Topical Bible: Armies: Refusal to Obey the Summons, Instance of

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In the biblical narrative, there are instances where armies or military leaders refused to obey a summons, reflecting moments of disobedience, dissent, or divine intervention. These instances often highlight the complexities of leadership, authority, and the sovereignty of God in directing the affairs of nations and individuals.

One notable instance of refusal to obey a military summons is found in the account of Barak and Deborah in the Book of Judges. Deborah, a prophetess and judge of Israel, summoned Barak to lead an army against the oppressive Canaanite forces led by Sisera. Barak, however, hesitated and refused to go without Deborah's presence, indicating a lack of confidence or faith in the divine command. Judges 4:8 records Barak's response: "If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." This instance underscores the importance of faith and obedience in fulfilling God's commands, as well as the role of strong leadership in rallying troops for battle.

Another example is found in the account of King Saul and the Amalekites. God, through the prophet Samuel, commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekite nation as an act of divine judgment. However, Saul disobeyed by sparing King Agag and keeping the best of the livestock. This act of partial obedience is recorded in 1 Samuel 15:9 : "Saul and his troops spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs—everything that was good. They were unwilling to destroy them completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed." Saul's refusal to fully obey God's command led to his rejection as king, illustrating the severe consequences of disobedience.

In the New Testament, while not an army in the traditional sense, the refusal of the Jewish leaders to accept Jesus as the Messiah can be seen as a form of disobedience to a divine summons. Despite the signs and wonders performed by Jesus, many leaders refused to acknowledge His authority and mission. This refusal is highlighted in John 12:37-38 : "Although Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still did not believe in Him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: 'Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?'"

These instances of refusal to obey a summons serve as reminders of the human tendency to resist divine authority and the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will. They also emphasize the need for leaders to inspire confidence and faith in those they lead, ensuring that divine purposes are fulfilled through collective obedience and trust in God's plan.

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Judges 21:5-11
And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation to the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.
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Judges 20:1
Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, to the LORD in Mizpeh.
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Library

Two Ways of Despising God's Feast
... but offers, and does not say 'obey' until it ... That refusal, which is rebellion, is
fittingly described as ... Note the forcible pronouns, 'His armies,' and 'their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/two ways of despising gods.htm

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ...
... itself from Origen's influence; as, for instance, in his ... but be allowed bishops whom
they could obey with a ... that he was summoned to attend; a summons which he ...
/.../introduction chapter i the life and.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... capabilities of the soul to entertain vast armies of thoughts ... which was doubtless
interpreted as an instance of Divine ... in the sea, and it shall obey you'; and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... however, before there came to be used, in addition to the figures, legends, from
which we sometimes learn the name of the banker; we read, for instance, "I am ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm