Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: The General offers his Daughter in Marriage

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of armies marching in ranks is often associated with order, discipline, and the fulfillment of divine purposes. The imagery of a well-organized army is used throughout Scripture to convey strength, unity, and the execution of God's will. One notable instance that intertwines military order with personal and familial dynamics is the account of a general offering his daughter in marriage, which reflects the intertwining of military and social customs in ancient Israel.

Jephthah's Vow and His Daughter

The account of Jephthah, a judge of Israel, provides a poignant example of military leadership intersecting with personal sacrifice. Jephthah was a mighty warrior who led the Israelites against the Ammonites. Before going into battle, he made a vow to the LORD, saying, "If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering" (Judges 11:30-31).

Upon his victorious return, Jephthah's only daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. The fulfillment of his vow led to a tragic outcome, highlighting the gravity and seriousness of vows made before God, especially in the context of military endeavors.

Caleb and Achsah

Another instance where military success is linked with marriage is the account of Caleb and his daughter Achsah. Caleb, one of the faithful spies and a leader in Israel, promised his daughter in marriage to the man who would capture Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb's nephew, successfully captured the city, and Caleb gave him Achsah as his wife (Joshua 15:16-17). This narrative illustrates the practice of offering marriage as a reward for military valor and the continuation of familial and tribal alliances through such unions.

David and Michal

The account of David and Michal, the daughter of King Saul, also reflects the intersection of military prowess and marriage. After David's victory over Goliath, Saul promised his daughter in marriage to the man who defeated the Philistine giant. Although Saul initially reneged on this promise, he later offered Michal to David as a snare, requiring David to present a dowry of Philistine foreskins, which David fulfilled (1 Samuel 18:25-27). This account underscores the use of marriage as a political and military tool in the ancient Near Eastern context.

Military Alliances and Marriages

Throughout the Old Testament, marriages often served as strategic alliances, solidifying relationships between tribes and nations. The offering of a daughter in marriage by a military leader or king was not merely a personal decision but a calculated move to strengthen political and military ties. These unions were intended to ensure peace, loyalty, and mutual support in times of conflict.

Conclusion

The narratives of generals and leaders offering their daughters in marriage within the context of military campaigns reflect the complex interplay between personal, familial, and national interests in biblical times. These accounts highlight the importance of vows, the value placed on military success, and the role of marriage in securing alliances and ensuring the continuity of leadership and stability within the community of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 15:16,17
And Caleb said, He that smites Kirjathsepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Above these, again, three musicians march in procession, one ... the onset of the Assyrian
ranks, who were ... their league, and had the Elamite armies, in conjunction ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.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 Iranian Conquest
... prayer which bestows sanctity on him who offers it!" Ahura ... alliances, but Zoroaster
broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the march he fell in with a Persian ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... that Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... Strabo refers in general
terms to ... the gaps which even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... been reinforced in the course of his march by the ... country wasted and trampled underfoot
by two great armies. ... departure the war lost its general character, and ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... of the fourth century at Rome March 7. See ... is writing just before the first general
persecution under ... was composed of persons of all social ranks is attested ...
/.../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 ...
... merely in his conduct of the Fifth General Council, but ... and the many-eyed and
many-winged ranks, which in ... The two armies met and there was a fearful slaughter ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... continued to be the sun in general, Ninib restricted ... moon, his beloved, and the mother
of his children Shamash ... Gula, the great, and Anunit, the daughter of Sin ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm