Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Mustering, in biblical terms, refers to the gathering or assembling of troops for military service or battle. This concept is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where the Israelites and other nations often prepared for warfare by mustering their armies. The act of mustering involves organizing, numbering, and equipping soldiers for combat, reflecting both the physical and spiritual readiness required for battle. Biblical Instances: The practice of mustering is evident in several key biblical narratives, highlighting the importance of preparation and divine guidance in warfare. 1. Numbers 1:2-3: The Lord commands Moses to take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. "You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army." This passage underscores the systematic approach to mustering, ensuring that every capable man is accounted for in preparation for the journey and battles ahead. 2. 1 Samuel 15:4: "So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah." Here, King Saul musters his forces to fight against the Amalekites, demonstrating the king's role in rallying and organizing the nation for war. 3. 2 Samuel 24:9: "Joab reported to the king the number of the fighting men: In Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and in Judah 500,000." This instance of mustering, though later regretted by King David, illustrates the extensive process of counting and preparing the military forces of Israel. 4. Judges 7:2-3: Gideon's account provides a unique perspective on mustering. The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” Here, the mustering process is divinely adjusted to ensure that the victory is attributed to God's power rather than human strength. Spiritual Significance: Mustering in the Bible often carries a deeper spiritual significance beyond the physical preparation for battle. It symbolizes the readiness and willingness of God's people to engage in spiritual warfare, relying on divine strength and guidance. The act of mustering serves as a reminder of the need for order, discipline, and trust in God's providence. Lessons and Applications: · Preparation and Readiness: Mustering teaches the importance of being prepared and ready for the challenges and battles of life, both physically and spiritually. · Divine Dependence: The biblical accounts of mustering emphasize reliance on God rather than human strength or numbers, encouraging believers to trust in His sovereignty. · Leadership and Organization: Effective leadership and organization are crucial in mustering, reflecting the need for structure and unity within the community of faith. Conclusion: While the Bible does not provide a direct command for mustering in the modern sense, the principles derived from these accounts encourage believers to be vigilant, prepared, and reliant on God in all aspects of life, particularly in spiritual battles. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Muster.Strong's Hebrew 6486. pequddah -- oversight, mustering, visitation, store... 6485, 6486. pequddah. 6487 . oversight, mustering, visitation, store. Transliteration: pequddah Phonetic Spelling: (pek-ood-daw') Short Definition: ... /hebrew/6486.htm - 6k 6485. paqad -- to attend to, visit, muster, appoint Library A Song of Deliverance The Adventures of Saint David of Wales. Renewal of Hostilities Between the Romans and Persians after the ... How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ... About Eusebius, Bishop of Samosata. Veni, Sequere Me LM Mrs. Barbauld. The Christian Warfare. Christian, Seek not yet Repose Choosing Her Course Not Now, but Hereafter! Thesaurus Mustering (1 Occurrence)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Muster. Multi-Version Concordance Mustering (1 Occurrence). ... Yahweh of Armies is mustering the army for the battle. (WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV). ... /m/mustering.htm - 6k Warfare (18 Occurrences) War (529 Occurrences) Mute (29 Occurrences) Ittai (9 Occurrences) Mustereth (2 Occurrences) Banner (20 Occurrences) Uproar (33 Occurrences) Kingdoms (65 Occurrences) Noise (126 Occurrences) Resources Mustering: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Mustering (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 13:4 Subtopics Related Terms |