Castle: A Tower
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Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of a "castle" often referred to fortified structures or strongholds, which were essential for protection and defense. The term "tower" is frequently used in the Bible to describe these structures, symbolizing strength, refuge, and the presence of God as a protector.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 18:10 : "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." This verse highlights the metaphorical use of a tower as a symbol of divine protection. The "strong tower" represents the security and safety found in God's name, emphasizing the spiritual refuge available to the faithful.

2. Psalm 61:3 : "For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy." Here, the psalmist acknowledges God as a protective tower, providing shelter and defense against adversaries. This imagery reinforces the idea of God as a fortress, offering safety and strength to those who seek Him.

3. 2 Samuel 22:3 : "My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior—You save me from violence." Although the term "tower" is not explicitly used, the description of God as a "stronghold" conveys a similar concept of a fortified place of safety and defense.

4. Judges 9:51 : "But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women and leaders of the city fled to it. They locked themselves in and went up to the roof of the tower." This historical account illustrates the practical use of towers as places of refuge during times of siege or attack, underscoring their strategic importance in ancient cities.

Symbolism and Significance:

In the biblical context, towers and castles serve as powerful symbols of God's protection and strength. They are often depicted as places of refuge where the faithful can find safety from physical and spiritual threats. The imagery of a tower conveys the idea of elevation and perspective, suggesting a vantage point from which one can see danger approaching and prepare accordingly.

The use of towers in biblical narratives also reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty and His role as a defender of His people. Just as a physical tower provides a strategic advantage in warfare, God's presence offers spiritual security and guidance.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, towers were integral to city defenses. They were typically part of city walls and served as lookout points and defensive structures. The construction of towers required significant resources and labor, indicating their importance in maintaining the security of a community.

The biblical portrayal of God as a "strong tower" draws on this cultural understanding, using familiar imagery to communicate spiritual truths. The metaphor resonates with the experiences of ancient peoples who relied on such structures for protection, making the message of divine refuge accessible and relatable.

Overall, the concept of a "castle" or "tower" in the Bible encapsulates themes of protection, strength, and divine refuge, offering believers a powerful image of God's unwavering support and defense in times of trouble.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 25:16
These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.
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Numbers 31:10
And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelled, and all their goodly castles, with fire.
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1 Chronicles 11:5,7
And the inhabitants of Jebus said to David, You shall not come here. Nevertheless David took the castle of Zion, which is the city of David.
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2 Chronicles 17:12
And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.
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2 Chronicles 27:4
Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.
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Acts 21:34,37
And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
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Acts 23:10,16,32
And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
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Greek
4444. purgos -- a tower
... tower. Apparently a primary word ("burgh"); a tower or castle -- tower. (purgon) --
3 Occurrences. (purgos) -- 1 Occurrence. 4443, 4444. purgos. 4445 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4444.htm - 6k

3925. parembole -- to put in beside or between, interpose
... compound of para and emballo; a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), ie (specially),
battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower Antonia) -- army, camp, castle. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3925.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew
4026. migdal -- a tower
... Word Origin from gadal Definition a tower NASB Word Usage banks (1), podium (1),
Tower (8), tower (23), towers (14), watchtower (2). castle, flower, tower. ...
/hebrew/4026.htm - 6k
Library

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... by hungry ravens; which being done, the Georgian maiden exhibited to him the wonders
of the castle. First she conducted him to a brazen tower where were a ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

Women of the Frankish Church
... long while kept in Austrasia the name of Brunehaufs Causeways; there used to be
shown, in a forest near Bourges, Brunehaufs castle, Brunehaufs tower at Etampes ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/viii women of the frankish.htm

The Downfall, 1616-1621.
... He imprisoned them in the castle tower, had them tried and condemned, obtained the
approval of Ferdinand, and then, while some were pardoned, informed the ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xiv the downfall 1616-1621.htm

The Buildings of More Eminent Note in Sion.
... learn from Josephus, that the Upper City was the same with the Castle of David ... He
saith plainly, that the towers built by Herod,"the Psephin tower, the Hippic ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 23 the buildings of.htm

Saint George Kills the Enchanter Osmond.
... "He has built," she said, "a mighty tower on the borders of ... He has left the guarding
of the castle to a terrible giant, the ugliest monster eyes ever beheld. ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter thirteen saint george kills.htm

The Life of the Honourable Archibald Campbel Marquis of Argyle.
... For my part I am as content to be here as in the castle, and as content in the castle
as in the tower of London, and as content there as when at liberty, and I ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of the honourable.htm

The Martyr-Bishop, 1548-1560.
... For this purpose Augusta was now imprisoned in the White Tower at Prague. He was
placed in the wine vaults below the castle, had heavy fetters on his hands and ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter x the martyr-bishop 1548-1560.htm

Hugh the Builder
... King Richard in person could plan and superintend the building of his great Castle
Saucy, the ... At the east end of the nave was a tower, and to the north and ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

Two Fortresses
... The name of the Lord is a strong tower.'. ... Like some poor lunatic, out upon a moor,
that fancies himself ensconced in a castle; like some barbarous tribes behind ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/two fortresses.htm

Our Stronghold
... Warder upon the castle-top, shout to thy companion yonder and let every tower and
every turret of the grand old battlements be vocal with the praise of him who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm

Resources
How was the gospel preserved during the Middle Ages? | GotQuestions.org

Who was the King James that the King James Version of the Bible is named after? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Luther Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Castle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Castle

Castle for the Doctrine, "The House is My Castle"

Castle: A Tower

Castle: Bars of

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Kir (11 Occurrences)

Keep (4573 Occurrences)

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Salcah (4 Occurrences)

Salecah (4 Occurrences)

Citadel (20 Occurrences)

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Fortification (5 Occurrences)

Fort (8 Occurrences)

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Trial (45 Occurrences)

Commander (111 Occurrences)

Fortress (75 Occurrences)

Cities (427 Occurrences)

Castles (10 Occurrences)

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Fortified (79 Occurrences)

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Cried (255 Occurrences)

Captain (167 Occurrences)

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Royal (154 Occurrences)

Casting (54 Occurrences)

Quaternion

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Guarding (16 Occurrences)

God-fearing (24 Occurrences)

Fastness (1 Occurrence)

Tumult (56 Occurrences)

Tahpanhes (7 Occurrences)

Residence (7 Occurrences)

Remali'ah (13 Occurrences)

Requests (29 Occurrences)

Rehob (12 Occurrences)

Remaliah (13 Occurrences)

Enjoys (5 Occurrences)

Equipped (17 Occurrences)

Dissension (18 Occurrences)

Decay (18 Occurrences)

Dungeon (15 Occurrences)

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Bade (27 Occurrences)

Bail (1 Occurrence)

Barred (5 Occurrences)

Bidding (13 Occurrences)

Bury (78 Occurrences)

Certainty (23 Occurrences)

Canst (62 Occurrences)

Castle for the Doctrine,
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