Topical Bible: Armies: Compulsory Service In

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In the biblical context, the concept of compulsory military service, or conscription, is evident in several instances throughout the Old Testament. The formation and mobilization of armies were crucial for the defense and expansion of the Israelite nation, and at times, service was mandated by the ruling authority.

Early Instances of Conscription

The first notable instance of compulsory service can be traced back to the time of Moses. In Numbers 1:2-3 , God 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 directive indicates that military service was expected of all able-bodied men of a certain age, establishing a precedent for organized military conscription.

The Monarchical Period

During the reign of King Saul, the first king of Israel, the need for a standing army became more pronounced. In 1 Samuel 14:52 , it is noted, "There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul. Whenever Saul noticed any strong or valiant man, he would enlist him." This suggests a form of selective conscription based on physical prowess and valor, as Saul sought to strengthen his military forces against persistent threats.

King David, Saul's successor, further institutionalized military service. In 1 Chronicles 27, the organization of David's army is detailed, describing a system where military divisions were on duty month by month throughout the year, each division consisting of 24,000 men. This rotational system implies a structured and ongoing requirement for military service among the Israelites.

Solomon's Reign and Beyond

Under King Solomon, the practice of conscription continued, though it took on additional dimensions. Solomon's extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple, required a large labor force. In 1 Kings 5:13-14 , it is recorded, "Then King Solomon conscripted a labor force of thirty thousand men from all Israel. He sent them to Lebanon in shifts of ten thousand per month, so that they would spend one month in Lebanon and two months at home." While this conscription was for labor rather than military service, it reflects the broader application of compulsory service during his reign.

Prophetic and Legal Perspectives

The prophets and legal texts of the Old Testament also address the issue of military service. Deuteronomy 20 provides guidelines for warfare, including exemptions from military service for certain individuals, such as those who have built a new house, planted a vineyard, or are betrothed (Deuteronomy 20:5-7). This indicates a recognition of personal circumstances that might preclude compulsory service.

Furthermore, the prophet Samuel warned the Israelites about the potential abuses of monarchical power, including the conscription of their sons for military service. In 1 Samuel 8:11-12 , Samuel cautions, "This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots."

Conclusion

The practice of compulsory military service in ancient Israel was a significant aspect of the nation's defense strategy and governance. It evolved from a tribal levy system to a more organized and institutionalized form under the monarchy, reflecting the growing complexity and demands of the Israelite state. The biblical narrative provides a nuanced view of conscription, balancing the necessity of military readiness with considerations of personal and communal obligations.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:52
And there was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saul: and when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him to him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Significance of Compulsory Service.
... All Privileges of Ruling Classes Based on Violence"The Increase of Armies up to
Point of Universal Service"Universal Compulsory Service Destroys all the ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vii significance of compulsory.htm

Attitude of Men of the Present Day to War.
... of Thought to War, to Universal Militarism, and to Compulsory Service in Army ... du
Camp"Value of Boards of Arbitration and Suppression of Armies"Attitude of ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vi attitude of men.htm

Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... For our armies are simply gangs of slaves at the disposal of one or two ... the worst
form of slavery, especially now when by means of compulsory service it lays ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm

The Acceptance of the Christian Conception of Life Will Emancipate ...
... of this is the Submission to Compulsory Military Service ... in slavery, especially the
duty of military service? ... of officials, prisons, churches, armies, on things ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter ix the acceptance of.htm

Soldier Priests
... God does not want compulsory submission ... the men of Christ's household are ennobled
by their service. ... which echo these and interpret them: 'The armies which were ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... and the great ones of his kingdom, cannot deliberate with him on matters of state,
without inaugurating the proceeding by a sort of solemn service in his honour ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... cries of their backers; and when armies are drawn ... Thus this poor novice in Christ's
service was sorely ... if mutilation ensures in them a compulsory chastity, you ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... His compulsory suicide occurred AD65, the year in which St ... choirs have little use
in religious service for the ... the marching chorus of the Federal armies of the ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
... taketh him [Matthew emphasizes the compulsory companionship of ... cities, lands and
people, their armies, treasures and ... is the source of all acceptable service. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xix jesus tempted in the.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... the apostasy of their brethren, the compulsory circumcision of ... power was extended
by these armies, which till ... was celebrated instead of divine service in the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm