Welcome to our chronological list of strongholds that appear in the Bible, both in a literal and symbolic sense. Scroll to explore what each reference means in its biblical context.
Check out our A-Z hub for more thematic lists!
This list is not exhaustive due to the vast number of times strongholds are mentioned in the Bible – but we’ve tried our best to include most key instances. Did we miss a major one? Drop us a line to let us know!
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 28:52:
“They will lay siege to all the cities throughout your land…until the high, fortified walls in which you trust fall down…”
Explanation: This verse is part of a larger section describing the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands. The “strongholds” here refer to literal fortified cities, representing the Israelites’ reliance on their own military strength and defenses rather than trusting in God. The siege and fall of these walls symbolize the removal of self-reliance and the exposure of vulnerability when one turns away from God’s protection.
Judges
Judges 6:2:
“Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves, and strongholds…”
Explanation: Here, the “strongholds” are literal places of refuge—mountain clefts, caves, and fortified locations. The Israelites, facing the oppression of the Midianites, sought physical protection. This shows how fear and oppression can drive people to seek security in physical places rather than placing full trust and reliance in God.
Judges 9:46-49:
“…On hearing this, all the leaders in the tower of Shechem entered the stronghold of the temple of El-Berith… Abimelek and all his men set fire to the stronghold and burned the people inside…”
Explanation: The stronghold in these verses showcases the people’s trust in the protection of a false god. Their belief that the temple of El-Berith could save them proved futile, as Abimelek and his men burned the stronghold down. This event illustrates the reality that no human-made refuge or false god can withstand judgment when it comes. True security is found only in God.
1 Samuel
1 Samuel 23:14:
“…David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph.”
Explanation: In this context, “strongholds” represent remote, fortified locations in the wilderness where David hid from King Saul. These were physical places of refuge and safety. They symbolize David’s reliance on both God’s protection and practical wisdom in evading his enemy. Although David was utilizing physical strongholds, the verse highlights that it was God’s protection, not merely the strongholds themselves, that kept him safe.
2 Samuel
2 Samuel 5:7:
“…Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion—which is the City of David…”
Explanation: “Fortress of Zion” refers to a literal, fortified stronghold within Jerusalem. It symbolizes the center of power and security. David’s capture of this stronghold represents the establishment of his kingdom and, ultimately, points to the establishment of God’s kingdom through his lineage.
2 Samuel 5:9:
“…David then took up residence in the fortress and called it the City of David. He built up the area around it, from the terraces inward…”
Explanation: This verse carries on from verse 7, emphasizing that a change had occurred, and what was once a place of power for one group is now under the rule of David.
2 Samuel 22:2-3:
“…He said: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer … He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me…”
Explanation: This verse is a poetic declaration of David’s faith. Here, “fortress” and “stronghold” are used metaphorically to describe God. It signifies God as the ultimate source of protection, security, and deliverance from enemies. Unlike the physical strongholds David used, God is presented as the unwavering and invincible stronghold.
Psalms
Psalm 9:9:
“…The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble…”
Explanation: This psalm uses “stronghold” metaphorically. It depicts God as a secure place of protection and safety for those who are experiencing oppression and difficulty. It emphasizes God’s role as a defender and protector of the vulnerable.
Psalm 18:2:
“…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…”
Explanation: Similar to 2 Samuel 22, this psalm uses “fortress” and “stronghold” metaphorically to describe God. It emphasizes God’s role as the ultimate source of protection, stability, and salvation. The repetition of various metaphors (rock, fortress, shield, horn, stronghold) reinforces the idea of complete security in God.
Psalm 27:1:
“…The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid?…”
Explanation: The stronghold referenced in this verse is referring to God. The writer is noting the security and protection found in the Lord.
Psalm 28:8:
“…The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one…”
Explanation: Like the verses before, this stronghold is referring to the power and saving grace of God.
Psalm 31:2-3:
“…Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”
Explanation: Here the psalmist is pleading to God to offer refuge. Fortress is used as a metaphor to describe the protection, security, and safety that comes from God.
Psalm 37:39:
“…The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble…”
Explanation: Stronghold is used again, as in other Psalms, to create a metaphor for how God protects his people.
Psalm 46:1:
“…God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble…”
Explanation: “Refuge” is a parallel word to stronghold, again speaking of God’s ultimate power and security.
Psalm 59:16:
“…for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble…”
Explanation: Fortress here speaks to how God provides love and strength, protecting those in trouble.
Psalm 62:2:
“…Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken…”
Explanation: Once more, “fortress” is a word used to describe God and how we can be secure in Him.
Psalm 71:3:
“…Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress…”
Explanation: “Fortress” is a word used for God, and the psalmist is calling on God to use His protective, saving power.
Psalm 91:2:
“…I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Explanation: The psalmist affirms that God is the ultimate protector and place of safety for those who place their trust in Him.
Psalm 91:9:
“…If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling…”
Explanation: Another place where God is presented as the stronghold and place of refuge.
Psalm 144:2:
“…He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer…”
Explanation: The fortress in these verses, like in many other Psalms, is a metaphor for God. It is emphasizing how He is the ultimate protector.
Proverbs
Proverbs 10:29:
“…The way of the Lord is a refuge for the blameless, but it is the ruin of those who do evil…”
Explanation: This proverb contrasts the outcomes of two groups: the “blameless” and “those who do evil.” For those who live righteously, following God’s commands, “the way of the Lord” offers protection and security, like a stronghold. It’s a source of stability in life. However, for those who choose wickedness and reject God’s guidance, their actions will bring about destructive consequences. The proverb highlights the safety in following God and the danger in rejecting Him.
Proverbs 18:10:
“…The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe…”
Explanation: This proverb uses “fortified tower” (a type of stronghold) as a metaphor for the Lord’s name. It means that relying on God’s character, revealed through His name, provides safety and protection. The righteous find security not in physical structures but in their relationship with God.
Isaiah
Isaiah 25:4:
“…You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat…”
Explanation: The prophet Isaiah describes the Lord as a stronghold, using a metaphorical image of security and protection for the vulnerable and oppressed.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 16:19:
“…Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good…”
Explanation: In this verse, Jeremiah refers to the Lord as his “fortress” and “refuge.” This is a metaphorical usage, highlighting God as the source of true strength and security, particularly in times of distress. The contrast with the false gods of the nations emphasizes that only the Lord provides genuine protection and lasting hope.
Daniel
Daniel 11:39:
“…He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him.”
Explanation: Many scholars believe this prophecy refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid ruler who waged war against powerful nations and enforced Hellenistic religious practices over Jewish worship. The “foreign god” may refer to the Greek deities he promoted, especially Zeus, whom he installed in the desecrated Temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31). His political strategy involved rewarding those who compromised their faith, granting them positions of power and redistributing land to secure loyalty.
Some scholars also see this passage as a foreshadowing of the Antichrist, who, in the end times, will use similar tactics—bribery, deception, and force—to gain control and oppose God (Daniel 11:36-45). This verse serves as a warning: earthly power is temporary, and those who trade faithfulness to God for political or material gain will ultimately face judgment. While the “mightiest fortresses” may seem impenetrable, only God’s kingdom is eternal.
Hosea
Hosea 8:14:
“…Israel has forgotten their Maker and built palaces; Judah has fortified many towns. But I will send fire on their cities that will consume their fortresses.”
Explanation: In this verse, the fortresses symbolize Israel’s pride and misplaced trust in their own strength rather than in God. Their reliance on physical defenses reflects a spiritual departure from trusting in their Maker. God’s judgment against these fortresses demonstrates the futility of human power when opposed to His will.
Joel
Joel 3:16:
“…The Lord will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the heavens will tremble. But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel…”
Explanation: Here, “stronghold” is used metaphorically to describe the Lord. In the context of judgment upon the nations, God is presented as the secure protector and defender of His people, Israel. The imagery of roaring and thundering emphasizes God’s power, while “refuge” and “stronghold” assure His people of safety amidst turmoil.
Micah
Micah 5:11:
“…I will destroy your cities and tear down all your strongholds.”
Explanation: This prophecy speaks of God’s coming judgment. The strongholds represent the power and security of human rulers, but God declares that they will fall. This serves as a warning that no earthly defenses can stand against God’s sovereign will.
Micah 7:17:
“…They will come trembling out of their strongholds; they will turn in fear to the Lord our God and will be afraid of you.”
Explanation: This verse describes the humiliation and defeat of God’s enemies. Their strongholds, once places of security, will offer no refuge in the face of God’s power. The imagery of crawling in fear underscores their complete submission to God’s authority.
Nahum
Nahum 1:7:
“…The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble…”
Explanation: “Refuge” is used to describe God. This imagery portrays God as a place of safety and security during difficult times. The verse emphasizes God’s goodness and care for those who trust in Him, highlighting the relational aspect of finding refuge in God.
Habakkuk
Habakkuk 3:19:
“…The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. …”
Explanation: While the word “stronghold” isn’t explicitly used, the phrase “tread on the heights” carries a similar meaning. Heights were often places of strategic military advantage and were fortified as strongholds. Habakkuk declares that God gives him the strength and agility to overcome obstacles and stand firm in difficult places, metaphorically like traversing strong, elevated terrain. This verse speaks to God-given strength and security rather than reliance on physical fortifications.
Zephaniah
Zephaniah 1:16:
“…a day of trumpet and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the corner towers..”
Explanation: This verse references fortified cities and corner towers as targets of coming judgment. These strongholds, once symbols of human strength and security, will be overthrown, emphasizing the futility of trusting in physical defenses rather than in God.
Zechariah
Zechariah 9:12:
“…Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you…”
Explanation: In this verse, “fortress” likely refers to Jerusalem, restored as a place of security for God’s people. It symbolizes a return to God’s protection and blessing. The phrase “prisoners of hope” suggests that even in captivity or difficulty, there is hope for restoration and security in God.
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 10:4-5:
“The weapons we fight with… have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God…”
Explanation: This passage uses “strongholds” metaphorically, referring to false arguments, prideful thinking, and rebellious ideas that oppose God’s truth. Paul emphasizes that spiritual battles are not fought with physical weapons but with divine power to overcome deceptive philosophies and human reasoning that resist Christ. The goal is to bring every thought into obedience to God, demonstrating the transformative power of faith and truth in dismantling opposition to the Gospel.