In the biblical context, "defences" refer to the means by which individuals, cities, or nations protect themselves from physical, spiritual, or moral threats. The concept of defences is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the physical fortifications of ancient cities and the spiritual defenses provided by faith in God.

Physical Defences

The Bible frequently mentions the construction and significance of physical defenses, such as walls, gates, and towers, which were essential for the protection of cities in ancient times. For instance, the city of Jericho was renowned for its formidable walls, which ultimately fell by divine intervention as described in Joshua 6:20: "So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city."

Jerusalem, the city of David, is another example where physical defenses played a crucial role. King Hezekiah fortified Jerusalem by building a broad wall and a tunnel to secure the city's water supply, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:5: "Then he worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise towers on it. He also built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David. He also made large numbers of weapons and shields."

Spiritual Defences

Beyond physical structures, the Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual defenses. God Himself is often depicted as a refuge and fortress for His people. Psalm 18:2 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."

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, describes the "armor of God" as essential spiritual defenses for believers. Ephesians 6:11-13 instructs, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

Moral and Ethical Defences

The Bible also addresses moral and ethical defenses, urging believers to guard their hearts and minds against sin and temptation. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This highlights the importance of internal defenses against moral corruption.

In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to be vigilant and sober-minded, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This vigilance serves as a defense against spiritual and moral threats.

Divine Protection

Ultimately, the Bible underscores that true and lasting defense comes from God. In 2 Samuel 22:31, it is written, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him." This assurance of divine protection is a recurring theme, offering comfort and strength to believers throughout the ages.

In summary, the concept of defenses in the Bible encompasses physical fortifications, spiritual armor, and moral vigilance, all underpinned by the ultimate protection and refuge found in God.

The Widened Mission, Its Perils and Defences
... THE WIDENED MISSION, ITS PERILS AND DEFENCES. 'Behold, I send you forth
as sheep in the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the widened mission its perils.htm

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
... For, while they are afraid of being found out, they are ever seeking dishonest
defences, they are agitated by fearful suspicions. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xi how the simple.htm

Celts and Celtophiles
... but it is an example of the general proposition I offer " the proposition that an
enormous amount of modern ingenuity is expended on finding defences for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/xiii celts and celtophiles.htm

The Song of Two Cities
... First, the song sets in sharp contrast the two cities, describing, in verses 1-4,
the city of God, its strength defences, conditions of citizenship, and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the song of two cities.htm

Our Strong City
... in.'. There are three things, then, here: the city, its defences, its citizens.
I. The City. ... II. Now note, secondly, the defences. 'Salvation ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/our strong city.htm

Mountains Round Mount Zion
... ground rises. Thus, really, though not apparently, there lie all round
the city encircling defences of mountains. Similarly, says ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/mountains round mount zion.htm

The City Without Walls
... they are tending. The more a Christian community is independent of external
material supports and defences the better. I am not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the city without walls.htm

'Fruit which is Death'
... The ruin of their projects teaches godless men at last that they have been fools
to take their own way; for all defences, recourses, and protectors, chosen in ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/fruit which is death.htm

The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ...
... [3145] It was not only restored, but greatly enlarged, by Herod the Great,
who surrounded it with the best defences known at that time. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxviii the story of.htm

On the Public Shows.
... Shame binds me to relate their pretexts and defences in this behalf. "Where," say
they, "are there such Scriptures? where are these things prohibited? ...
/.../on the public shows.htm

Defences (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Defences (3 Occurrences). Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings
are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. (ASV). ...
/d/defences.htm - 7k

Eminences (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Eminences (1 Occurrence). Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings
are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. (See JPS). ...
/e/eminences.htm - 6k

Memorials (2 Occurrences)
... read before the king, (YLT). Job 13:12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs
of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay. (See JPS). ...
/m/memorials.htm - 6k

Defenced (9 Occurrences)

/d/defenced.htm - 9k

Defend (38 Occurrences)

/d/defend.htm - 17k

Phylacteries (2 Occurrences)
... phulakteria; ie, "defences" or "protections"), called by modern Jews tephillin
(ie, "prayers") are mentioned only in Matthew 23:5. They consisted of strips of ...
/p/phylacteries.htm - 8k

Bar (27 Occurrences)
... (Isaiah 45:2; Amos 1:5); defences of a city (1 Kings 4:13). A bar for a door was
of iron (Isaiah 45:2), brass (Psalm 107:16), or wood (Nahum 3:13). ...
/b/bar.htm - 21k

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