Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Sieges

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In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks and engaging in sieges is a recurring theme that illustrates the military strategies and divine interventions experienced by the Israelites and their adversaries. The Bible provides numerous accounts of organized military campaigns, where disciplined ranks and strategic sieges played crucial roles in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.

Marching in Ranks

The discipline and organization of armies marching in ranks are highlighted in several biblical narratives. The Israelites, under divine instruction, often moved in a structured manner, reflecting both military precision and spiritual obedience. In the wilderness, the tribes of Israel were commanded to camp and march in a specific order, as described in the Book of Numbers: "The Israelites are to camp under their respective banners beside the flags of their fathers’ houses. They are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance" (Numbers 2:2). This orderly arrangement not only facilitated their journey but also symbolized their unity and readiness for battle.

The prophet Joel also uses the imagery of an army marching in ranks to describe the locust plague as a divine judgment: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course" (Joel 2:7). This vivid depiction underscores the relentless and disciplined nature of the invading force, serving as a metaphor for the impending judgment upon Israel.

Sieges in Biblical Warfare

Sieges were a common military tactic in ancient warfare, often involving the encirclement and isolation of a city to force its surrender. The Bible records several significant sieges that had profound implications for the people of Israel and their neighbors.

One of the most notable sieges is the fall of Jericho, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, employed a divinely ordained strategy. The Israelites marched around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, they circled it seven times. At Joshua's command, the priests blew their trumpets, and the people shouted, causing the walls of Jericho to collapse: "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and when they heard the blast of the trumpet, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. So each man charged straight in, and they took the city" (Joshua 6:20). This miraculous victory demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to His promises.

Another significant siege is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian king Sennacherib laid siege to the city, but through Hezekiah's faith and prayer, God delivered Jerusalem by sending an angel to strike down the Assyrian army: "Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people arose early in the morning, there were all the dead bodies!" (Isaiah 37:36). This event reinforced the belief in divine protection and intervention for those who trust in the Lord.

The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, culminating in the destruction of the city and the temple in 586 BC, marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The prophet Jeremiah warned of this impending judgment due to the people's disobedience: "I will summon all the peoples of the north and My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations" (Jeremiah 25:9). The fall of Jerusalem served as a somber reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Throughout the Bible, the imagery of armies marching in ranks and the accounts of sieges serve as powerful reminders of the importance of obedience, faith, and reliance on God's sovereignty in the face of overwhelming odds. These narratives not only recount historical events but also convey spiritual truths that continue to resonate with believers today.

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Jeremiah 39:1
In the ninth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon and all his army against Jerusalem, and they besieged it.
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Library

Bossuet -- the Funeral Sermon on the Death of the Grande Conde
... the two generals and the two armies seemed to ... the young conqueror attempted to break
the ranks of these ... a body of fresh cavalry, hasten his march through the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bossuet the funeral sermon.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... it merely means that Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... in
filling up the gaps which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by the ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... compensated for the losses in their ranks occasioned by war ... Above these, again, three
musicians march in procession ... to the manoeuvres of large armies, had always ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... and in the mountain districts"Camps, battles, sieges; cruelty shown ... occasioned by
the movement of the Asiatic armies. ... a serious resistance to the march of a ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... It was owing to this, and also to the fact that the armies of all these ... travellers
mention a place called es-Sauar or es- Saur, eight hours' march from the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.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