In biblical narratives, ambushments refer to strategic military tactics involving surprise attacks from concealed positions. This method of warfare is frequently depicted in the Old Testament, illustrating both divine intervention and human cunning in the battles of ancient Israel.

Old Testament Instances

One of the earliest mentions of ambushments is found in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites sought to conquer the city of Ai, God instructed Joshua to set an ambush behind the city. Joshua 8:2 states, "And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city." This divine strategy led to a decisive victory, demonstrating God's guidance in military affairs.

Another significant instance is in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7, Gideon, with only 300 men, defeated the Midianites by employing a surprise attack at night. Although not explicitly termed an ambush, the element of surprise and the strategic positioning of his men around the Midianite camp reflect similar tactics. Judges 7:22 describes the chaos that ensued: "And when the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp, and the army fled."

Divine Ambushments

The concept of ambushments is not limited to human strategy but also includes divine intervention. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a formidable alliance of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. In response to his prayer, God assured him of victory without the need for battle. 2 Chronicles 20:22 recounts, "The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated." This passage highlights the belief in God's active role in delivering His people through supernatural means.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The use of ambushments in the Bible raises questions about the ethics of warfare. From a conservative Christian perspective, these accounts are often viewed within the context of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The ambushes are seen as instruments of God's will, used to protect His chosen people and to execute judgment on nations that opposed them.

Symbolic Interpretations

Beyond their literal military application, ambushments can also be interpreted symbolically. They represent the unexpected ways in which God can intervene in human affairs, often turning the plans of the wicked against themselves. This theme is echoed in Proverbs 21:30 : "No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail against the LORD."

In summary, ambushments in the Bible serve as a testament to both human ingenuity and divine sovereignty. They illustrate the complex interplay between God's providence and human action in the unfolding of biblical history.

Farther Meditations to Stir up to Prayer in the Morning.
... go naked amongst these briers, till thou hast prayed Christ to clothe thee with
his righteousness; nor to pass through these snares and ambushments, till thou ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/farther meditations to stir up.htm

The Shout of Faith
... And it came to pass that when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord began to
set ambushments against the enemy, so that they smote one another; and when ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ...
... an impregnable tower. For indeed we stand in need of much defence, seeing
that there are many ambushments on every side. Even as ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xv again on the.htm

Jehoshaphat
... "The Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount
Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

The Means of Grace
... And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the
children of Moab, Ammon, and mount Seir: " and everyone helped to destroy ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 16 the means of.htm

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the
children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Ambushments (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ambushments (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 20:22
And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ...
/a/ambushments.htm - 6k

Ambushment (3 Occurrences)

/a/ambushment.htm - 7k

Amead (1 Occurrence)

/a/amead.htm - 6k

Singing (65 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:22 And at the time they have begun with singing and praise, Jehovah
hath put ambushments against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who ...
/s/singing.htm - 29k

Begun (50 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 20:22 And at the time they have begun with singing and praise, Jehovah
hath put ambushments against the sons of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, who ...
/b/begun.htm - 21k

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