Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks

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In the biblical context, the concept of armies marching in ranks is a vivid illustration of order, discipline, and unity among the people of God, as well as among their adversaries. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to convey the strength and organization of military forces, both earthly and heavenly.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently describes the Israelites as a well-ordered army, particularly during their wilderness journey and conquest of Canaan. In Numbers 2, the Israelites are instructed to camp and march in a specific order, with each tribe having its designated position around the Tabernacle. This arrangement underscores the importance of order and obedience to God's commands. Numbers 2:34 states, "So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; they camped by their banners in this way and set out, each man with his clan and family."

The prophet Joel uses the imagery of an army marching in ranks to describe the locust plague as a divine judgment. Joel 2:7 says, "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 precision and unstoppable nature of the locusts, likening them to a disciplined military force.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on physical armies, the concept of spiritual warfare is prevalent. Believers are often depicted as soldiers in the army of God, called to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. Ephesians 6:11-12 exhorts believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

The Book of Revelation also presents a vivid picture of heavenly armies. Revelation 19:14 describes the armies of heaven following Christ: "The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses." This imagery emphasizes the purity, righteousness, and divine authority of Christ's followers as they march in ranks behind their King.

Symbolism and Application

The imagery of armies marching in ranks serves as a powerful symbol of unity and purpose. For the people of God, it represents the call to live in harmony, following divine guidance with discipline and commitment. The ordered ranks of an army reflect the need for each member to fulfill their role, contributing to the collective strength and mission of the group.

In a spiritual sense, believers are encouraged to maintain their spiritual disciplines, stand firm in their faith, and support one another in the battle against evil. The concept of marching in ranks reminds Christians of the importance of community, accountability, and the shared goal of advancing God's kingdom on earth.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 13:18
But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other ...
... CHAPTER 5. A Description Of The Roman Armies And Roman ... gone out of their camp, they
all march without noise ... for soldiers running away from the ranks, but for ...
/.../chapter 5 a description of.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... Words and music together, the piece ranks with the foremost missionary lyrics ... Beneath
the glowing arch The ransomed armies march, We follow on; Lead on, O cross ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

The Armour of God
... as good soldiers,"stand; keep their ranks, and find ... and ruined, till wherever their
armies passed"as ... Christ's soldiers were beginning their march over the ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xi the armour of god.htm

Drill and Enthusiasm
... in the days when there were no standing armies. They 'could keep rank,' could march
together, had been ... in varying offices, there must be degrees and ranks. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/drill and enthusiasm.htm

'Fit, Though Few'
... The narrative shows us the two armies confronting each ... the Midianites were on their
homeward march, laden with ... from this thinning of the ranks; namely, that we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/fit though few.htm

The New Song
... but for that right wing bring up the reserves, let not the ranks be broken. ... The blood
on Madagascar's rocks shall not defeat the on-march of God's armies. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the new song.htm

The Captain of the Lord's Host
... Lord of the universe and its ordered ranks is Jesus ... and at the head of all the armies
that are ... over the ruined rubbish Christ's soldiers will march and take ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the captain of the lords.htm

Mahanaim: the Two Camps
... any sworded seraphim be seen on our commonplace march, we too have all the armies
of heaven ... No, for their ranks are arrayed around God's children to keep ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mahanaim the two camps.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... recording, from the slowness of their march, and want ... came upon the Hebrews with
greater armies; nay, indeed ... and evident victory; for the several ranks of the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... he that shall bridle a cloud, or stop it in its march? ... God who doeth as he wills
in the armies of heaven ... Many an army has swelled its ranks with recruits, who ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm