Topical Bible: Fortresses: Often: Spoiled

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In biblical times, fortresses were significant structures designed for protection and defense against enemies. They were often built on elevated ground or with strong walls to provide a strategic advantage. Despite their formidable appearance and purpose, the Bible frequently illustrates that these fortresses were not impervious to being spoiled or conquered, often serving as a testament to the power and sovereignty of God over human strength and ingenuity.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 51:53 · "Even if Babylon ascends to the heavens and fortifies her lofty stronghold, I will send destroyers against her,” declares the LORD.
This verse highlights the futility of relying solely on physical fortifications for security. Despite Babylon's efforts to build a stronghold, God declares His intention to send destroyers, emphasizing His ultimate authority over human defenses.

2. 2 Kings 18:13 · "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them."
The Assyrian king Sennacherib's campaign against Judah demonstrates that even the fortified cities, which were considered secure, could be captured. This event underscores the vulnerability of human fortifications when faced with a determined adversary.

3. Nahum 3:12 · "All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe figs; when shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater."
The prophet Nahum uses the imagery of ripe figs to describe the ease with which Nineveh's fortresses would fall. This metaphor illustrates the impending judgment and the ease with which God can bring down even the most secure defenses.

4. Isaiah 25:12 · "The high-walled fortress will be brought down, cast to the ground, into the dust."
Isaiah prophesies the downfall of high-walled fortresses, symbolizing the humbling of human pride and the ultimate triumph of God's will. This passage serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power compared to divine authority.

5. Ezekiel 26:11 · "The hooves of his horses will trample all your streets; he will slay your people with the sword, and your strong pillars will fall to the ground."
In this prophecy against Tyre, Ezekiel foretells the destruction of its strongholds. The imagery of trampling horses and falling pillars conveys the totality of the devastation that would befall the city, despite its fortifications.

Theological Implications:

The recurring theme of fortresses being spoiled in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the limitations of human strength and the futility of relying solely on physical defenses. These narratives often highlight the sovereignty of God, who can bring down even the mightiest of human constructions. They also serve as a call to place trust in divine protection rather than in material security. The spoiling of fortresses is a testament to the biblical truth that true safety and security are found in God alone, who is described as a fortress and refuge for His people (Psalm 18:2).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 10:14
Therefore shall a tumult arise among your people, and all your fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces on her children.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Captivity
... shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled. ... there
upon him, yet he knoweth not." [The prophet Hosea often referred to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 23 the assyrian captivity.htm

Christ Triumphant
... They dismantle their fortresses, and rifle all their stores ... If Christ on the cross
hath spoiled Satan, let ... a short rank, for the people have often been minished ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

The Prophet Hosea.
... tumult ariseth against thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman
spoiled Beth-arbel ... same was done in other things also, as often as it ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet hosea.htm

Book ii.
... Alexandria." For he intrusted the fortresses of Egypt ... was discovered when Antiochus
Epiphanes spoiled our temple ... and most nations have been often subdued, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... recent struggle, Assyria lay at his mercy, her fortresses alone being ... alone, the
necessity for a double and often contradictory narrative ... for we are spoiled. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... All the fortresses commanding the passes of Tabor and Carmel ... by the heathen, and
were themselves often powerless to ... out of the hand of those that spoiled them. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... Besides, Sir, words easy to be understood do often hit the mark, when high and ... a
city or a woman adorned; but rather a woman robbed and spoiled, rent and torn ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm