The word “bulwark” appears several times in the Bible, referring to a strong defense or fortification against enemy attack. Here is an overview of the biblical meaning and usage of the term “bulwark”:
Definition of Bulwark
The word “bulwark” refers to a defensive wall or rampart built to protect and fortify a city or stronghold. It provides security and strength against assault. The term comes from the Middle English “bolwerc” and Old French “boulwerk,” meaning an earthwork or fortification.
Some synonyms of bulwark include bastion, fortification, rampart, parapet, breastwork, embankment, and earthwork. A bulwark is intended to be a solid barrier of defense.
Old Testament Uses of Bulwark
In the Old Testament, “bulwark” is used in the following verses:
– Psalm 48:13 – Speaking of Mount Zion and the city of Jerusalem: “Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.” Zion and Jerusalem’s towers and ramparts served as defensive bulwarks.
– Jeremiah 51:53 – Describing how Babylon’s high walls and fortifications would fail to protect them from God’s judgment: “Though Babylon should mount up to heaven, and though she should fortify her strong height, yet destroyers would come from me against her, declares the Lord.”
– Isaiah 26:1 – Isaiah prophesies about a future day when God’s people will dwell securely within fortified walls: “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: ‘We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks.'”
So in the Old Testament, bulwark refers to the mighty, fortified walls of cities like Jerusalem and Babylon. But these man-made defenses are feeble compared to the salvation and security God himself provides.
New Testament Use of Bulwark
The word “bulwark” is used once in the New Testament:
– 1 Timothy 3:15 – Paul writes about the church being the household of God and “a pillar and bulwark of the truth.” Here, bulwark illustrates the function of the church in preserving and defending the truth.
Believers are called to stand firm for the truth of the gospel message in the face of false teaching. The church is a spiritual bulwark, undergirded by the truth of Christ.
God as a Bulwark in the Bible
Though the word is not directly used, God is described as a mighty fortress and refuge for his people throughout Scripture:
– 2 Samuel 22:2-3 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, 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.”
– Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
– Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
– Psalm 28:8 – “The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.”
– Psalm 37:39 – “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.”
Over and over, God is described as a mighty stronghold and a secure fortress for his people. He himself serves as an impenetrable bulwark against the attacks of the enemy. More secure than any earthly fortress, God provides refuge and deliverance for those who trust in him.
Jesus as the Unshakable Bulwark
The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate bulwark and mighty fortress for God’s people. Consider the following descriptions of Christ:
– Luke 1:69 – Zacharias prophesies at John the Baptist’s birth, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” The Horn was a common Old Testament idiom pointing to strength and security.
– 1 Corinthians 10:4 – Paul says the Israelites “drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” Christ was the ever-present fortress and bulwark protecting God’s people.
– 1 Peter 2:6 – Peter quotes Isaiah 28:16, applying it to Jesus: “Behold I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Jesus is the precious cornerstone of the church, providing stability and permanence.
– Hebrews 6:18-19 – The author says we have a hope that enters the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever. Christ has entered the heavenly holy of holies, securing redemption for us.
John Bunyan’s classic allegory Pilgrim’s Progress portrays Christ as the immoveable bulwark able to save all who take refuge in him: “This hill, though high, I covet to ascend; The difficulty will not me offend. For I perceive the way to life lies here. Come, pluck up, heart, let’s neither faint nor fear. Better, though difficult, the right way to go, Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe.”
Like a mighty fortress on a hill, Jesus stands ready to unshakably defend all who take refuge in him. He is the spiritual bulwark and salvation of all who believe.
The Church as a Bulwark
As seen in 1 Timothy 3:15, the church serves as a pillar and bulwark established on the truth of Christ. Considering the Old Testament background of the term, the church is designed by God to be:
– A Defensive Protection – The church is meant to defend against attacks of false teaching and protect the flock from spiritual enemies. Like a mighty fortress, the church is to be a guardian of the treasure of the gospel.
– A Display of Strength – A bulwark projecting strength bolsters courage in citizens sheltering behind it. The unified church similarly displays Jesus’ strength in the world.
– A Declaration of Ownership – High bulwarks around a city declared dominion and ownership. The church similarly establishes Christ’s lordship in the world.
– A Deterrent to Enemies – Invading armies thought twice when facing an impenetrable wall. Likewise, the church should give pause to powers of darkness trying to advance against God’s kingdom.
The enemy will surely attack, but Christ promises that even the gates of hell will not overcome the mighty bulwark of his church (Matthew 16:18).
The Word of God as a Bulwark
In addition to the church itself, the very word of God serves as a bulwark protecting God’s people. Consider the following verses:
– Psalm 119:114 – “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” God’s word is a constant refuge and shield, protecting our lives.
– Psalm 119:42 – “Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.” Biblical truth strengthens us to stand up to ridicule and testing.
– Psalm 119:133 – “Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.” Obeying God’s word helps us not to stumble into sin.
– Proverbs 30:5 – “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” The absolutely trustworthy scriptures reinforce our bulwark of faith.
Jesus himself resisted the temptations of the devil by quoting scripture as an unshakable bulwark against sin (Matthew 4:1-11). Following his example, memorizing and meditating on God’s word provides strong protection against attacks.
Identifying Personal Bulwarks
While God himself is described as an ever-present fortress, believers must also be careful to rely on him rather than trusting in their own defenses. Israel fell when depending on the false bulwarks of military might or religious ritual (Isaiah 22:8-11, Jeremiah 7:1-15).
We too must examine our hearts, asking questions like:
– Where do I run for refuge when threatened? Do I first rely on money, status, intellect or other gifts from God…or do I run first to the Lord?
– When facing temptations, do I stand confidently on scripture or rely on my own wisdom and willpower?
– Am I depending on spiritual disciplines like prayer and worship as a fortress against sin…or just my own good intentions?
– Do I try to control my life circumstances to prevent problems, or trust in God’s purpose in trials?
– Am I relying on past faith experiences or my own righteousness, rather than Christ’s redemptive work on the cross?
Though God may graciously use all sorts of gifts in our lives, we must remember that He alone is our sure bulwark. We stand unshakable only as we rest on who God is, what Christ has done, and the promises of God’s word.
The Lord God Almighty is Our Bulwark
From beginning to end, the Bible reveals the Lord as the steadfast refuge and mighty bulwark for his people. We can confidently echo David’s declaration:
“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.” (Psalm 18:2)
Though enemies attack and storms arise, we have a sure defense in our God. He is our salvation and our bulwark. We need no other. With the psalmist we exclaim:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
What a comfort to know that the Lord God Almighty is our refuge and bulwark! He stands as an unshakable mighty fortress securing salvation for all who trust in him. Let us anchor our lives on Christ the solid Rock. He is our defense against every storm and our hope in every battle.
In Christ alone we have a bulwark that will never fail.