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Bulwark (2)

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Bumby, John H.

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is the representative in the Auth. Vers. of several Hebrew words: חֵיל , cheyl (lit. strength, or an army, as in 2 Kings 18:17), an intrenchment, especially the breastwork which protects the trench (Isaiah 26:1; elsewhere "trench," "rampart," "wall," etc.); also חַילָה, chylah', the same (Psalms 48:14); מָצוֹר , matsor' (once מָצוֹד, matsod, prob. by an error of transcription, Ecclesiastes 9:14), lit. straitness, hence a mound erected by the besiegers (Deuteronomy 20:20; elsewhere "siege," etc.); פַּנָּה, pinnah', a pinnacle or turret (2 Chronicles 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 (2 Chronicles 26:15; Zephaniah 1:16; Psalms 48:13; Isaiah 26:1). (See FORTIFICATION).