Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Move, in Attack, in Three Divisions

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In the biblical context, the organization and movement of armies were crucial for the success of military campaigns. The Israelites, under divine guidance, often employed strategic formations and tactics that reflected both discipline and divine order. One such tactic was the division of the army into three parts during an attack, a method that is mentioned in several instances throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Instances of Three-Division Tactics

1. Gideon's Strategy Against the Midianites: One of the most notable examples of dividing an army into three parts is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7:16, Gideon, under God's direction, divided his 300 men into three companies to attack the Midianite camp. The text states, "He divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, with a torch inside." This strategic division allowed for a surprise attack that led to a miraculous victory, demonstrating the effectiveness of such a formation when combined with divine intervention.

2. Saul's Attack on the Ammonites: Another instance is found in 1 Samuel 11:11, where Saul organizes his troops into three divisions to launch a surprise attack on the Ammonites. The passage reads, "The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions. During the morning watch, they invaded the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day." This tactic resulted in a decisive victory and showcased Saul's military acumen early in his reign.

3. Abimelech's Assault on Shechem: In Judges 9:43, Abimelech uses a similar strategy against the city of Shechem. The scripture notes, "So he took his men, divided them into three companies, and set an ambush in the fields. When he saw the people coming out of the city, he rose up against them and attacked." This division allowed for a coordinated and effective assault, highlighting the tactical advantage of such formations.

Significance of the Three-Division Formation

The use of three divisions in military tactics is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects a structured and organized approach to warfare, which was essential for maintaining order and discipline among the troops. Secondly, dividing an army into three parts allowed for flexibility and the ability to execute complex maneuvers, such as flanking or encircling the enemy. This tactic also enabled commanders to create diversions or ambushes, increasing the element of surprise.

From a theological perspective, the success of these tactics often underscored the importance of obedience to divine instructions. The victories achieved through such strategies were frequently attributed to God's guidance and favor, reinforcing the belief that military success was ultimately dependent on divine will.

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of armies moving in three divisions during attacks illustrate the combination of strategic military planning and reliance on divine guidance. These narratives serve as reminders of the importance of discipline, organization, and faith in achieving victory.

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Judges 7:16
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.
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Judges 9:43
And he took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field, and looked, and, behold, the people were come forth out of the city; and he rose up against them, and smote them.
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1 Samuel 11:11
And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together.
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1 Samuel 13:17,18
And the spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual:
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2 Samuel 18:2
And David sent forth a third part of the people under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.
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Job 1:17
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell on the camels, and have carried them away, yes, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell you.
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Library

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... are led to conclude that the outgoing march to Tela ... hundred soldiers of the garrison
were killed in the attack. ... serving as a base of operations for his armies. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.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 Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with ... Abimelech had arranged his Abiezerites
in three divisions: one of ... of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... out victorious, and issued more perfect from each attack. ... alliances, but Zoroaster
broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the march he fell in with a Persian ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.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

Footnotes
... to his grandfather on the 19th of March, 1672 (Inq ... signification of satisfaction,
so, after three severall byesses ... whose words these are, ("We move towards what ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... them did not fear at times to attack the gods ... everywhere about him, and could not
move without incurring ... Ishtar, being the smallest of the three heavenly bodies ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... middle of the fourth century at Rome March 7. See ... composed of persons of all social
ranks is attested ... humiliation, enjoining a demeanor calculated to move mercy ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... and detestable pagans, and do those things which move a merciful ... and the many-eyed
and many-winged ranks, which in ... The two armies met and there was a fearful ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm