Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of armies marching in ranks is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, symbolizing order, discipline, and divine judgment. In the context of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, this imagery is particularly poignant, reflecting both the military prowess and the eventual downfall of the kingdom due to its disobedience to God.
Historical ContextSamaria, established by King Omri in the 9th century BC, became a significant political and military center in the ancient Near East. The city was strategically located, making it a focal point for military campaigns and conflicts. The armies of Samaria were often engaged in battles against neighboring nations, including Aram (Syria), Moab, and Assyria. The military organization of these armies was crucial for the defense and expansion of the kingdom.
Biblical ReferencesThe Bible provides several references to the military activities and organization of the armies of Samaria. One notable passage is found in the book of 2 Kings, which details the siege and eventual fall of Samaria to the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian army, known for its discipline and formidable ranks, laid siege to the city, leading to its capture and the exile of its inhabitants.
In
2 Kings 17:5-6 , it is recorded: "Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria. He settled them in Halah, in Gozan on the Habor River, and in the towns of the Medes."
This passage highlights the organized and relentless nature of the Assyrian military machine, which marched in ranks to conquer Samaria, fulfilling the prophetic warnings given to Israel regarding their unfaithfulness.
Prophetic ImageryThe prophets of Israel often used the imagery of armies marching in ranks as a metaphor for divine judgment. The prophet Joel, for instance, describes a locust plague in terms of an invading army, emphasizing the order and inevitability of God's judgment. Although not directly related to Samaria, this imagery resonates with the fate of the city.
Joel 2:7 states: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course."
This vivid description underscores the disciplined and unstoppable nature of the forces used by God to execute His judgment, a theme that echoes in the historical accounts of Samaria's fall.
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the marching armies in ranks serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and His use of earthly powers to accomplish His purposes. The fall of Samaria is a testament to the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the inevitable judgment that follows disobedience.
The disciplined ranks of armies, whether of Israel or their adversaries, illustrate the order inherent in God's creation and His ultimate control over history. The narrative of Samaria's armies and their encounters with foreign powers serves as a cautionary tale for the faithful, emphasizing the importance of obedience and reliance on God rather than military might.
ConclusionThe imagery of armies marching in ranks, particularly in the context of Samaria, is a powerful biblical motif that conveys themes of order, judgment, and divine sovereignty. Through the historical and prophetic accounts, the Bible presents a complex picture of military power and its role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people.
Nave's Topical Index
2 Kings 6:24-33And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.
Nave's Topical Index2 Kings 7:1
Then Elisha said, Hear you the word of the LORD; Thus said the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... compensated for the losses in their ranks occasioned by war ... Above these, again, three
musicians march in procession ... to the manoeuvres of large armies, had always ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm
The Seven Trumpets.
... army, and who traversed, both in their march and in ... Mohammedan power was extended
by these armies, which till ... according to the closeness of the ranks, and the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of those at least who belonged to the league of Delos, and he promised that his
armies on land should never advance further than three days' march from the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm
The Iranian Conquest
... contracted with them fruitful alliances, but Zoroaster broke up their ranks, and
prohibited ... On the march he fell in with a Persian groom named OEbaras,* who ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... of Judah; it flowed over
Galilee, Samaria, and the ... even victories made in their ranks; enervated by ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... It was owing to this, and also to the fact that the armies of all these ... travellers
mention a place called es-Sauar or es- Saur, eight hours' march from the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... rebellion of Hoshea, the siege of Samaria, and the ... He could either continue his march
westwards, and, penetrating ... till he had annihilated its armies and rased ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and 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
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... Benhadad I.--- Omri and the foundation of Samaria: Ahab and ... the river Kishon."O my
soul, march on with ... head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made up ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
Resources
Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the heavenly hosts? | GotQuestions.orgDoes China have a role in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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