Topical Bible: Respect: To an Army

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In the biblical context, respect towards an army is often intertwined with themes of authority, obedience, and divine ordination. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where armies are depicted as instruments of God's will, deserving of respect and honor.

Divine Ordination and Authority

The Bible frequently portrays armies as entities established by God to fulfill His purposes. In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is often depicted as a divinely ordained army. For instance, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites are commanded to conquer the Promised Land, and their military endeavors are seen as fulfilling God's covenant promises. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." This verse underscores the divine backing and respect due to the army as they carry out God's commands.

Obedience and Submission

Respect for an army is also reflected in the call for obedience and submission to military leaders. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes the importance of submitting to governing authorities, which can be extended to military leaders: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage highlights the respect owed to those in positions of military authority as part of God's ordained structure.

Honor and Valor

The Bible also speaks to the honor and valor associated with military service. In 2 Samuel 23, the exploits of David's mighty men are recounted, showcasing their bravery and skill in battle. These warriors are celebrated for their courage and dedication, reflecting the respect and honor due to those who serve valiantly in an army. The narrative of David and his men illustrates the high regard in which military service is held within the biblical tradition.

Protection and Deliverance

Armies are often seen as agents of protection and deliverance in the Bible. In 2 Kings 6:16-17 , the prophet Elisha reassures his servant when they are surrounded by an enemy army: "Do not be afraid," Elisha answered, "for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. This passage illustrates the respect and awe due to the divine protection often associated with armies in the biblical narrative.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on respect towards an army is multifaceted, encompassing themes of divine ordination, authority, obedience, honor, and protection. Through various narratives and teachings, the Scriptures underscore the importance of respecting military forces as instruments of God's will and as protectors of His people.

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Luke 14:10
But when you are bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade you comes, he may say to you, Friend, go up higher: then shall you have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... When the Greeks heard that Xerxes was at Sardis, they sent three messengers in disguise,
to ascertain the facts in respect to the Persian army assembled there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

By the Example of Judith is Shown that Courage is not Wanting in ...
... the final surrender, went forth outside the wall, both excelling that army which
she ... not as yielding to desire of refreshment, but out of respect for religion. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii by the example.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... had received the presents he sent him, he dismissed his son with that respect which
was ... only when he went to the battle himself, and led his own army, but he ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

Whether the Ten Precepts of the Decalogue are Set in Proper Order?
... Thus, in an army, it is a greater sin for a soldier to act treacherously and ... to
Objection 2: Just as God is the universal principle of being in respect of all ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the ten precepts of.htm

Whether the Will is Moved by the Intellect?
... Consequently, in this respect, the will moves the other powers of the soul to their ...
Thus the leader of an army, who intends the common good"-ie the order of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the will is moved 2.htm

How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ...
... not succeed according to his expectations, she sent thither part of her army, and
drove ... came to her, he gave her presents, and such marks of respect as were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how alexander upon.htm

Honorable Submission
... Mrs. Johnson was almost in despair, unable to find someone among that great army
of employees, to have any artistic ideas ... We were all green, in that respect. ...
/.../chapter viii honorable submission.htm

The Invasion of Scythia.
... that had contributed to form his army, with the numbers which each had furnished.
There was a record of corresponding particulars, too, in respect to the fleet ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter viii the invasion of.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... The main body of the army pursued its way directly southward toward the city of
Athens ... themselves to the oracle, to know what they were to do in respect to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

The Return of Xerxes to Persia.
... Thus, far from there being any uncertainty or doubt in respect to the success of
the ... extensive damage; but we must remember that it is upon the army, not upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xii the return of.htm