The concept of military instruction for children, while not explicitly detailed in the Bible, can be inferred through various passages that emphasize the importance of training, discipline, and preparation for spiritual and physical battles. The Bible often uses military imagery to describe the spiritual life, suggesting that believers, including children, must be equipped for the challenges they will face.

Biblical Foundations

1. Training and Discipline: Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." While this verse primarily refers to spiritual and moral instruction, the principle of training can be extended to include preparation for life's battles, both spiritual and physical. The discipline and perseverance learned through such training are invaluable.

2. Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a vivid depiction of the Christian life as a battle against spiritual forces. Children, as part of the body of Christ, are encouraged to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage underscores the need for early instruction in spiritual warfare, teaching children to stand firm in their faith and resist evil.

3. Historical Context: In ancient Israel, military service was a part of life for many young men. Numbers 1:3 records that men twenty years old and upward were eligible for military service. While this age is beyond childhood, the cultural context suggests that preparation for such service began earlier in life, with young boys learning skills necessary for defense and survival.

4. Role Models: The Bible provides examples of young individuals who demonstrated military prowess and leadership. David, as a young shepherd, displayed courage and skill when he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17). His early experiences in protecting his flock prepared him for future military leadership. Similarly, Joshua, who served as Moses' aide from his youth, became a formidable military leader (Exodus 33:11).

5. Parental Responsibility: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the role of parents in teaching their children: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children." While this primarily refers to the commandments of God, it implies a broader responsibility for parents to prepare their children for all aspects of life, including the challenges of defending their faith and values.

Practical Application

In a modern context, the idea of military instruction for children can be understood as equipping them with the skills and virtues necessary to navigate a world that often opposes Christian values. This includes teaching them to be disciplined, courageous, and steadfast in their beliefs. Programs such as Christian scouting, martial arts with a focus on character development, and other activities that promote physical fitness and mental resilience can serve as contemporary means of preparing children for life's battles.

Ultimately, the goal is to raise children who are not only spiritually strong but also capable of standing firm in their convictions, ready to face the challenges of a world that requires both spiritual and practical readiness.2 Samuel 1:18
(Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.)
Nave's Topical Index

Catechetical Instruction.
... baptized, it is probable that such children were admitted to ... The period of probation
and instruction varied at ... by Cyril as a call to military service (klesis ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter ii catechetical instruction.htm

The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan.
... Such defection seemed to them not only of the nature of a military desertion and
a ... as a norm of sound preaching and as a vehicle of instruction to children. ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter viii the planting of.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... Instruction for the children of many generations, a treatise on ... It was desecrated
by the Communards 1811, when the building was used as a military depot. ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

Import of the Great Commission.
... Would it be thought dutiful, in military officers, to ... of converting the world to
your children, and they ... Try instruction in the nursery, try instruction in the ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter vii import of the.htm

The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece.
... in the Scriptures and to receive instruction themselves. ... and after I had spoken to
the children, there seemed ... A military man addressed me after the meeting, in ...
/.../chapter xi the third continental.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... or books, which nowadays replace them, in use for the compulsory education of children. ...
same thing is said in other words in all codes of military instruction. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... the magistrates exempting him from personal military service.150 ... even Catholics sent
their children, and allowed them to receive religious instruction.151 But ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

Spanish Conquest-The Propagation, Decay, and Downfall of Spanish ...
... you and your wives and your children and make ... The successful rebels bettered the
instruction that they ... had reoccupied its former posts by military force, the ...
/.../chapter ii spanish conquest-the propagation.htm

Scripture the Criterion by which Truth and Heresy are ...
... and to Lampis, a mariner; and to Charidemus, a military commander; and ... It teaches
the magnificence of the wisdom implanted in her children by instruction. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvi scripture the criterion by.htm

The Judges.
... of any except six of the military judges and ... His weakness in the control of his children
ruined them ... He founded schools for the instruction of young prophets ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ix the judges.htm

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