For centuries, the Romans controlled the Western world. Their many advantages included their military, their commerce, their administration, and their transportation systems. The Roman legion was feared by many. However, most people do not know that one of the greatest advantages of the Roman army was what is known as the marching camp.
From the third century BC until the third century AD, Roman troops on campaign built a fortified camp each night wherever they came to rest for the night. These camps were quite elaborate with streets, places for each of the legions, storage areas, stables, cooking house, etc. The camp would even have coded signs leading to the various sites within the camp. The camp was surrounded by a ditch that averaged five feet wide and three feet deep with dirt from the ditch thrown up inside the camp to make a protective wall. These camps were put up in about three hours with everyone knowing his job and doing it. This was after a daily march of about twenty miles. No wonder the Romans conquered much of the world.
This reminds me of the camp the Lord builds around His people. Psalm 34:7 declares, "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." We also know that we serve "the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The word "comfort" means a strength or "fort" that we take with us. Whenever we rest for the night, the Lord builds a fortified camp around us and He goes with us through the day as well. Thank the Lord for His marching camp. Wherever He leads us, He will be there to protect us.
