Topical Encyclopedia Artillery, as understood in modern terms, refers to large-caliber guns used in warfare on land. While the Bible does not mention artillery in the contemporary sense, it does reference various forms of ancient warfare and weaponry that served similar purposes in their time. The scriptures provide insight into the use of military technology and strategies that were employed by nations and armies throughout biblical history.Weapons of War in the Bible The Bible frequently mentions weapons and implements of war, which were essential for defense and conquest. In the Old Testament, the Israelites and their adversaries used a variety of weapons, including swords, spears, bows, and slings. These weapons were crucial in battles and were often seen as instruments through which God delivered His people or executed judgment. Siege Warfare One of the closest biblical parallels to artillery is the use of siege engines and tactics. Siege warfare was a common military strategy in ancient times, involving the surrounding and attacking of fortified cities. The Bible provides several accounts of sieges, where battering rams and other siege devices were employed to breach city walls. · 2 Kings 25:1-2 : "So in the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his entire army. They encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it. And the city was kept under siege until King Zedekiah’s eleventh year." This passage describes the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, highlighting the use of siege works, which were early forms of military engineering designed to overcome city defenses. Divine Intervention in Warfare Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God intervenes in battles, often rendering human weaponry and military might ineffective. The reliance on divine power rather than human strength is a recurring theme. · 2 Chronicles 20:15 : "And he said, 'Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.'" This verse emphasizes the belief that ultimate victory in warfare is determined by God's will, rather than the superiority of human weaponry or tactics. Symbolic Use of Weapons Weapons and military imagery are also used symbolically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths and divine judgments. The prophets often used such imagery to describe God's power and the coming of His kingdom. · Isaiah 54:17 : "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me, declares the LORD." Here, the weapon is a metaphor for any form of opposition or attack against God's people, assuring them of divine protection and victory. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly mention artillery as understood today, it provides a rich tapestry of military imagery and accounts that reflect the warfare practices of ancient times. These scriptures underscore the belief in divine sovereignty over human conflicts and the ultimate futility of relying solely on human strength and technology in the face of God's will. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 20:40And Jonathan gave his artillery to his lad, and said to him, Go, carry them to the city. Nave's Topical Index Library The General Conference of 1840 Postscript. Meaning Op the Word Regeneration. The Old Testament and Modern Science The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ... The Old Testament and Archeology Our Manifesto 'Time for Thee to Work' Extracts No. Ix. The Bible Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgArtillery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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