Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: "Engines" Used

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In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks is a significant aspect of ancient warfare, reflecting both the discipline and organization required for successful military campaigns. The Bible provides numerous accounts of armies and their strategic movements, often highlighting the importance of order and unity among soldiers.

Marching in Ranks

The practice of marching in ranks is indicative of a well-organized military force. This formation allowed for efficient movement and communication, as well as the ability to present a formidable front to the enemy. The Bible often uses military imagery to convey spiritual truths, emphasizing the need for believers to be disciplined and united in their spiritual battles.

One notable example of marching in ranks is found in the account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites demonstrated remarkable discipline and obedience to God's commands, which included specific instructions on how to approach and conquer the fortified city of Jericho (Joshua 6:1-5). The Israelites' adherence to God's strategy, marching in silence around the city for six days and then with a shout on the seventh, underscores the importance of order and divine guidance in achieving victory.

Engines Used

In addition to the disciplined marching of troops, ancient armies often employed various "engines" or siege devices to gain an advantage in battle. These engines were mechanical contrivances designed to breach fortified structures, such as walls and gates, which were common in ancient cities.

The Bible provides insight into the use of such engines in warfare. For instance, during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah, engines were constructed to enhance the kingdom's military capabilities. "He made skillfully designed devices in Jerusalem to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners" (2 Chronicles 26:15). These engines, likely similar to catapults or ballistae, were instrumental in defending the city and projecting power against adversaries.

The use of engines in biblical times reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient armies. It also serves as a reminder of the ever-present need for preparation and readiness in the face of spiritual and physical challenges. Just as physical engines were used to overcome obstacles in warfare, believers are called to equip themselves with spiritual "engines"—faith, prayer, and the Word of God—to stand firm against the forces of darkness.

In conclusion, the biblical portrayal of armies marching in ranks and the use of engines in warfare highlights the importance of discipline, unity, and preparation. These principles, while rooted in historical military practices, offer valuable lessons for spiritual warfare and the Christian life. As believers, we are called to march in unity, equipped with the full armor of God, ready to face the battles that lie ahead.

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2 Chronicles 26:15
And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and on the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones with. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.
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Jeremiah 6:6
For thus has the LORD of hosts said, Hew you down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; she is wholly oppression in the middle of her.
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Library

A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ...
... CHAPTER 5. A Description Of The Roman Armies And Roman ... gone out of their camp, they
all march without noise ... for soldiers running away from the ranks, but for ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of.htm

The Armour of God
... as good soldiers,"stand; keep their ranks, and find ... and ruined, till wherever their
armies passed"as ... Christ's soldiers were beginning their march over the ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... Words and music together, the piece ranks with the foremost ... hymn of his which is
widely used is ... Beneath the glowing arch The ransomed armies march, We follow on ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

A Willing People and an Immutable Leader
... been "woefully perverted." We believe that the text has been very properly used
to show ... Do armies march to the battle to force the sky to give up its treasure ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/a willing people and an.htm

Archaisms in the Hymns
... [34]. 2. WORDS USED IN AN OBSOLETE SENSE. ... Gibbon, in describing the rise of Islam,
refers again and again to the march of the Unitarian armies, the advance ...
/.../iii archaisms in the hymns.htm

Paul Eber
... He went home in cold March weather, wounded to the ... War, few hymns were more constantly
used both in ... composed in 1547, when the Imperial armies were besieging ...
//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/paul eber.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... The narrative shows us the two armies confronting each ... the Midianites were on their
homeward march, laden with ... from this thinning of the ranks; namely, that we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

Drill and Enthusiasm
... in the days when there were no standing armies. They 'could keep rank,' could march
together, had been ... in varying offices, there must be degrees and ranks. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/drill and enthusiasm.htm

The Death of Cyrus.
... if he should invade her dominions and encounter her armies. ... to his future fate on
this memorable march affected even ... way, that is, by being always used as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter xii the death of.htm

Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... For as generals in waging wars do not always march their armies over pleasant ... of
which are not much to be commended while they are being used, but after ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/knowledge and self-confidence.htm