Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Battle Shouts

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In the biblical context, the organization and movement of armies, particularly their marching in ranks and the use of battle shouts, are significant elements that reflect both the physical and spiritual dimensions of warfare. The Bible provides numerous accounts of armies marching in ranks and employing battle shouts as part of their military strategy and spiritual warfare.

Marching in Ranks

The concept of marching in ranks is a demonstration of order, discipline, and unity among the troops. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are often depicted as a well-organized army, moving in ranks as they journeyed through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. This organization was not only practical for military engagements but also symbolic of their obedience to God's commands.

In the book of Numbers, the Israelites are instructed on how to camp and march in a specific order, with each tribe having its designated position (Numbers 2:1-34). This orderly arrangement was crucial for maintaining cohesion and readiness for battle. The marching in ranks also served as a reminder of God's presence and guidance, as the Ark of the Covenant led the way.

The prophet Joel uses the imagery of an army marching in ranks to describe the coming day of the Lord: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course" (Joel 2:7). This passage highlights the precision and determination of an army that moves with purpose and unity, reflecting the divine order and judgment.

Battle Shouts

Battle shouts in the Bible are more than mere cries of war; they are expressions of faith, courage, and reliance on God's power. The shout of a warrior often signified the beginning of an attack and served to intimidate the enemy while rallying the troops.

One of the most famous instances of a battle shout is found in the account of the fall of Jericho. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were commanded to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, they were to shout after the priests blew the trumpets: "When you hear them sound a long blast on the ram’s horn, have all the people give a loud shout. Then the wall of the city will collapse, and the people will go up, every man straight in" (Joshua 6:5). This shout was an act of faith, demonstrating their trust in God's promise to deliver the city into their hands.

In the account of David and Goliath, David's confidence in the Lord is evident as he approaches the giant with a declaration of faith: "David said to the Philistine, 'You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied'" (1 Samuel 17:45). David's words serve as a spiritual battle shout, proclaiming the supremacy of God over human strength.

The use of battle shouts is also seen in the New Testament, where spiritual warfare is emphasized. The apostle Paul encourages believers to stand firm in the spiritual battle, using the armor of God and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). While not a literal shout, the proclamation of God's word serves as a powerful weapon against spiritual adversaries.

In summary, the biblical depiction of armies marching in ranks and using battle shouts underscores the importance of order, unity, and faith in both physical and spiritual battles. These elements reflect a deep reliance on God's guidance and power, serving as a model for believers in their own spiritual journeys.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 7:18
When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow you the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon.
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1 Samuel 17:20,52
And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
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Library

Missionary Hymns.
... Words and music together, the piece ranks with the ... Leads against the foe; Forward
into battle, See, His ... the glowing arch The ransomed armies march, We follow on ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

The New Song
... but for that right wing bring up the reserves, let not the ranks be broken. ... The blood
on Madagascar's rocks shall not defeat the on-march of God's armies. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the new song.htm

The Retreat from Scythia.
... When Darius commenced his march from the river, the ... The two armies were encamped
at a moderate distance from ... and soldiers, had abandoned their ranks to enjoy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ix the retreat from.htm

The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers
... how, on many a well-fought field, the ranks of Rome ... His head, rides at the head of
the armies of heaven ... of an army through the dust of the march, the outriders ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heavenly workers and the.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Henry Hedge, DD, born in Cambridge, March 1805, a ... morning, with the Bohemian and
Austrian armies of Emperor ... he was kept too busy to enter the singers' ranks. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.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

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