Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Delay

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In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks is often associated with order, discipline, and the execution of divine judgment or deliverance. The imagery of an army moving in unison reflects the organized and purposeful nature of God's plans, as well as the human response to divine command. However, the notion of delay in the march of armies can signify a variety of spiritual and practical implications within the biblical narrative.

Biblical Instances of Delay:

1. Israel's Wilderness Journey:
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a prominent example of delay in the march of an army. Due to disobedience and lack of faith, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering Canaan. This delay was a direct result of their failure to trust in God's promises and their reluctance to follow His commands. Numbers 14:33-34 states, "Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years and bear the brunt of your unfaithfulness until your bodies lie scattered in the wilderness. For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your iniquities and know My displeasure."

2. Gideon's Army:
In Judges 7, Gideon's army experienced a delay in their march against the Midianites as God instructed Gideon to reduce the number of his troops. This delay was purposeful, intended to demonstrate that victory would come not by human strength but by divine intervention. Judges 7:2 records, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’"

3. David's Reign:
David's rise to kingship was marked by delays, as he faced opposition from Saul and his followers. Despite being anointed as king, David had to wait for God's timing to ascend the throne. This period of delay was a time of preparation and testing for David, as he learned to rely on God's guidance and timing. 1 Samuel 24:12 reflects David's patience and trust: "May the LORD judge between you and me, and may the LORD avenge me against you, but my hand will never be against you."

Spiritual Implications of Delay:

· Testing and Refinement:
Delays in the march of armies often serve as periods of testing and refinement for God's people. These times are used by God to strengthen faith, develop character, and prepare individuals for future responsibilities. The delay is not a sign of God's absence but rather an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on Him.

· Divine Timing:
The delay in the movement of armies underscores the importance of divine timing. God's plans unfold according to His perfect schedule, and human impatience must yield to His sovereign will. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

· Obedience and Trust:
Delays challenge believers to maintain obedience and trust in God's promises. The faithful are called to wait patiently, knowing that God's purposes will ultimately prevail. Isaiah 40:31 encourages, "But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."

In summary, the concept of delay in the march of armies within the Bible serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty, the necessity of faith, and the importance of aligning with His divine purposes.

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2 Samuel 17:7-14
And Hushai said to Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time.
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Library

Missionary Hymns.
... Words and music together, the piece ranks with the ... make haste, there's no time for
delay, Speed away! ... the glowing arch The ransomed armies march, We follow on ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

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

Mahanaim: the Two Camps
... any sworded seraphim be seen on our commonplace march, we too have all the armies
of heaven ... No, for their ranks are arrayed around God's children to keep ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mahanaim the two camps.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... he that shall bridle a cloud, or stop it in its march? ... God who doeth as he wills
in the armies of heaven ... Many an army has swelled its ranks with recruits, who ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

How Herod Made War with the King of Arabia, and after they had ...
... great taxes, and raised great armies therewith, got ... following him in their several
ranks: whereupon a ... by our misfortunes; but when we boldly march against them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how herod made.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 Life of Mr. John Knox.
... is blown on both sides for assembling their armies: our master ... she caused her French
army to march towards the ... and a great multitude of people of all ranks. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john.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 Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... revolt to be of sufficient gravity to delay his plans ... of Delos, and he promised that
his armies on land ... never advance further than three days' march from the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... policy of the war, which pervaded all ranks of society ... boasting of the prowess exhibited
by our armies upon the ... "We should have failed in our march through New ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm