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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Citadel</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/citadel.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/2_samuel/12-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/citadel.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Citadel</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/cisterns.htm" title="Cisterns">◄</a> Citadel <a href="/topical/c/citadel_of_susa.htm" title="Citadel of Susa">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In biblical times, a citadel was a fortified structure or stronghold, often situated on elevated ground, providing a place of defense and refuge during times of war or siege. The concept of a citadel is closely associated with the idea of protection and security, both physically and spiritually. Old Testament References The term "citadel" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, but the concept is evident in various passages. One of the most notable references is found in the Book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a Jewish leader during the Persian period, was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The citadel in Jerusalem, known as the "Tower of Hananel," is mentioned in <a href="/nehemiah/3.htm">Nehemiah 3:1</a>: "Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests set to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel." The citadel served as a critical point of defense for the city, symbolizing strength and resilience. It was strategically important, providing a vantage point over the surrounding area and serving as a last line of defense against invaders. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention citadels, the concept of a stronghold or fortress is used metaphorically to describe spiritual truths. For instance, in <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a>, the Apostle Paul writes, "The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Here, the idea of a citadel is used to illustrate the spiritual battles faced by believers and the power of God to overcome spiritual fortresses of sin and deception. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance In a broader spiritual context, the citadel represents God's protection and the believer's refuge in times of trouble. The Psalms frequently use imagery of God as a fortress or stronghold. <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a> declares, "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." This imagery underscores the belief that God provides safety and security for His people, much like a citadel offers physical protection. The citadel, therefore, becomes a powerful symbol of divine strength and the assurance of God's presence in the lives of believers. Historical and Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations in the ancient Near East have uncovered numerous citadels, providing insight into their construction and strategic importance. These structures were typically built with thick walls and towers, often incorporating natural features such as hills or cliffs to enhance their defensibility. The citadel of Jerusalem, for example, has been a focal point of numerous archaeological studies, revealing layers of history that testify to its significance throughout the ages. In summary, the concept of a citadel in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of protection, strength, and divine refuge, resonating with both historical realities and spiritual truths.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>(n.) A fortress in or near a fortified city, commanding the city and fortifications, and intended as a final point of defense.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div>CITADELsit'-a-del (1 Maccabees 1:33; 3:45). See <a href="../f/fortification.htm">FORTIFICATION</a>.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/759.htm">759. armon -- a citadel</a> ... 758, 759. armon. 760 . a citadel. Transliteration: armon Phonetic Spelling: (ar-mone') Short Definition: citadels. Word Origin of ... /hebrew/759.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/4407.htm">4407. Millo -- a place near Shechem, also a citadel in Jer.</a> ... 4406, 4407. Millo or Millo. 4408 . a place near Shechem, also a citadel in Jer. ... Word Origin from male Definition a place near Shechem, also a citadel in Jer ... /hebrew/4407.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/1037.htm">1037. Beth Millo -- "house of earthwork," a place near Shechem ...</a> Beth Millo. 1036, 1037. Beth Millo. 1038 . "house of earthwork," a place near Shechem, also a citadel in Jer. Transliteration: Beth ... /hebrew/1037.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/1002.htm">1002. birah -- a castle, palace</a> ... 1001, 1002. birah. 1003 . a castle, palace. Transliteration: birah Phonetic Spelling: (bee-raw') Short Definition: citadel. Word ... /hebrew/1002.htm - 5k <a href="/hebrew/6877.htm">6877. tseriach -- perhaps excavation, underground chamber</a> ... high place, hold. From tsarach in the sense of clearness of vision; a citadel -- high place, hold. see HEBREW tsarach. 6876, 6877. tseriach. 6878 . ... /hebrew/6877.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/7084.htm">7084. Qeilah -- a city in Judah</a> ... Keilah. Perhaps from qala' in the sense of inclosing; citadel; Keilah, a place in Palestine -- Keilah. see HEBREW qala'. 7083, 7084. Qeilah. 7085 . ... /hebrew/7084.htm - 6k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_6_concerning_macherus_and.htm">Concerning Macherus, and How Lucilius Bassus Took that Citadel ...</a> ... CHAPTER 6. Concerning Macherus, And How Lucilius Bassus Took That Citadel, And Other Places. 1. Now Lucilius Bassus was sent as ... /.../chapter 6 concerning macherus and.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_life_of_flavius_josephus/section_24_now_king_agrippa.htm">Now King Agrippa Sent an Army to Make Themselves Masters of the ...</a> ... Section 24. Now king Agrippa sent an army to make themselves masters of the citadel of? 24. Now king Agrippa sent an army to make ... /.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 24 now king agrippa.htm<a href="/library/severus/life_and_writings_of_sulpitius_severus_/chapter_xxiii_at_that_time.htm">At that Time Judah Besieged the Syrians who were Posted in the ...</a> ... At that time Judah besieged the Syrians who were posted in the citadel.? At that time Judah besieged the Syrians who were posted in the citadel. ... /.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter xxiii at that time.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_wars_of_the_jews_or_history_of_the_destruction_of_jerusalem/chapter_8_concerning_masada_and.htm">Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ...</a> ... CHAPTER 8. Concerning Masada And Those Sicarii Who Kept It; And How Silva Betook Himself To Form The Siege Of That Citadel. Eleazar's Speeches To The Besieged. ... /.../chapter 8 concerning masada and.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_3_how_david_laid.htm">How David Laid Siege to Jerusalem; and when He had Taken the City ...</a> ... So he took the lower city by force, but the citadel held out still; [4] whence it was that the king, knowing that the proposal of dignities and rewards would ... /.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how david laid.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_9_concerning_the_death.htm">Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ...</a> ... 3. At this time it was that the garrison in the citadel of Jerusalem, with the Jewish runagates, did a great deal of harm to the Jews; for the soldiers that ... /.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the death.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_2_how_alexander_bala.htm">How Alexander [Bala] in his War with Demetrius, Granted Jonathan ...</a> ... to raise an army, and should get armor made, and should receive back those hostages of the Jewish nation whom Baechides had shut up in the citadel of Jerusalem ... /.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how alexander bala.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_life_of_flavius_josephus/section_11_but_gamala_persevered.htm">But Gamala Persevered in Its Allegiance to the Romans...</a> ... that he might not be discovered; and when he was come to one of the villages to him belonging, but one that was situated at the borders of the citadel of Gamala ... /.../josephus/the life of flavius josephus/section 11 but gamala persevered.htm<a href="/library/loyola/the_autobiography_of_st_ignatius/chapter_i_his_military_lifehe.htm">His Military Life --He is Wounded at the Siege of Pampeluna --His ...</a> ... The citadel of Pampeluna was held in siege by the French. All the other ... the other. When he fell, the citadel was surrendered. When ... /.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter i his military lifehe.htm<a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_1_how_jonathan_took.htm">How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And</a> ... over it, and by that means escaped beyond Jordan while the enemies did not pass over that river; but Bacchides returned presently to the citadel at Jerusalem ... /.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how jonathan took.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/citadel.htm">Citadel (20 Occurrences)</a> ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CITADEL. sit'-a-del (1 Maccabees 1:33; 3:45). See FORTIFICATION. Multi-Version Concordance Citadel (20 Occurrences). ... /c/citadel.htm - 13k<a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa (20 Occurrences)</a> ... 2:3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to ... /s/susa.htm - 13k<a href="/topical/c/capital.htm">Capital (29 Occurrences)</a> ... 2:3 Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to ... /c/capital.htm - 16k<a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion (169 Occurrences)</a> ... When David took it from the Jebusites (Joshua 15:63; 2 Samuel 5:7) he built on it a citadel and a palace, and it became "the city of David" (1 Kings 8:1; 2 ... /z/zion.htm - 49k<a href="/topical/r/rabbah.htm">Rabbah (14 Occurrences)</a> ... length, having taken the "royal city" (or the "city of waters, " 2 Samuel 12:27, ie, the lower city on the river, as distinguished from the citadel), Joab sent ... /r/rabbah.htm - 19k<a href="/topical/s/shushan.htm">Shushan (19 Occurrences)</a> ... The ruins are divided by the French explorers into four tracts: (1) The Citadel-mound (West), of the Achemenian period (5th century BC), circa 1,476 by ... /s/shushan.htm - 21k<a href="/topical/e/edict.htm">Edict (22 Occurrences)</a> ... Esther 2:8 So it happened, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the ... /e/edict.htm - 14k<a href="/topical/u/ulai.htm">Ulai (2 Occurrences)</a> ... 3. Changed Bed at Susa: In ancient times it flowed at the foot of the citadel of Susa, but its bed is now about 1 1/4 miles to the West. ... /u/ulai.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/i/impelled.htm">Impelled (7 Occurrences)</a> ... (WEY). Esther 3:15 The couriers went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. ... /i/impelled.htm - 8k<a href="/topical/m/millo.htm">Millo (9 Occurrences)</a> ... the north as its outermost defence. It is always rendered Akra ie, "the citadel", in the LXX. It was already existing when David ... /m/millo.htm - 14k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Mordecai-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Mordecai in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Zion.html">What is Zion? What is Mount Zion? What is the biblical meaning of Zion? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Vashti-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Vashti in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://clyx.com/term/citadel.htm">Citadel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>Citadel (20 Occurrences)<a href="/2_samuel/12-26.htm">2 Samuel 12:26</a> Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city. (See NIV)<a href="/1_kings/16-18.htm">1 Kings 16:18</a> And it came to pass when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the citadel of the king's house, and burned the king's house over him with fire; (DBY NAS RSV NIV)<a href="/2_kings/15-25.htm">2 Kings 15:25</a> Pekah the son of Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him, and struck him in Samaria, in the castle of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and reigned in his place. (See RSV NIV)<a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Ezra 6:2</a> There was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll, and therein was thus written for a record: (See NIV)<a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1</a> The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, (See NIV)<a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Nehemiah 2:8</a> and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's park, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertaineth to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into.' And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me. (See NIV)<a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Nehemiah 7:2</a> And I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the citadel, charge over Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man and feared God above many. (DBY NIV)<a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2</a> that in those days, when the King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace, (See NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Esther 1:5</a> When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. (See NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Esther 2:3</a> Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody of Hegai the king's eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them; (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5</a> There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8</a> So it happened, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a> The couriers went forth in haste by the king's commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed. (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Esther 8:14</a> So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/9-6.htm">Esther 9:6</a> In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/9-11.htm">Esther 9:11</a> On that day, the number of those who were slain in the citadel of Susa was brought before the king. (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/esther/9-12.htm">Esther 9:12</a> The king said to Esther the queen, "The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa, including the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done." (WEB NAS NIV)<a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Proverbs 18:19</a> A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. (See NAS NIV)<a href="/isaiah/32-14.htm">Isaiah 32:14</a> For the palace shall be forsaken; the city with its stir shall be deserted; the mound and the tower shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks; (See NIV)<a href="/daniel/8-2.htm">Daniel 8:2</a> I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai. (WEB NAS NIV)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/c/citadel.htm">Citadel</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/c/citadel.htm">Citadel (20 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/cithern.htm">Cithern</a><a href="/topical/d/defense.htm">Defense (49 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/r/refuge.htm">Refuge (111 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/s/shown.htm">Shown (131 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/cisterns.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Cisterns"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Cisterns" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/citadel_of_susa.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Citadel of Susa"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Citadel of Susa" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>