
/b/bulwark.htm - 15k

Mire (21 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs
of ashes, your bulwarks are bulwarks of mire. (DBY). ...
/m/mire.htm - 13k

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 build bulwarks against the city ...
/s/siegeworks.htm - 8k

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 ...
/w/window.htm - 16k

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 ...
/w/waist.htm - 17k

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 ...
/f/foundation.htm - 36k

Traverse (5 Occurrences)
... war -- (YLT). Psalms 48:13 Mark ye well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces:
That ye may tell it to the generation following. (See JPS). ...
/t/traverse.htm - 10k

Rail (8 Occurrences)
... place by chairs, splices, etc. 6. (n.) The stout, narrow plank that forms
the top of the bulwarks. 7. (n.) The light, fencelike ...
/r/rail.htm - 11k

Ramparts (7 Occurrences)
... Ramparts (7 Occurrences). Psalms 48:13 Mark ye well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces:
That ye may tell it to the generation following. (See JPS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/ramparts.htm - 8k

What is a bulwark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bulwarks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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