en_tw/bible/other/stronghold.md

stronghold, fortress, fortified

Definition:

The terms "stronghold" and "fortress" both refer to places that are well protected against an attack by enemy soldiers. The term "fortified" describes a city or other place that has been made safe from attack.

• Often, strongholds and fortresses were manmade structures with defensive walls. They could also have been places with natural protective barriers such as rocky cliffs or high mountains.
• People fortified strongholds by building thick walls or other structures that made it difficult for an enemy to break through.
• "Stronghold" or "fortress" could be translated as "securely strong place" or "strongly protected place."
• The term "fortified city" could be translated as "securely protected city" or "strongly built city."
• This term was also used figuratively to refer to God as a stronghold or fortress for those who trust in him. (See: Metaphor)
• Another figurative meaning for the term "stronghold" referred to something that someone wrongly trusted in for security, such as a false god or other thing that was worshiped instead of Yahweh. This could be translated as "false strongholds."
• This term should be translated differently from "refuge," which emphasizes safety more than the concept of being fortified.

(See also: false god, idol, refuge, Yahweh)

Bible References:

• 2 Corinthians 10:3-4
• 2 Kings 08:10-12
• 2 Samuel 05:8-10
• Acts 21:34-36
• Habakkuk 01:10-11

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