Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Among the Syrians

◄ Armies: March in Ranks: Among the Syrians ►

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In the ancient Near East, the organization and discipline of armies were crucial for military success. The Syrians, known in the Bible as the Arameans, were one of the prominent groups that frequently engaged in warfare with the Israelites. The Bible provides several accounts of the Syrian armies, highlighting their military strategies, including their ability to march in ranks.

The Syrians, under various kings, were formidable opponents of Israel. Their military prowess is evident in their organized approach to warfare. The ability to march in ranks suggests a level of discipline and coordination that was essential for executing complex battle maneuvers. This organization would have been necessary for both offensive and defensive operations, allowing the Syrians to effectively deploy their forces in battle.

One notable instance of the Syrian military engagement is found in 1 Kings 20, where Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, musters his entire army to besiege Samaria. The text implies a well-organized force capable of laying siege to a city, which would require soldiers to maintain formation and discipline. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "Now Ben-hadad king of Aram gathered all his army, and there were thirty-two kings with him, along with horses and chariots. He marched up, besieged Samaria, and fought against it" (1 Kings 20:1).

The Syrians' ability to march in ranks is further illustrated in their repeated confrontations with Israel. In 2 Kings 6, the Arameans are described as having a strong military presence, which Elisha the prophet is able to thwart through divine intervention. The organized nature of the Syrian army is implied in their strategic movements and the need for Israel to be vigilant against their advances.

The discipline of the Syrian armies is also evident in their use of chariots and cavalry, which required precise coordination and training. The presence of chariots in battle, as mentioned in 1 Kings 20, indicates a sophisticated military structure capable of executing complex tactics. The ability to march in ranks would have been essential for maintaining order and effectiveness in the heat of battle.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the Syrian armies are portrayed as a significant threat to Israel, necessitating divine intervention on several occasions. Their ability to march in ranks reflects their military discipline and the strategic acumen of their leaders. This organization allowed them to be a persistent adversary, challenging Israel's security and sovereignty.

In summary, the Syrian armies' ability to march in ranks is a testament to their military discipline and organization. This capability enabled them to conduct successful military campaigns and posed a continual threat to the Israelites, as recorded in the biblical accounts.

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2 Kings 7:7-15
Why they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.
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Library

The Armour of God
... as good soldiers,"stand; keep their ranks, and find ... Christ's soldiers were beginning
their march over the ... penetrate, too, where the Roman armies never cared ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Above these, again, three musicians march in procession, one ... it offered to the
manoeuvres of large armies, had always ... the onset of the Assyrian ranks, who were ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... witnessed century after century so many armies crossing its ... could be reached only
after a march through a ... same articles of toilet, the same ranks of servants ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.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

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... hand when the fear alone of the Assyrian armies would no ... delay: "Go, do not hesitate,
for we march with thee ... were required to fill the vacancies in the ranks. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... those which were in vogue with the armies of the ... [Illustration: 322b.jpg TWO COMPANIES
ON THE MARCH]. ... foot-soldiers, and, breaking up their ranks, would tread ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... indeed, little more than a military march through the ... had begun to break through
the ranks, when Amenemhabi ... have delegated the direction of his armies to his ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... several points some difference of opinion among historians as ... He could either continue
his march westwards, and ... it till he had annihilated its armies and rased ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... fruitful alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... that Cyrus
had begun by serving among the Kavasses ... On the march he fell in with a Persian ...
/.../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