Big Castles

The Prague Castle is the biggest castle in the world, measuring 1,870 feet in length and 426 feet in width. It has been home to kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of the Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic since about the 9th century. It could house 87 White Houses or six Buckingham Palaces. Castles were basically European inventions of the 9th century. Nobles built castles to control territories, and castles were both defensive and offensive in nature. They were bases of military from which raids could be launched but also provided protection from enemies. Common in the medieval period, castles were used for a variety of purposes, including military, administration, and domestic. The advent of the cannon seemed to diminish castles use as military bases. So instead, they became places to exhibit wealth and impress others. The Prague Castle houses several churches, monasteries, homes, gardens, palaces, and defense towers. Today there are several museums, art collections, and exhibitions on display.

Castles are often, but not always, fortresses. They were originally built to protect people inside. Moats surrounded castles, and drawbridges pulled up made it more difficult for the enemy to penetrate. Arrow slits (or loopholes) were openings that provided archers places to fire on attackers. Other common features were baileys (fortified enclosures), the keep (a central fortified tower), curtain walls (defensive walls surrounding a bailey), and gatehouse (to control entry).

God has been spoken of in the Bible as a fortress. David wrote, “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle—my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, who subdues my people under me” (Psalm 144:1, 2). David found strength from the Lord to do battle, as well as protection (“refuge”) in God. So we may turn to our mighty heavenly Father for help in times of trial as well as safety from our enemy.

Turn to Jesus as your true source of power and protection. Our God is like a mighty fortress in which we can find shelter from the storms of life.