Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks: Unusual Winter Campaign

◄ Armies: March in Ranks: Unusual Winter Campaign ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of armies marching in ranks is a recurring theme, illustrating the discipline, order, and strategic prowess of ancient military forces. The Bible often uses military imagery to convey spiritual truths, and the organization of armies serves as a metaphor for divine order and purpose. An unusual winter campaign, while not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, can be inferred from the historical and cultural context of the times.

Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern warfare, campaigns were typically conducted during the warmer months, when weather conditions were favorable, and resources were more readily available. However, there are instances where military campaigns extended into the winter months, driven by necessity or strategic advantage. The harsh conditions of winter would have posed significant challenges, requiring exceptional discipline and resilience from the troops.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention a winter campaign, it does provide insights into the military practices and the disciplined nature of armies. For example, in 1 Chronicles 12:33, the men of Zebulun are described as "trained for battle, with all the weapons of war, who could keep ranks; they were not of double heart." This passage highlights the importance of maintaining formation and unity, even under challenging circumstances.

In 2 Samuel 23:13-17, we find an account of David's mighty men who, despite the Philistine garrison being stationed in Bethlehem, risked their lives to fetch water for David. This narrative, while not explicitly a winter campaign, demonstrates the extraordinary commitment and bravery of soldiers who would endure adverse conditions for their leader.

Spiritual Implications

The imagery of armies marching in ranks during an unusual winter campaign can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life. Believers are called to endure hardships and remain steadfast in their faith, much like soldiers who maintain their ranks despite adverse conditions. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 2:3-4, exhorts believers to "endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus," emphasizing the need for perseverance and dedication.

Furthermore, the disciplined march of an army reflects the order and purpose inherent in God's creation. In Joel 2:7-8, the prophet describes a locust army with military precision: "They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. Each marches in formation, not swerving from the course. They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path." This passage underscores the divine orchestration and the importance of unity and purpose in fulfilling God's plans.

Conclusion

The concept of armies marching in ranks during an unusual winter campaign, while not explicitly detailed in Scripture, can be inferred from the broader biblical narrative and historical context. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the discipline, unity, and perseverance required of both ancient soldiers and modern believers. Through these images, the Bible communicates profound spiritual truths about order, commitment, and the unwavering pursuit of God's purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 11:1
And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 20:1
And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Iranian Conquest
... alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and prohibited ... On the march he fell
in with a Persian ... and steadfastness of purpose quite unusual; he proceeded ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... [Illustration: 322b.jpg TWO COMPANIES ON THE MARCH]. ... foot-soldiers, and, breaking
up their ranks, would tread ... were considerable: they commanded armies, built or ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... So far the affair presented no unusual features; it ... Cyaxares converted all the small
feudal armies which had ... even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... we are led to conclude that the outgoing march to Tela was ... of serving as a base of
operations for his armies. ... had to be continued during the winter in another ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.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 Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Tiglath pileser I.: Ms campaign against the Mushhu, his ... catastrophe occasioned by
the movement of the Asiatic armies. ... a serious resistance to the march of a ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.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
... river, the river Kishon."O my soul, march on with ... the hills he thought he saw an
unusual movement among ... head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm