Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Ark Taken to Battle

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of armies marching in ranks is a significant theme, particularly when the Ark of the Covenant is involved in military campaigns. The Ark, representing the presence and power of God among the Israelites, was sometimes taken into battle as a divine assurance of victory. This practice underscores the belief in God's direct involvement in the affairs of His chosen people.

The Ark in Battle:

One of the most notable instances of the Ark being taken into battle is found in the account of the Israelites' conflict with the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites, facing defeat, decide to bring the Ark from Shiloh to the battlefield at Ebenezer, hoping it would secure their victory. The elders of Israel said, "Let us bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Shiloh, so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies" (1 Samuel 4:3).

The presence of the Ark initially instills fear in the Philistines, who recognize its significance and recall the mighty acts of God in Egypt. However, despite the Israelites' confidence, the battle results in a devastating defeat, and the Ark is captured by the Philistines. This event highlights the danger of treating the Ark as a mere talisman rather than respecting it as the sacred symbol of God's covenant and presence.

Symbolism and Significance:

The Ark's role in battle is deeply symbolic. It signifies God's throne on earth, His covenant with Israel, and His guidance and protection. When the Israelites marched in ranks with the Ark, it was a visible reminder of their dependence on God for victory. The Ark's capture by the Philistines serves as a divine rebuke to Israel for their presumption and lack of true faith.

Lessons from the Ark's Capture:

The capture of the Ark teaches several important lessons. Firstly, it underscores the necessity of genuine faith and obedience to God rather than relying on religious symbols or rituals. Secondly, it demonstrates God's sovereignty and the futility of attempting to manipulate His power for personal or national gain. Lastly, the eventual return of the Ark to Israel (1 Samuel 6) illustrates God's mercy and the restoration of His presence among His people when they repent and seek Him earnestly.

Military Organization and Divine Order:

The Israelites' military organization, including their marching in ranks, reflects a divinely ordained order. This order is not merely for strategic purposes but also for maintaining holiness and reverence for God's presence. The Ark, when carried into battle, was to be borne by the Levites, emphasizing the sacredness of the task and the need for purity and dedication among those who served in God's army.

In summary, the narrative of the Ark taken to battle serves as a profound reminder of the importance of faith, obedience, and reverence for God. It illustrates the consequences of treating the divine with casual familiarity and the blessings that follow when God's people align themselves with His will and purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 6:6,7,13
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 4:4-11
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwells between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
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Library

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... recording, from the slowness of their march, and want ... came upon the Hebrews with
greater armies; nay, indeed ... and evident victory; for the several ranks of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

Christ Triumphant
... See how countless their armies, and how fierce their ... Silently at first he permits
their ranks to break upon him ... Mark the heroes as they march along the golden ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

The Census of Israel
... in their armies to fight giant races, and armies versed in ... them, and there they stood
in their ranks, full of ... The march of the generations is not a procession ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... so that there was no confusion on the march, and in ... done decently and in order."
As in the ranks each man ... Just now two armies have encamped against the host of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Soldier Priests
... which echo these and interpret them: 'The armies which were in ... that dress no man
finds a place in the ranks. ... those whom He treads down in His march to victory ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Patriotic Hymns.
... it is still sung) was "The President's March," by a ... frequently heard from every fife
in the New England ranks. ... the marching chorus of the Federal armies of the ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ix patriotic hymns.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... river, the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with ... at the head of his own contingent.*
Their armies were made ... Hophni and Phineas, are dead, and the ark of God ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... army, and who traversed, both in their march and in ... Mohammedan power was extended
by these armies, which till ... according to the closeness of the ranks, and the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... by a monarchy, they had narratives of the ark of the ... in 765 and 755, which brought
his armies right up ... in excellent fighting order, and ready to march in any ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Footnotes
... Monk returned from his first projected march into England ... On one of the occasions,
she was taken to Edinburgh ... Gillespie's work, entitled "The Ark of the Covenant ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm