In the context of the Bible, the term "marshal" is not frequently encountered, but it can be understood through its role and function in ancient societies, particularly within the military and ceremonial structures of Israel and surrounding nations. The concept of a marshal, as understood in biblical times, aligns closely with roles such as military officers, leaders, or those responsible for organizing and maintaining order within an army or a large assembly.

Biblical References and Context

While the specific term "marshal" may not appear directly in many English translations of the Bible, the role is often implied through descriptions of military and organizational leadership. In ancient Israel, the organization of the army and the maintenance of order during both wartime and ceremonial events were crucial. Leaders who fulfilled these roles were responsible for ensuring that the commands of kings and generals were executed efficiently.

In the Old Testament, the organization of the Israelite army is detailed in several passages. For instance, in 1 Samuel 8:12, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the implications of having a king, stating, "He will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots." Here, the "commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties" can be seen as fulfilling roles similar to that of marshals, organizing and leading troops.

The role of marshals can also be inferred from the descriptions of military campaigns and the organization of the tribes of Israel. In Numbers 2, the arrangement of the Israelite camp around the Tabernacle is described, with each tribe having a specific position and leader. This structured organization reflects the need for marshals or leaders to maintain order and ensure the efficient movement and readiness of the people.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, marshals were essential in maintaining the discipline and effectiveness of armies. They were responsible for the logistics of troop movements, the enforcement of military discipline, and the implementation of strategic plans. This role was critical in a time when communication and coordination were limited by the technology of the era.

The role of a marshal would have required a combination of leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and command respect from the troops. These leaders were often appointed based on their experience, loyalty, and proven ability to lead men in battle.

Spiritual and Theological Implications

From a spiritual perspective, the role of marshals in the Bible can be seen as a reflection of God's order and structure within His creation. Just as marshals were responsible for maintaining order within the army, God is depicted as a God of order, not chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33). The organization of the Israelite camp and army underlines the importance of obedience and discipline in following God's commands.

Furthermore, the concept of leadership and responsibility inherent in the role of a marshal can be related to the broader biblical theme of stewardship. Leaders, whether in a military, religious, or community context, are called to be faithful stewards of the responsibilities entrusted to them, serving with integrity and dedication.

In summary, while the specific term "marshal" may not be prevalent in the biblical text, the role it represents is integral to understanding the organization and leadership within ancient Israel and the surrounding cultures. The principles of order, leadership, and stewardship associated with marshals continue to hold spiritual significance for believers today.2951. tiphsar -- a scribe, marshal
... Definition: marshal. Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a scribe, marshal
NASB Word Usage marshal (1), marshals (1). captain. Of ...
/hebrew/2951.htm - 5k

A Refutation on the Ground of the Constitution of the Universe.
... But who, then, is the sagacious discriminator, [662] that brings certain atoms into
collocation, and separates others; and marshals some in such wise as to ...
/.../dionysius/the works of dionysius/iii a refutation on the.htm

Thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
... Therefore he chafes and rages as a fierce enemy with all his power and might, and
marshals all his subjects, and, in addition enlists the world and our own ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thy will be done on.htm

The Child in the Midst.
... For the childlike is the divine, and the very word "marshals me the way that I was
going." But I must delay my ascent to the final argument in order to remove ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the child in the midst.htm

Not Now, but Hereafter!
... He does not, in hurried passion, send against them a handful of soldiers to inflict
instant and petty chastisement, he waits awhile, and marshals all his hosts ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/not now but hereafter.htm

Be Brave
... His troops were driven back. One of his marshals, who with his troops had not
arrived in time for the conflict, came up during the retreat. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-six be brave.htm

Healing for the Wounded
... we adore a mighty God, and our soul naturally falls prostrate in reverential awe
before the throne of him who leads the host of heaven, and marshals the stars ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/healing for the wounded.htm

Love's Triumph
... I simply wish to bring out the remarkable order, in which Paul here marshals, in
his passionate, rhetorical amplification, all the enemies that can be supposed ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/loves triumph.htm

To Theonilla.
... even while you are remembering your long companionship, reason recognises the divine
decrees, and to meet the forces of the tears of sorrow marshals at once ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/vii to theonilla.htm

He Surpassed all Preceding Emperors in Devotion to God.
... from this challenge. He marshals the great emperors before the gods, where
each presents his claim to greatness. Constantine is ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxxv he surpassed all preceding.htm

Jericho; Or, the Waters Healed. 2Ki 2:19-22
... Will yield to no limits or bars; He measures the earth and the skies,. And numbers
and marshals the stars. Yet still he is barren of good; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 37 jericho or the.htm

Marshals (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Marshals (1 Occurrence). Nahum 3:17 Thy princes are
as the locusts, and thy marshals as the swarms of grasshoppers ...
/m/marshals.htm - 6k

Marshalled (2 Occurrences)

/m/marshalled.htm - 7k

Marshal's (1 Occurrence)

/m/marshal's.htm - 6k

Swarming (19 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:17 Thy crowned are as the locusts, and thy marshals as the swarms of
grasshoppers, which camp in the walls in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth ...
/s/swarming.htm - 12k

Settling (3 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:17 Thy crowned are as the locusts, and thy marshals as the swarms of
grasshoppers, which camp in the walls in the cold day, but when the sun ariseth ...
/s/settling.htm - 7k

Locust (25 Occurrences)
... thy marshals (are) as the swarms of grasshoppers (Hebrew gobh gobhay; the King James
Version "great grasshoppers"), which encamp in the hedges in the cold day ...
/l/locust.htm - 34k

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