Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "munition" refers to fortifications or defensive structures used for protection against enemies. The concept of munition is often associated with strength, security, and divine protection, reflecting the ancient practices of building fortified cities and strongholds to safeguard inhabitants from external threats.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 29:7 · "All the nations that fight against Ariel, even all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision." In this passage, "munition" is used to describe the defensive capabilities of Ariel, a symbolic name for Jerusalem. The verse highlights the futility of nations that rise against God's chosen city, emphasizing that their efforts will be as fleeting as a dream.
2.
Nahum 3:14 · "Draw water for the siege; strengthen your fortresses! Go into the clay and tread the mortar; repair the brick kiln!" Here, the prophet Nahum speaks to Nineveh, urging the city to prepare its defenses, including its munitions, in anticipation of an impending siege. This reflects the common practice of reinforcing city walls and fortifications in times of war.
3.
Isaiah 33:16 · "He will dwell on the heights; his refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and his water assured." This verse speaks of the righteous man who finds security in God, likened to a mountain fortress or munition. It underscores the theme of divine protection, where God Himself is the ultimate stronghold for His people.
Theological Significance:In the biblical context, munitions are not merely physical structures but also symbolize spiritual fortitude and divine protection. The imagery of God as a fortress is prevalent throughout Scripture, illustrating His role as a protector and defender of His people. For instance,
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 reliance on munitions in the physical sense often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual reliance on God. While ancient cities depended on their walls and fortifications for safety, the Bible consistently points to God as the ultimate source of security. This is evident in passages like
Proverbs 18:10, which states, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
Historical Context:In ancient times, cities were often built with thick walls and fortified gates to protect against invasions. These munitions were essential for survival in a world where warfare was common. The construction of such defenses required significant resources and labor, reflecting the importance placed on security and preparedness.
The biblical narrative frequently references these fortifications, both in literal and metaphorical terms. The fall of Jericho, for example, demonstrates the power of God to overcome even the most formidable munitions (Joshua 6). Conversely, the strength of Jerusalem's walls is often highlighted as a testament to God's provision and protection.
Practical Application:For believers today, the concept of munition serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual preparedness and reliance on God. Just as ancient cities fortified themselves against physical threats, Christians are called to fortify their faith against spiritual challenges.
Ephesians 6:11 encourages believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."
In summary, while munitions in the Bible refer to physical fortifications, they also carry a deeper spiritual significance, pointing to God as the ultimate source of protection and strength for His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Fortification; stronghold.
2. (n.) Whatever materials are used in war for defense or for annoying an enemy; ammunition; also, stores and provisions; military stores of all kinds.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MUNITIONmu-nish'-un.
See SIEGE, 4, (b).
Strong's Hebrew
4694. metsurah -- siegeworks, rampart... 1), fortified (5), fortress (1), fortresses (1). fenced city, fort,
munition,
stronghold. Or mtsurah {mets-oo-raw'}; feminine of
... 4679. metsad -- fastness, a stronghold
... Word Origin from tsud Definition fastness, a stronghold NASB Word Usage impregnable
(1), stronghold (3), strongholds (7). castle, fort, strong hold, munition. ...
4685. matsowd -- siegeworks
... from tsuwd; a net (for capturing animals or fishes) -- also (by interchange for
mtsad) a fastness or (beseiging) tower -- bulwark, hold, munition, net, snare. ...
Library
The Judges Said: Tell Us, O Manes, who Designated the Boundaries ...
... Who, then, overthrew that munition before the one could thus have crossed
over to the other? For it was impossible for the evil ...
Virtues of the Mantle. It Pleads in Its Own Defence.
... feet bound? A mighty munition for the tread have the Venetian shoe-factories
provided in the shape of effeminate boots! Well, but ...
Nahum's Doom of Nineveh
... He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: Keep the munition; watch
the way; Make thy loins strong, Fortify thy power mightily. ...
The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Degradation ...
... Day has become a day of pleasure-seeking and now, Sabbath-desecration, in the form
of seven days a week work on the farms and in the munition factories, has ...
I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... These hungry warriors begin to attack the city of man. They commence with the
outworks; they storm the munition, and overturn the walls. ...
The Broad Wall
... Eternal mercy ne'er forsakes.". Almost every doctrine of grace affords us a broad
wall, a strong bastion, a mighty bulwark, a grand munition of defence. ...
The Inexhaustible Barrel
... upon the sand; you shall see even your own schemes blasted and withered, but you
yourself shall find that your place of defense shall be the munition of rocks ...
Sanctification.
... adversaries. On such occasions it needs Christ revealed as the Mighty God,
as its strong tower, its hiding place, its munition of rocks. ...
A Discourse
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
Thesaurus
Munition (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
MUNITION. mu-nish'-un. See SIEGE, 4,
(b). Multi-Version Concordance
Munition (2 Occurrences).
...Night-vision (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:7 And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even
all that fight against her and her munition, and that distress her, shall be as ...
Dasheth (5 Occurrences)
... Nahum 2:1 He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition,
watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily. ...
Munitions (1 Occurrence)
Munificence (1 Occurrence)
Siege (63 Occurrences)
... In this connection the word "munition" in the King James Version and the English
Revised Version (matsor) in Nahum 1:1 disappears in the American Standard ...
Loins (72 Occurrences)
... Nahum 2:1 He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition,
watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily. ...
Resources
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