Fortress

A secure dwelling-place, often a city, protected by walled defences. God is seen as the fortress of his people, their security and divine protector.

Fortresses were places of security

Jeremiah 4:5–6 See also 1 Samuel 23:14; 2 Samuel 5:9 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:7–8; 2 Samuel 20:6, 2 Samuel 24:7; 1 Kings 15:17

Announce in Judah, proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: “Blow the ram’s horn throughout the land. Cry aloud and say, ‘Assemble yourselves and let us flee to the fortified cities.’ Raise a signal flag toward Zion. Seek refuge! Do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, and terrible destruction.

Examples of fortified cities

Numbers 32:34–36 See also Deuteronomy 3:4–5; Joshua 19:35–38; 2 Samuel 5:6–7 parallel 1 Chronicles 11:4–5; 1 Kings 4:13, 1 Kings 12:25

And the Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth-shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran as fortified cities, and they built folds for their flocks.

Fortresses were symbolic of self-reliance

Deuteronomy 28:52 See also Proverbs 10:15; Ezekiel 24:21; Daniel 11:38–39

They will besiege all the cities throughout your land, until the high and fortified walls in which you trust have fallen. They will besiege all your cities throughout the land that the LORD your God has given you.

Fortresses cannot withstand the judgment of God

Jeremiah 51:53 See also Isaiah 2:12–18, Isaiah 17:1–3, Isaiah 25:2, Isaiah 25:12; Jeremiah 48:1; Lamentations 2:2AMO Lamentations 1:4, Amos 1:7, Amos 1:10, Amos 1:12, Amos 1:14, Amos 2:2, Amos 2:5 Hosea 10:13–14 punishment for Israel; Nahum 3:12 judgment on Nineveh

Even if Babylon ascends to the heavens and fortifies her lofty stronghold, the destroyers I send will come against her,” declares the LORD.

God is the secure fortress of his people

Psalm 9:9 See also 2 Samuel 22:2–3 parallel Psalm 18:2; Psalm 31:2–3, Psalm 59:9, Psalm 59:16–17, Psalm 144:2; Proverbs 14:26; Isaiah 17:10, Isaiah 25:4; Nahum 1:7

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.