Topical Bible: Jerusalem: Castle

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "castle" in the context of Jerusalem often refers to fortified structures or strongholds that played significant roles in the city's defense and administration throughout biblical history. The concept of a castle in ancient Jerusalem is closely associated with the fortifications and military installations that were integral to the city's protection and governance.

Historical Context

Jerusalem, a city of profound historical and religious significance, has been a focal point of military and political activity throughout biblical times. The city's strategic location made it a coveted prize for various empires and kingdoms. As a result, fortifications, including castles or strongholds, were essential for its defense.

Biblical References

While the term "castle" itself is not frequently used in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is present through descriptions of fortifications and strongholds. One notable reference is found in the account of King David's conquest of Jerusalem. After capturing the city from the Jebusites, David established his stronghold there, which became known as the "City of David." This stronghold served as both a military fortress and a royal residence. In 2 Samuel 5:7, it is recorded, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)."

Another significant reference is the "Tower of David," mentioned in the Song of Solomon 4:4: "Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone, on which hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors." This metaphorical description highlights the strength and grandeur associated with the fortifications attributed to David's era.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have uncovered remnants of ancient fortifications that align with biblical descriptions. The City of David, located on the southeastern hill of Jerusalem, has revealed structures that date back to the time of David and Solomon. These findings provide tangible evidence of the city's fortified nature during the united monarchy of Israel.

Symbolic Significance

In addition to their practical military function, the castles and fortifications of Jerusalem hold symbolic significance in biblical literature. They represent divine protection and the strength of God's chosen city. Psalms often reflect this theme, as seen in Psalm 48:12-13: "Walk around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation."

Later Developments

Throughout subsequent periods, Jerusalem's fortifications continued to evolve. During the Hasmonean and Herodian periods, significant enhancements were made to the city's defenses, including the construction of additional towers and walls. These developments underscore the ongoing importance of fortified structures in maintaining Jerusalem's security and sovereignty.

Conclusion

The concept of a "castle" in Jerusalem, while not explicitly named as such in the Berean Standard Bible, is embodied in the city's historical and biblical fortifications. These structures served as vital components of Jerusalem's defense and administration, reflecting both the city's temporal power and its spiritual significance as a symbol of divine protection.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 21:34
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... by the chief captain in command of the garrison in the castle of Antonia ... his sister
Bernice, and probably by "the principal men" of both Caesarea and Jerusalem. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

The Friendship that was Between Onias and Ptolemy Philometor; and ...
... Now I found a very fit place in a castle that hath its name from the ... to build there
a temple to Almighty God, after the pattern of that in Jerusalem, and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 the friendship that.htm

From Antioch to the Destruction of Jerusalem.
... that he might not offend the many thousands of Jews that were in Jerusalem at the ...
When they would no longer hear him he was removed to the castle and ordered ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xx from antioch to.htm

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... and the porters and the singers and the Levites had been appointed, I placed my
brother Hanani, the commander of the castle, in charge of Jerusalem, for he was ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

Among the Orderlies at the Castle was one David...
... Among the orderlies at the castle was one David, a young Jew, whose face and bearing
had attracted the eye of Vergilius. ... "There is in Jerusalem a council of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 14 among the orderlies.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... In April, ad70, immediately after the Passover, when Jerusalem was filled with
strangers ... At last, in July, the castle of Antonia was surprised and taken by night ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into ...
... the ridge where first begins "the descent of the Mount of Olives" towards Jerusalem. ...
of palaces, till the eye rested in the summit on that castle, city, and ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the first day.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... Glorious as a view of Jerusalem must have seemed to a child coming to it ... At its
north-western angle, and connected with it, frowned the Castle of Antonia, held ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Paul's Narrow Escape from Death
... Paul when it was reported to the commander of the soldiers that all Jerusalem was
in ... truth on account of the uproar, he ordered Paul to be taken to the castle. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/pauls narrow escape from death.htm

Paul in the Temple
... kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was
in ... certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.35 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul in the temple.htm