Topical Bible: Fortresses: Often: Entered by the Enemy

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In biblical times, fortresses were strongholds or fortified places designed to provide protection against enemy attacks. These structures were often strategically located on high ground or surrounded by walls to enhance their defensive capabilities. Despite their intended purpose, the Bible records numerous instances where fortresses were breached or entered by enemies, serving as a reminder of the limitations of human defenses and the sovereignty of God.

Biblical Examples:

1. Jericho: One of the most famous examples of a fortress entered by the enemy is the city of Jericho. The Israelites, led by Joshua, captured Jericho through divine intervention rather than military might. The walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, as instructed by God. This event is recorded in Joshua 6:20: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

2. Ai: Following the victory at Jericho, the Israelites initially suffered a defeat at Ai due to sin in the camp. However, after addressing the sin, they successfully captured the city. Joshua 8:19 describes the ambush and capture: "As soon as he had stretched out his hand, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position, ran, and entered the city and captured it. They quickly set the city on fire."

3. Babylon: The fall of Babylon is another significant example. Despite its formidable walls and defenses, the city was captured by the Medes and Persians. This event fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah, who foretold Babylon's downfall. Isaiah 45:1 states, "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him so that the gates will not be shut."

4. Jerusalem: The city of Jerusalem, with its strong fortifications, was besieged and captured multiple times throughout biblical history. One notable instance is the Babylonian conquest under King Nebuchadnezzar, which led to the destruction of the city and the temple. 2 Kings 25:10 records, "And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem."

Theological Insights:

The repeated instances of fortresses being entered by enemies in the Bible highlight the futility of relying solely on human strength and defenses. These narratives emphasize the need for trust in God, who is described as the ultimate fortress and refuge for His people. Psalm 18:2 declares, "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."

Furthermore, these accounts serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to fulfill His purposes, regardless of human fortifications. The fall of seemingly impregnable cities like Jericho and Babylon illustrates that no earthly power can withstand the will of God.

Practical Application:

For believers, the biblical accounts of fortresses being entered by enemies encourage a reliance on God rather than on material or human defenses. They serve as a call to seek spiritual fortification through faith, prayer, and obedience to God's Word. As Proverbs 18:10 affirms, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 11:7
But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Shout of Faith
... themselves confronted with the walls and fortresses of such a ... These declarations
of faith often seem untrue at first ... a Christian man who had entered upon this ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

Christ Triumphant
... They dismantle their fortresses, and rifle all their stores ... a short rank, for the
people have often been minished ... redeemed, of those who have entered in Paradise ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The bed of the torrent often served as the ... suitable for the construction of fortresses
hardly ever ... lines of fortification before the place could be entered. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of the time, and had often directed their ... made a demonstration in force before the
Babylonian fortresses. ... believe that Tiglath-pileser entered Karduniash as an ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... with forests, furrowed with torrents, their summits often crowned with ... killed
twenty-one of the enemy, carrying off ... He re-entered Thebes with immense booty, by ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... outgrown its social stage and has entered upon a ... in their wisdom or justice, and
often clearly perceives ... Fortresses, arsenals, and ships are built, new weapons ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
... the passions, silently undermines the fortresses of virtue. ... the subject would not
be often introduced, especially ... he was to suffer before he entered into his ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xi the conversion of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... by the erection of towers, walls, and fortresses, adding to ... put to death with cruel
torture, and often those who ... the rage of the soldiery; he entered with his ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... by the erection of towers, walls, and fortresses, adding to ... put to death with cruel
torture, and often those who ... the rage of the soldiery; he entered with his ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... canals and reeds," as it was often named"was ... In BC691 Sennacherib once more entered
it, with ... Kyaxares of Karu-Kassi, attacked the fortresses which defended ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm