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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: Castles</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/castles.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><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/genesis/25-16.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/castles.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> > Castles</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/naves/c/castle--bars_of.htm" title="Castle: Bars of">◄</a> Castles <a href="/topical/c/castor.htm" title="Castor">►</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="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</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 the context of the Bible, the term "castles" may not directly refer to the grand stone fortresses commonly associated with medieval Europe. Instead, the concept of fortified structures or strongholds is more prevalent in the biblical narrative. These structures served as places of defense, refuge, and authority, reflecting the socio-political landscape of ancient times.<br><br><b>Old Testament References</b><br><br>The Old Testament frequently mentions fortified cities and strongholds, which can be understood as the ancient equivalent of castles. These structures were essential for protection against invading armies and were often strategically located on elevated terrain. For example, the city of Jericho, described in the Book of Joshua, was a well-fortified city with walls that famously fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days (<a href="/joshua/6.htm">Joshua 6:1-20</a>).<br><br>In <a href="/1_chronicles/11-7.htm">1 Chronicles 11:7</a>, David is said to have dwelt in the stronghold, which he called the City of David, after capturing Jerusalem. This stronghold served as a military and administrative center, highlighting the importance of fortified locations in establishing and maintaining control over a region.<br><br>The term "castle" itself appears in some translations of the Bible, such as in <a href="/1_chronicles/11-5.htm">1 Chronicles 11:5</a>, where the Jebusites taunt David, saying, "You will not get in here." Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, which became the City of David. The Berean Standard Bible uses the term "fortress" in this context, emphasizing the defensive nature of such structures.<br><br><b>Symbolic and Spiritual Significance</b><br><br>Beyond their physical presence, castles or strongholds in the Bible often carry symbolic and spiritual significance. They represent God's protection and the security found in His presence. In <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a> , David 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." Here, the imagery of a fortress conveys the strength and safety provided by God to those who trust in Him.<br><br>Similarly, <a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm">Proverbs 18:10</a> states, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." This verse underscores the idea that God Himself is a refuge and a place of security for His people, much like a castle would be in times of physical danger.<br><br><b>New Testament Context</b><br><br>While the New Testament does not explicitly mention castles, the concept of spiritual strongholds is present. The Apostle Paul speaks of demolishing arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a>). Here, the metaphor of a stronghold is used to describe mental and spiritual barriers that must be overcome through divine power.<br><br><b>Historical and Archaeological Insights</b><br><br>Archaeological discoveries in the Near East have uncovered numerous fortified cities and structures that align with biblical descriptions. These findings provide a glimpse into the military and architectural advancements of ancient civilizations, offering context to the biblical narratives involving sieges and battles.<br><br>In summary, while the Bible may not describe castles in the medieval sense, the concept of fortified places is integral to its historical and spiritual themes. These strongholds serve as symbols of protection, authority, and divine refuge throughout the biblical text.<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/sermons_on_proverbs/our_stronghold.htm"><span class="l">Our Stronghold</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then, when troops of marauders invaded the land, strong <b>castles</b> were set upon the<br> various hill-tops and the inhabitants gathered up their little wealth and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/our stronghold.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/sermons_for_the_times/sermon_xiv_englands_strength.htm"><span class="l">England's Strength</span></a> <br><b>...</b> see these terrible Assyrian conquerors defeating their enemies, torturing and<br> slaughtering their prisoners, swimming rivers, beating down <b>castles</b>, sweeping on <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm</font><p><a href="/library/winkworth/christian_singers_of_germany/chapter_iv_dark_times_and.htm"><span class="l">Dark Times and Bright Times. AD 1253-1500</span></a> <br><b>...</b> man did that which was right in his own eyes; and as there existed a numerous class<br> of returned crusaders and unemployed soldiers, the smaller <b>castles</b> all over <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/chapter iv dark times and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/neander/light_in_the_dark_places/gregory_the_great_bishop_of.htm"><span class="l">Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> hear sighs. The cities are destroyed, the <b>castles</b> are ruined, the fields<br> are laid waste, the whole land is desolate. The villages <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../neander/light in the dark places/gregory the great bishop of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/moody/the_overcoming_life/seven_i_wills_of_christ.htm"><span class="l">Seven "I Wills" of Christ.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He, a Bedford tinker, couldn't get inside one of the princely <b>castles</b>.<br> I was very much amused when I was over on the other side. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/seven i wills of christ.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_9_how_the_people.htm"><span class="l">How the People Raised a Sedition against Archelaus, and How He <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Sabinus, out of regard to Varus, did neither seize upon any of the <b>castles</b> that<br> were among the Jews, nor did he seal up the treasures in them, but <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 how the people.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maspero/history_of_egypt_chaldaea_syria_babylonia_and_assyria_v_7/chapter_iitiglath-pileser_iii_and_the.htm"><span class="l">Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Araxes from Lake Urumiah, as the goal of his incursions, and overran the territory<br> of the Babilu; there he carried by storm three royal <b>castles</b>, twenty-three <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chesterton/orthodoxy/iv_the_ethics_of_elfland.htm"><span class="l">The Ethics of Elfland</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of his office-boy, it is commonly in some such speech as this: "Ah, yes, when one<br> is young, one has these ideals in the abstract and these <b>castles</b> in the air <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iv the ethics of elfland.htm</font><p><a href="/library/forsyth/the_soul_of_prayer/title_page.htm"><span class="l">The Soul of Prayer</span></a> <br><b>...</b> hedge; beyond, in the gash of the valley, the stream purrs up through the steep<br> woods; still farther, the limestone rocks rise fantastic, like <b>castles</b> in the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/forsyth/the soul of prayer/title page.htm</font><p><a href="/library/browne/christian_morals/the_life_of_sir_thomas.htm"><span class="l">The Life of Sir Thomas Browne.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> he quitted his settlement, and accompanied his father-in-law, [6] who had some<br> employment in Ireland, in a visitation of the forts and <b>castles</b>, which the state <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/the life of sir thomas.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/castles.htm"><span class="l"><b>Castles</b> (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Castles</b> (10 Occurrences). <b>...</b> Numbers 31:10 And they burnt<br> all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly <b>castles</b>, with fire. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/castles.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/castle.htm"><span class="l">Castle (26 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Castles</b> are also mentioned (Genesis 25:16) as a kind of watch-tower, from<br> which shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/castle.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/forts.htm"><span class="l">Forts (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). 2 Chronicles 17:12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly;<br> and he built in Judah <b>castles</b> and cities of store. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/forts.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fortresses.htm"><span class="l">Fortresses (45 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NAS RSV). 2 Chronicles 17:12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he<br> built in Judah <b>castles</b> and cities of store. (See NAS RSV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fortresses.htm - 19k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/goodly.htm"><span class="l">Goodly (46 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> English Revised Version has "The wing of the ostrich rejoiceth," the American Standard<br> Revised Version (wings) "wave proudly." For "goodly <b>castles</b>" (Numbers 31 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/goodly.htm - 25k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/judean.htm"><span class="l">Judean (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NIV). 2 Chronicles 27:4 Moreover he built cities in the hill-country of Judah,<br> and in the forest he built <b>castles</b> and towers. (See NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/judean.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jackal.htm"><span class="l">Jackal (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> And wolves ('iyim) shall cry in their <b>castles</b>, and jackals (tannim) in the pleasant<br> palaces." In the King James Version 'iyim (Isaiah 13:22; Isaiah 34:14 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jackal.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jehonathan.htm"><span class="l">Jehonathan (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the<br> fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the <b>castles</b>, was Jehonathan <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jehonathan.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jackals.htm"><span class="l">Jackals (20 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB BBE NIV). Isaiah 13:22 Wolves will cry in their <b>castles</b>, and jackals in the<br> pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, and her days will not be prolonged. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jackals.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wolves.htm"><span class="l">Wolves (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 13:22 Wolves will<br> cry in their <b>castles</b>, and jackals in the pleasant palaces. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wolves.htm - 9k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/95-theses.html">What are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Semiramis.html">Who was Semiramis? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/dark-ages.html">What were the Dark Ages? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><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><span class="encheading">Castles (10 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/25-16.htm">Genesis 25:16</a></span><br />These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their <span class="boldtext">castles</span>; twelve princes according to their nations.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/numbers/31-10.htm">Numbers 31:10</a></span><br />And they burnt all their cities wherein they dwelt, and all their goodly <span class="boldtext">castles</span>, with fire.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_chronicles/6-54.htm">1 Chronicles 6:54</a></span><br />Now these are their dwelling places throughout their <span class="boldtext">castles</span> in their coasts, of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites: for theirs was the lot.<br /><span class="source">(KJV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_chronicles/27-25.htm">1 Chronicles 27:25</a></span><br />And over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the <span class="boldtext">castles</span>, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziah:<br /><span class="source">(KJV ASV WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_chronicles/17-12.htm">2 Chronicles 17:12</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and he built in Judah <span class="boldtext">castles</span> and cities of store. <br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_chronicles/27-4.htm">2 Chronicles 27:4</a></span><br />Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built <span class="boldtext">castles</span> and towers.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/13-22.htm">Isaiah 13:22</a></span><br />Wolves will cry in their <span class="boldtext">castles</span>, and jackals in the pleasant palaces. Her time is near to come, and her days will not be prolonged.<br /><span class="source">(WEB JPS ASV DBY)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/jeremiah/51-32.htm">Jeremiah 51:32</a></span><br />and the passages are seized, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the men of war are affrighted. <br /><span class="source">(See JPS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezekiel/19-7.htm">Ezekiel 19:7</a></span><br />And he knew their palaces, and laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fulness thereof, because of the noise of his roaring. <br /><span class="source">(See JPS)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/hosea/8-14.htm">Hosea 8:14</a></span><br />For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and builded palaces; and Judah hath multiplied fortified cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the <span class="boldtext">castles</span> thereof. <br /><span class="source">(ASV JPS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/castles.htm">Castles</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/pollux.htm">Pollux (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gourd.htm">Gourd (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dioscuri.htm">Dioscuri (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/galatia.htm">Galatia (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/castles.htm">Castles (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/isle.htm">Isle (15 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cast-out.htm">Cast-out (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adramyttium.htm">Adramyttium (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/astronomy.htm">Astronomy</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elamites.htm">Elamites (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elam.htm">Elam (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/departed.htm">Departed (270 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/valley.htm">Valley (187 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt (596 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jordan.htm">Jordan (188 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/empire.htm">Empire (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/roman.htm">Roman (26 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/christianity.htm">Christianity</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/c/castle--bars_of.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Castle: Bars of"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Castle: Bars of" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/castor.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Castor"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Castor" /></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> <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>