Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Soldiers Destroy Each Other to Escape Captivity

◄ Armies: March in Ranks: Soldiers Destroy Each Other to Escape Captivity ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks is often associated with discipline, order, and the execution of divine judgment or protection. The imagery of soldiers marching in ranks is frequently used to depict the organized and formidable nature of military forces in ancient times. This orderliness is seen as both a strength and a potential source of destruction, especially when soldiers, driven by desperation, turn against each other to avoid captivity.

Biblical Instances and Symbolism

The Bible provides several instances where armies are depicted as marching in ranks, emphasizing their strength and the fear they instill in their enemies. In Joel 2:7, the prophet describes a locust army with military precision: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course." This passage highlights the disciplined and relentless nature of the invading force, symbolizing impending judgment.

The concept of soldiers destroying each other to escape captivity is a tragic outcome of war, reflecting the chaos and desperation that can ensue when defeat seems inevitable. In Judges 7:22, during Gideon's battle against the Midianites, the Lord caused confusion among the enemy ranks: "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." This divine intervention led to the Midianites turning on each other, illustrating how God can use the confusion of war to deliver His people.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the imagery of armies marching in ranks and the subsequent self-destruction of soldiers can be seen as a manifestation of divine sovereignty and judgment. God is portrayed as the ultimate commander, capable of orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. The ordered ranks of an army symbolize human strength and strategy, yet they are ultimately subject to God's will.

The self-destruction of soldiers to escape captivity serves as a sobering reminder of the futility of relying solely on human power and wisdom. In 1 Samuel 14:20, during the battle between Israel and the Philistines, a similar event occurs: "Then Saul and all his troops assembled and went to the battle, and behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was great confusion." This passage underscores the theme that God can bring about victory for His people through unexpected means, even turning the enemy against itself.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The accounts of soldiers destroying each other to escape captivity raise important moral and ethical questions about the nature of war and human behavior under extreme stress. These narratives highlight the potential for chaos and moral breakdown when individuals are driven by fear and desperation. They serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of war and the importance of seeking divine guidance and protection.

In conclusion, the biblical depiction of armies marching in ranks and the subsequent self-destruction of soldiers to escape captivity offers profound insights into the nature of divine intervention, human frailty, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. These themes resonate throughout Scripture, reminding believers of the need for faith and reliance on God's providence in times of conflict and uncertainty.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 14:20
And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 31:4-6
Then said Saul to his armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith; lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But his armor bearer would not; for he was sore afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword, and fell on it.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Above these, again, three musicians march in procession, one ... it offered to the
manoeuvres of large armies, had always ... the onset of the Assyrian ranks, who were ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Tubal), and Mushku (Meshech) stretched behind each other from east to ... occasioned
by the movement of the Asiatic armies. ... a serious resistance to the march of a ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... The foot-soldiers wore a
high felt cap known as ... which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.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 Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... by land and sea; while their foot-soldiers were assembling ... 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

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 Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... return to the camp, where his soldiers were allowed a ... Their armies were modelled
on similar lines, and consisted ... and naturally followed the same line of march. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... whose supremacy he threatened, endeavoured to destroy him as soon ... alliances, but
Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the march he fell in with a ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... hand when the fear alone of the Assyrian armies would no ... contingents were required
to fill the vacancies in the ranks. ... have been folly to risk a march with the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... He could either continue his march westwards, and, penetrating ... and 755, which brought
his armies right up to ... been nothing to prevent his soldiers from pressing ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm