Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, armies are often depicted as organized and disciplined forces, marching in ranks to achieve a common goal. This imagery is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to convey the strength, unity, and purpose of a group of people, whether they be the Israelites, their enemies, or even spiritual forces.
Marching in RanksThe concept of marching in ranks is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament, where the Israelites are described as a well-ordered host. In the wilderness, the tribes of Israel were arranged in a specific order around the Tabernacle, each with its own standard and leader, as commanded by God (
Numbers 2:1-34). This organization was not only practical for travel and encampment but also symbolized the unity and divine order among God's people.
The prophet Joel uses the imagery of an army marching in ranks to describe the locust plague that would come upon Israel as a judgment from God.
Joel 2:7-8 states, "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course. They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks." This passage emphasizes the discipline and unstoppable nature of the invading force, serving as a metaphor for the impending judgment.
Sharing the SpoilsThe sharing of spoils is a recurring theme in biblical narratives involving military conquest. After a victorious battle, it was customary for the spoils of war—goods, livestock, and sometimes captives—to be divided among the victors. This practice is seen in several accounts throughout the Old Testament.
In the conquest of Canaan, God instructed the Israelites to devote certain cities and their possessions to destruction, while in other instances, they were permitted to take the spoils. For example, after the defeat of the Midianites, the Israelites took the spoils, which were then divided among the warriors and the community, with a portion given as an offering to the Lord (
Numbers 31:25-30).
The account of David and the Amalekites provides another example. When David and his men recovered their families and possessions from the Amalekites, David established a principle of equitable distribution of the spoils.
1 Samuel 30:24-25 records David's words: "Who will listen to your words? The share of the one who goes into battle is to be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share alike." This decree became a statute in Israel, highlighting the importance of fairness and unity among God's people.
Spiritual ApplicationIn the New Testament, the concept of marching in ranks and sharing the spoils takes on a spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, speaks of the spiritual armor of God, urging believers to stand firm and united against the forces of evil (
Ephesians 6:10-18). This passage reflects the disciplined and organized nature of a spiritual army, marching in ranks under the leadership of Christ.
Furthermore, the spoils of Christ's victory over sin and death are shared with all believers. In
Colossians 2:15 , Paul writes, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." The victory of Christ is shared with His followers, who are called to partake in the spiritual blessings and inheritance that come through faith in Him.
In summary, the biblical portrayal of armies marching in ranks and sharing the spoils serves as a powerful metaphor for the unity, discipline, and shared victory of God's people, both in historical and spiritual contexts.
Nave's Topical Index
Numbers 31:25-47And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... and had begun to break through the ranks, when Amenemhabi, an ... of Thutmosis III, as
the 20th of March, 1503, and ... of turning to good account the armies which his ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm
The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... pious foundations a yearly income out of his domain land or from the spoils of his ...
reject the rigid constraints of such a life, and who seek to share the rank ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... [Illustration: 322b.jpg TWO COMPANIES ON THE MARCH]. ... foot-soldiers, and, breaking
up their ranks, would tread ... were considerable: they commanded armies, built or ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm
The Iranian Conquest
... contracted with them fruitful alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and
prohibited ... On the march he fell in with a Persian groom named OEbaras,* who ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
The Close of the Theban Empire
... He was able, moreover, without arresting his march, to carry ... back by the soldiers
of the ranks, had introduced ... of the care of commanding their armies; and as ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... before the onset of the Assyrian ranks, who were ... showed that there were then two
armies, engaged at ... completed, the army continued its march, sweeping before it ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... the eastern half of Elam as his share of the ... Cyaxares converted all the small feudal
armies which had ... which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... of offering a serious resistance to the march of a ... duplicate of Anu who had led the
armies of heaven in ... field, slaves and productive lands"fell to his share. ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm
The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... from April 2, 1869, to March 21, 1870, and from April 2, 1870, to March 21, 1871 ...
This was true of all ranks of society, headed by the sacerdotal colleges of the ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm
The Reaction against Egypt
... continued, in spite of them, to march southward, and ... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians,
were the national armies of these ... first year of Seti, among the ranks of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.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 •
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