Topical Bible: Armies: Who Were Exempt from Service In

◄ Armies: Who Were Exempt from Service In ►

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In ancient Israel, military service was a significant aspect of national life, especially during times of conquest and defense. However, the Mosaic Law provided specific exemptions for certain individuals, recognizing various personal and social circumstances. These exemptions are primarily outlined in the Book of Deuteronomy, which served as a guide for the Israelites in organizing their military forces.

Exemptions Based on Personal Circumstances

1. Newly Built Houses: According to Deuteronomy 20:5, those who had built a new house but had not yet dedicated it were exempt from military service. The rationale was that they should have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor and establish their household before potentially losing their lives in battle. The verse states, "The officers are to address the army, saying, ‘Has anyone built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go home, lest he die in battle and another man dedicate it.’"

2. Newly Planted Vineyards: Similarly, individuals who had planted a vineyard but had not yet enjoyed its fruit were exempt. Deuteronomy 20:6 provides this exemption: "Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him go home, lest he die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit." This exemption underscores the importance of allowing individuals to benefit from their agricultural investments.

3. Betrothed Men: Men who were betrothed but not yet married were also exempt from military service. Deuteronomy 20:7 states, "Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, lest he die in battle and another man marry her." This provision ensured that a man could marry his betrothed and establish a family before facing the uncertainties of war.

4. Fearful and Fainthearted: Those who were fearful or fainthearted were allowed to return home, as their presence could negatively impact the morale of the troops. Deuteronomy 20:8 addresses this: "Then the officers shall add, ‘Is anyone afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home, so that the hearts of his brothers will not melt like his own.’" This exemption highlights the importance of maintaining a strong and courageous fighting force.

Exemptions Based on Social and Religious Duties

1. Priests and Levites: While not explicitly mentioned in the context of military exemptions, the Levites, who were responsible for religious duties and the service of the Tabernacle, were generally not counted among the fighting men. Their primary role was to serve God and the community in spiritual matters, as outlined in Numbers 1:47-53.

2. Judicial and Administrative Roles: Those serving in judicial or administrative capacities may have been exempt due to their responsibilities in maintaining order and governance within the community. Although not directly stated in the exemption lists, the importance of these roles is evident throughout the Old Testament.

These exemptions reflect a balance between the communal need for defense and the recognition of individual and familial responsibilities. They demonstrate a compassionate approach to military service, acknowledging that certain life circumstances warranted a reprieve from the demands of warfare.

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Numbers 1:47-50
But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
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Numbers 2:33
But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as the LORD commanded Moses.
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Deuteronomy 20:5-9
And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
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Judges 7:3
Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
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Library

The victory of the God-Beloved Emperors.
... men who were able to render public service had been ... They stood on the opposite shores
with their armies. ... the favor of their commander were exempt from menial ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix the victory of the.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... Seven only were exempt; among them Archbishop Ussher, who had ... had declared that,
unless favor were shown to the ... have been the captain of the Protestant armies. ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution.
... their fellow-subjects were themselves exempt from taxation ... country was nearly bankrupt,
the armies were clamoring for ... God, that his purposes were prevented from ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /15 the bible and the.htm

The Bible and the French Revolution
... their fellow subjects were themselves exempt from taxation ... country was nearly bankrupt,
the armies were clamoring for ... God that his purposes were prevented from ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 15 the bible and.htm

God's Fellow-Workers
... on His white horse, and behind Him the armies of God ... salvation by faith is, that
they are exempt from that ... and not to be interpreted as if they were plain prose ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/gods fellow-workers.htm

The Mystery
... one, during a tumultuous conflict of armies and people ... in general is consecrated
to God, as exempt from profane uses ... as well tithes, as whatever were the object ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... insignificant one, and the salary poor, but the means of existence were assured,
the occupant was exempted from forced labour and from military service, and he ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... boasting of the prowess exhibited by our armies upon the ... the high ends he aimed to
accomplish, were the present ... of this sort " and who is exempt from errors? ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... formed a host capable of meeting on equal terms the armies of Damascus, Edom ... 60,000
in the time of that king; all others were exempt from military service. ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

David's Dying Prayer
... his glory, Amen, and Amen." It doth not exempt one single ... we reply, "What a mercy!"
If there were we should ... in the dim distance I see the armies gathering; yes ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/davids dying prayer.htm