What is a bulwark in the Bible?

Answer

A bulwark is a fortified wall or something that provides protection or support. The term bulwark is primarily used in the King James Version of the Bible. For instance, “Mark ye well her bulwarks” «Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; That ye may tell it to the generation following. », (Psalm 48:13). “Thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee” «only the trees which thou knowest that they be not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy and cut them down; and thou shalt build bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee, until it be subdued.», (Deuteronomy 20:20). “He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal” «And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. », (2 Chronicles 26:15). The NIV uses “ramparts,” “siege works,” and “corner defenses,” respectively, in the above verses.

We are likely familiar with the term bulwark due to its usage in the English translation of the classic hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” by Martin Luther. That hymn portrays God’s power on our behalf in the midst of a raging spiritual war. The first line reads, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.”

The idea of God as a bulwark is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Many passages describe God as a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10; Jeremiah 16:19).

Jeremiah 16:19, describes God as a fortress (2 Samuel 22:2; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 94:22), and a refuge (Psalm 91:2, 9; 142:5). God’s children are encouraged to seek shelter in Him during life’s storms (Psalm 64:10; Psalm 118:8). As a bulwark, the Lord protects the vulnerable and needy (Psalm 9:9; Psalm 12:5). He offers security to the righteous who seek refuge in His name, as stated in “The name of the LORD is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10). By trusting in His promises rather than relying on our own understanding, we find refuge in Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Isaiah 26 paints a beautiful picture of God’s merciful salvation of His people:

“In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

‘We have a strong city;

God will establish salvation as walls and bulwarks.

Open the gates,

That the righteous nation that keeps the truth may enter.

You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in You’” (Isaiah 26:1-3; NKJV).

We thank the Lord that His salvation is a true stronghold. Those in Christ have found their ultimate defense against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Let Satan unleash his worst; in God, we have “a bulwark never failing.”