Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of levying armies is deeply rooted in the history and governance of ancient Israel. The formation and maintenance of armies were essential for the defense and expansion of the nation, as well as for fulfilling divine mandates. The practice of levying armies is documented throughout the Old Testament, reflecting both the organizational structure and the spiritual dimensions of military service.
Early Instances and Divine MandateThe earliest instances of organized military action in Israel can be traced back to the patriarchal period. Abraham, for example, mustered 318 trained men born in his household to rescue Lot (
Genesis 14:14). This early example illustrates the practice of assembling a fighting force from one's own household or clan.
The formalization of military levies became more pronounced during the Exodus and the subsequent conquest of Canaan. 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, who is able to serve in the army. This census was not merely for administrative purposes but was a divine directive to prepare for the conquest of the Promised Land.
The Monarchical PeriodWith the establishment of the monarchy, the organization of Israel's military forces became more structured. King Saul, Israel's first king, is noted for his efforts to form a standing army. In
1 Samuel 13:2, Saul chose three thousand men from Israel for his army, indicating a shift from ad hoc levies to a more permanent military establishment.
King David further developed the military capabilities of Israel. He is credited with organizing a formidable army, which included a group of elite warriors known as the "mighty men" (
2 Samuel 23:8-39). David's military successes were seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to Israel, and his army played a crucial role in expanding the nation's borders.
Solomon, David's son, continued to maintain a strong military presence. In
1 Kings 9:22, it is noted that Solomon did not make slaves of the Israelites; they were his soldiers, officials, commanders, captains, and chariot and cavalry commanders. This indicates a well-organized military structure that relied on the levying of Israelite men for service.
The Role of Prophets and Divine GuidanceThroughout Israel's history, the levying of armies was often accompanied by prophetic guidance and divine intervention. The prophets frequently played a role in advising kings on military matters, emphasizing the need for reliance on God rather than sheer military might. For instance, in
2 Chronicles 20:15, the prophet Jahaziel assures King Jehoshaphat, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's."
Spiritual and Moral ConsiderationsThe levying of armies in Israel was not merely a political or military necessity but also carried spiritual and moral implications. The soldiers were often reminded of their covenant relationship with God and the righteousness of their cause. In
Deuteronomy 20:1-4, the Israelites are instructed not to be afraid when they go to war against their enemies, for the Lord their God is with them.
Moreover, the law provided exemptions for certain individuals from military service, reflecting a compassionate and just approach to conscription.
Deuteronomy 20:5-8 outlines exemptions for those who had built a new house, planted a vineyard, betrothed a wife, or were fearful and fainthearted.
ConclusionThe practice of levying armies in ancient Israel was a complex interplay of divine command, national necessity, and spiritual obedience. It highlights the importance of military readiness in the life of the nation while underscoring the ultimate reliance on God's providence and guidance.
Nave's Topical Index
Numbers 31:4Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall you send to the war.
Nave's Topical IndexJudges 20:10
And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have worked in Israel.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Bible
... Armies are no longer mere levies or hired cohorts, every man in the nation capable
of bearing arms or in any wise doing military duty is enrolled, and must ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/the bible.htm
Drill and Enthusiasm
... war and fully equipped, but they had some measure of discipline too, a rare thing
in the days when there were no standing armies. ... David's levies could keep rank ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/drill and enthusiasm.htm
That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... The levies appointed, which would have been a considerable force for the defence
of the ... with them, and putting the power of judicatories and armies in their ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm
On the Government of God
... of Romans to, 142; heresy of, 137, 200, 203; use of in Roman armies, 202n; victories ...
in the Roman Empire, 3 f., 22 f., 106, 109, 142 if.; extra levies from poor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/index 2.htm
The Fifth Book
... In their honor new contributions and tax levies are decreed. ... their revolt again assumed
serious proportions; their troops were now regular armies and their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm
The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... in order to provide crews for their vessels or garrisons for their trading posts;
it was impossible, therefore, for them to think of raising armies fit to ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm
Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Thutmosis I., on entering Syria, encountered therefore only the native levies, and
it must ... oppose a compact body of troops to the attack of the African armies. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The two armies watched each other for a fortnight, Datis expecting a popular outbreak
which would render an engagement unnecessary, Miltiades waiting patiently ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm
Disestablishment
... "A nation without fleets, without armies, with an ... Register, asserts that the General
Court has sole power to make and repeal laws, grant levies, dispose of ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm
The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... year there will be scenes of bloody conflict, in which petty armies will fight ... he
would have to submit to their demands, and the most exorbitant levies of toll ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm
Resources
Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the heavenly hosts? | GotQuestions.orgDoes China have a role in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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Bible Thesuarus
