Wow! What an amazing fortress. Although I found this in the WordPress photo library, I’m sad to say, I don’t know where it is. Herod the Great had several fortresses. A major builder, he had a fortress in Jerusalem, another one on a Judean mountain top–the Herodium, one at Masada on a mountain cliff overlooking the Dead Sea, one on a mountain top at Megiddo overlooking the Jezreel Valley and Caesarea on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Aqueducts and cisterns brought water to these complexes for agriculture, cooking, bathing and swimming pools. Herod had great fear of running out of food or water or of enemy attacks. Each fortress was protected by high mountain cliffs or water except for the one in Jerusalem, which was in town. When Herod learned of an enemy attack in one location, he escaped to another fortress. He trusted his own intelligence and strategies, yet only ruins are left of the fortresses today. Learn more about the fortress at Masada here.
In contrast, David found his protection in the almighty God, the creator of the universe. He said, “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,” (Psalms 18:2).
THINK ABOUT IT
What do you put your faith in? Health, wealth, power or status could be here today and gone tomorrow. Yet, God is faithful to be with us, especially in tough times. He does not sleep or slumber. We can call out to Him in the dark of night or the light of day. “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress,” (Psalms 46:7).
PRAY ABOUT IT
Lord God Almighty, you are my fortress and hiding place. You are my joy and strength in good times and bad. I cannot live a minute or an hour or a day without your love, protection and provision. Let your Spirit and your peace rest on me now and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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