Topical Bible: Armies: March in Ranks of Jerusalem

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The concept of armies marching in ranks is a recurring theme in the Bible, often symbolizing order, discipline, and divine judgment. In the context of Jerusalem, this imagery is particularly poignant, reflecting both historical events and prophetic visions.

Historical Context

Throughout the history of Israel, Jerusalem has been a focal point for military activity. The city, being the political and spiritual center of the nation, often found itself under siege or in the midst of military campaigns. The disciplined march of armies in ranks was a common sight, whether it was the Israelites defending their city or foreign powers laying siege to it.

One of the most significant historical events involving armies marching against Jerusalem was the Babylonian siege, which culminated in the destruction of the city in 586 BC. This event was a fulfillment of prophetic warnings given by prophets like Jeremiah, who foresaw the consequences of the nation's disobedience to God.

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets frequently used the imagery of armies marching in ranks to convey messages of impending judgment or deliverance. Joel 2:7-8 provides a vivid description of such an army: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course. They do not jostle one another; each proceeds in his path. They burst through the defenses, never breaking ranks."

This passage, while describing a locust invasion, is often interpreted as a metaphor for an invading army, emphasizing the precision and inevitability of divine judgment. The disciplined ranks of the army serve as a reminder of God's sovereign control over the nations and His ability to use them as instruments of His will.

Spiritual Significance

In a spiritual sense, the imagery of armies marching in ranks can also be seen as a call for the people of God to exhibit similar discipline and unity. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses military metaphors to describe the Christian life, urging believers to put on the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) and to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

The disciplined march of armies serves as a metaphor for the Church's mission in the world, highlighting the need for order, cooperation, and steadfastness in the face of opposition. Just as armies march in ranks with a common purpose, so too are believers called to advance the kingdom of God with unity and purpose.

Eschatological Visions

In eschatological literature, the imagery of armies marching in ranks is often associated with the final battles and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The Book of Revelation describes the gathering of armies for the great battle of Armageddon, where the forces of evil are arrayed against the Lamb and His followers.

Revelation 19:14 depicts the heavenly armies: "The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses." This vision underscores the ultimate victory of Christ and His saints, marching in perfect unity and righteousness.

In summary, the imagery of armies marching in ranks in the context of Jerusalem serves as a powerful symbol of divine order, judgment, and the call for God's people to live with discipline and unity. Whether in historical events, prophetic warnings, or spiritual exhortations, this theme resonates throughout the biblical narrative, pointing to the sovereignty of God and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 25:1-3
And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.
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

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

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

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

Preface by the Editor.
... different parts of Scotland; three different armies, without concert ... commands all
his armey presently to march, wnder the ... sins of persons of all ranks from the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface by the editor.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

The Shout of Faith
... a few directions as to the order of their march, and blowing ... the Lord of hosts, the
God of the armies of Israel ... his way to take his place in the ranks with his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Heavenly Workers and the Earthly Watchers
... how, on many a well-fought field, the ranks of Rome ... His head, rides at the head of
the armies of heaven ... of an army through the dust of the march, the outriders ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heavenly workers and the.htm

The Church as She Should Be
... It desires not to be associated with other armies, or to ... so that there was no confusion
on the march, and in ... decently and in order." As in the ranks each man ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... Henry Hedge, DD, born in Cambridge, March 1805, a ... morning, with the Bohemian and
Austrian armies of Emperor ... he was kept too busy to enter the singers' ranks. ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm