A Solid Fortress

Once a mighty fortress that overlooked the vast Dead Sea region of Israel from a height of 1500 feet, Masada now sits in ruins. Herod the Great built this citadel as a retreat and stronghold from possible enemies. Storehouses, officer’s quarters, a bathhouse that included a steam room, lookout towers, and two palaces, one which is divided into three terraces on a cliff, are among the many identifiable buildings on this isolated mountain. Water was saved during the rainy season by an unique collection system that included huge cisterns carved into the mountain, and there was even a swimming pool to be enjoyed.

Masada was so well built and self-contained that when Jewish rebels captured the area from soldiers stationed there in 66 AD, it was used as a refuge from the Romans for several years. In 72 AD, Flavius Silva started a siege against the insurgents that took three months to breach the walls.

No fortress built by man will ever be totally impregnable. There will always be some way to break through with enough persistence and will. No matter what walls we put up before our enemy, the devil, he will always find some way to break into our thoughts and plant seeds of doubt and fear. There is only One who we can turn to who will be that solid fortress for us, whose very support will help drive away the enemy.

Psalm 18:2 says, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Philippians 4:7 tells us that “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

The enemy will keep trying to break through our walls; but as long as we seek the Lord and ask for His shield, we will not be conquered.