Entrenchment can be defined as the firm establishment of a system or position in a situation. It can also be defined as to establish solidly; to place oneself in a strong defensive position; to fix firmly or securely. It can be seen as to firmly establish something, so that it can not be changed; or to place someone or something in a very strong position that can not be easily changed. It can also be defined as a trench or system of trenches dug up by troops to provide shelter and safety from enemy fire.
Other words for entrenchment are: fixed, firm, rooted, well established, ingrained, deep seated, deep rooted, indelible, unshakeable, ineradicable, etc.
In the military, when a contested land is conquered, the conquering troops will secure the land by digging a system of trenches as lines of defence to protect themselves from enemy fire. It is usually very difficult for opposing forces to dislodge troops that are in such defensive position. This is what is called entrenchment.
When David was running away from King Saul, his best positions of hiding were caves and strongholds that posed great challenge for King Saul and his men to navigate and unravel (I Sam. 23:14; 2 Sam. 23:14). God used those trenches to preserve David’s life until King Saul died.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Church in Galatia to make sure that they continue to entrench themselves in the freedom that the grace of salvation in Christ Jesus had purchased for them (Gal. 5:1). Without this entrenchment, their final salvation may be jeopardised.
The same Apostle Paul also wrote to the Church in Ephesus, letting them know that as believers, we are constantly in battles with different spiritual entities. He therefore admonished them to entrench themselves in the the Lord Jesus and in the power of His might.
He further mentioned certain arsenals to which the believers must avail themselves of in order to prevail against these supernatural entities (Eph. 6:10-18). Without these entrenchments, a believer might become a victim of such wicked beings.
While military entrenchments are very crucial in battles so as to effectively defend one’s territorial integrity, supernatural entrenchments are by far more crucial in spiritual battles in order to effectively defend one’s life and domain from evil forces.
The Almighty God has promised us that He will grant us Divine entrenchment in this month of November and beyond. He has promised to hide us in the hollow of His hands (Isaiah 49:1-2).
He promised to grant us safety and security. He said that our position of defence will not be compromised. He said that the ‘grounds’ we have won so far will not be lost. He also said that no power will be able to dispossess us of the things that He has blessed us with. May the power and the might of God make these things happen in our lives and in our midst in Jesus most precious name. Amen!
