Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, armies often marched in ranks, a disciplined formation that was crucial for maintaining order and effectiveness in battle. The concept of mercenaries—soldiers for hire—also appears in the Scriptures, reflecting the diverse composition of ancient military forces.
Marching in RanksThe Bible frequently describes armies marching in ranks, emphasizing the order and discipline required for successful military campaigns. In
Joel 2:7, the prophet describes a disciplined army: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course." This imagery underscores the importance of unity and coordination in achieving military objectives.
Mercenaries in the BibleMercenaries, or hired soldiers, were a common feature in the ancient Near East, including in the biblical narrative. These soldiers were often employed by kings and rulers to supplement their native forces, providing additional manpower and expertise.
1.
David's Mighty Men: While not mercenaries in the strictest sense, David's band of mighty men included individuals from various backgrounds who pledged their loyalty to him. These men, described in
2 Samuel 23 and
1 Chronicles 11, were instrumental in David's military successes. Their diverse origins reflect the broader practice of assembling forces from different regions and backgrounds.
2.
The Philistine Army: The Philistines, frequent adversaries of Israel, often employed mercenaries. In
1 Samuel 29, David himself is found among the Philistine ranks, having sought refuge with Achish, the king of Gath. Although David was not a mercenary in the traditional sense, his presence among the Philistines illustrates the fluidity of military alliances and the use of foreign warriors.
3.
The Egyptian Army: In
Jeremiah 46:21, the prophet speaks of mercenaries in the Egyptian army: "Even her mercenaries are like fattened calves; they too will turn and flee together. They will not stand their ground, for the day of disaster is upon them, the time of their punishment." This passage highlights the reliance on hired soldiers and their potential unreliability in times of crisis.
4.
The Hired Army of Israel: In
2 Chronicles 25:6, King Amaziah of Judah hired 100,000 mighty men of valor from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. However, a prophet warned him against relying on these mercenaries, leading Amaziah to dismiss them. This incident illustrates the tension between reliance on human strength and trust in divine providence.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of mercenaries in biblical times raises questions about reliance on human strength versus divine guidance. While mercenaries could provide necessary support, the biblical narrative often emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will and trusting in His provision. The accounts of Israel's battles frequently highlight that victory comes not merely through military might but through faithfulness to God and His commands.
In summary, the Bible presents a nuanced view of armies and mercenaries, recognizing their practical role in warfare while also cautioning against over-reliance on human resources at the expense of spiritual fidelity.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Samuel 10:6And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank before David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Bethrehob and the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, and of king Maacah a thousand men, and of Ishtob twelve thousand men.
Nave's Topical Index1 Chronicles 19:6,7
And when the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syriamaachah, and out of Zobah.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Chronicles 25:5,6
Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
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
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of those at least who belonged to the league of Delos, and he promised that his
armies on land should never advance further than three days' march from the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm
The Close of the Theban Empire
... He was able, moreover, without arresting his march, to carry ... back by the soldiers
of the ranks, had introduced ... of the care of commanding their armies; and as ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm
The Iranian Conquest
... alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the march he fell
in with a Persian ... if only money could be found for paying his mercenaries. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... indeed, little more than a military march through the ... had begun to break through
the ranks, when Amenemhabi ... of Abyssinia to those of Cilicia her armies held the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... I. and the Ionian and Carian mercenaries; final retreat ... converted all the small feudal
armies which had ... which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
The Reaction against Egypt
... continued, in spite of them, to march southward, and ... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians,
were the national armies of these ... first year of Seti, among the ranks of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm
The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... hand when the fear alone of the Assyrian armies would no ... delay: "Go, do not hesitate,
for we march with thee ... were required to fill the vacancies in the ranks. ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm
Chaldaean Civilization
... of the gods had not preceded his march, and if ... merchants, suppliants, and functionaries
of all ranks had easy ... mercenaries, like the Mazaiu of the armies of the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and the Tanite Pharaohs"The Libyan mercenaries and their ... the river Kishon."O my soul,
march on with ... the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
Resources
Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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