Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Decoy

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In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks often signifies order, discipline, and strategic planning in warfare. The use of decoys in military tactics is a theme that can be observed in various biblical narratives, where deception and strategic maneuvering play crucial roles in achieving victory or fulfilling divine purposes.

Biblical Instances of Military Strategy and Deception

1. Joshua and the Battle of Ai: One of the most illustrative examples of using a decoy in biblical warfare is found in the account of Joshua's conquest of Ai. After an initial defeat, Joshua devised a plan to lure the men of Ai away from their city by using a decoy force. The main body of Israelite troops pretended to flee, drawing the enemy out. Meanwhile, an ambush was set behind the city. As the men of Ai pursued the decoy, the ambush force entered the city, capturing and setting it on fire. This strategic use of deception is recorded in Joshua 8:5-7 : "And I and all the troops with me will approach the city. When the men come out against us as they did before, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have drawn them away from the city, for they will say, ‘The Israelites are running away from us as they did before.’ So as we flee from them, you are to rise from the ambush and seize the city, for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand."

2. Gideon's Battle Against the Midianites: Another example is found in the account of Gideon, who, with only 300 men, defeated the Midianite army through a divinely inspired strategy that involved creating confusion and fear. Although not a decoy in the traditional sense, the use of trumpets, jars, and torches at night served to mislead and terrify the Midianites into believing they were surrounded by a much larger force. Judges 7:20-22 describes the scene: "The three companies blew their trumpets and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands, they shouted, 'A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!' Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran."

3. David's Tactics Against the Philistines: King David also employed strategic deception in his military campaigns. In 2 Samuel 5:22-25 , David inquired of the LORD whether to attack the Philistines directly. Instead, God instructed him to circle around and attack them in front of the balsam trees, using the sound of marching in the tops of the trees as a signal. This indirect approach served as a divine decoy, ensuring victory: "As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines."

Theological Implications

The use of decoys and strategic deception in biblical warfare narratives underscores the importance of wisdom, discernment, and reliance on divine guidance in achieving victory. These accounts highlight the belief that success in battle is not solely dependent on human strength or numbers but on the favor and direction of God. The narratives serve as reminders of the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and the fulfillment of His purposes through both conventional and unconventional means.

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Joshua 8:4-22
And he commanded them, saying, Behold, you shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be you all ready:
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Judges 20:29-43
And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.
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Nehemiah 6:1
Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors on the gates;)
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