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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadMcClintock Biblical Encyclopedia: Bulwark (2)
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is the representative in the Auth. Vers. of several Hebrew words: çֵéì , cheyl (lit. strength, or an army, as in 2Ki_18:17), an intrenchment, especially the breastwork which protects the trench (Isa_26:1; elsewhere “trench,” “rampart,” “wall,” etc.); also çַéìָä , chylah', the same (Psa_48:14); îָöåֹø , matsor' (once îָöåֹã , matsod, prob. by an error of transcription, Ecc_9:14), lit. straitness, hence a mound erected by the besiegers (Deu_20:20; elsewhere “siege,” etc.); ôַּðָּä , pinnah', a pinnacle or turret (2Ch_26:15; elsewhere “corner”). The “bulwarks” spoken of in Scripture appear to have been mural towers, which answered the purposes of the modern bastion. Bulwarks were erected at certain distances along the walls, usually at the corners, and upon them were placed the military engines. The wall between the bulwarks, instead of running in a straight line, curved inward, thus giving the greatest possible extent in flanking the enemy from the projections. They are said to have been introduced by King Uzziah (2Ch_26:15; Zep_1:16; Psa_48:13; Isa_26:1). SEE FORTIFICATION.