A walled encampment, fortified settlement, or battlement. Used for the encampments of nomadic peoples and small fortified villages. The word suggests both protection and impermanence — a temporary stronghold in hostile territory.
The tirah embodies the tension of God's people as pilgrims in a hostile world. Like nomads who build fortified camps knowing they will move on, believers dwell in earthly 'encampments' while awaiting the permanent city (Hebrews 13:14). The word reminds us that all earthly security is provisional — true safety is found only in God Himself, the eternal fortress.