Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "soldier" refers to individuals who are part of a military force, often engaged in warfare or defense. Soldiers are mentioned throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, serving as key figures in various narratives and teachings.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, soldiers are frequently associated with the armies of Israel and their enemies. The Israelites often found themselves in conflict with surrounding nations, necessitating the formation of military forces. Notable figures such as Joshua, David, and Gideon led soldiers in battles that were pivotal for the nation of Israel. One of the earliest mentions of soldiers is in the context of Abram (later Abraham) rescuing his nephew Lot. Abram mobilized 318 trained men born in his household to pursue and defeat the kings who had captured Lot (Genesis 14:14-16). This account highlights the role of soldiers in protecting family and property. King David, a central figure in the Old Testament, was renowned for his military prowess. Before becoming king, David was a soldier in King Saul's army and gained fame for defeating Goliath, the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17). David's leadership and strategic skills were instrumental in establishing Israel as a powerful kingdom. New Testament Context In the New Testament, soldiers are often depicted in the context of the Roman Empire, which occupied Judea during the time of Jesus. Roman soldiers played a significant role in the events surrounding the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. For instance, soldiers were present at Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:47) and at His crucifixion, where they cast lots for His garments (John 19:23-24). The New Testament also uses the metaphor of a soldier to describe the Christian life. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently employs military imagery to convey spiritual truths. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage outlines the spiritual armor, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and helmet of salvation, drawing a parallel between the physical armor of a soldier and the spiritual preparedness of a Christian. Character and Conduct The Bible provides insights into the character and conduct expected of soldiers. In Luke 3:14, when soldiers asked John the Baptist what they should do, he replied, "Do not extort money, and do not accuse people falsely. Be content with your wages." This instruction emphasizes integrity, honesty, and contentment, virtues that are essential for soldiers and all believers. Faithful Soldiers The concept of being a faithful soldier is further illustrated in 2 Timothy 2:3-4, where Paul encourages Timothy to "endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer." This passage underscores the dedication and focus required of those who serve Christ, likening it to the commitment of a soldier to their duty. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, soldiers are depicted as both literal and metaphorical figures, representing physical and spiritual battles. Their presence in Scripture serves as a reminder of the realities of conflict and the virtues of courage, discipline, and faithfulness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who is engaged in military service as an officer or a private; one who serves in an army; one of an organized body of combatants.2. (n.) Especially, a private in military service, as distinguished from an officer. 3. (n.) A brave warrior; a man of military experience and skill, or a man of distinguished valor; -- used by way of emphasis or distinction. 4. (n.) The red or cuckoo gurnard (Trigla pini.) 5. (n.) One of the asexual polymorphic forms of white ants, or termites, in which the head and jaws are very large and strong. The soldiers serve to defend the nest. See Termite. 6. (v. i.) To serve as a soldier. 7. (v. i.) To make a pretense of doing something, or of performing any task. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SOLDIERsol'-jer. Greek 4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier ... to make war, hence to serve as a soldier. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: strateuo Phonetic Spelling: (strat-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I wage war ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4754.htm - 7k 4757. stratiotes -- a soldier 4961. sustratiotes -- a fellow soldier 2460. hippeus -- a horseman 4758. stratologeo -- to enlist soldiers 4753. strateuma -- an expedition, an army, a company of soldiers 2862. kolonia -- a colony (a city settlement of soldiers disbanded ... 4756. stratia -- an army 498. antitasso -- to range in battle against, to set oneself ... 5511. chlamus -- a chlamys or short cloak Strong's Hebrew 5430. seon -- sandal, boot (of a soldier)... 5429, 5430. seon. 5431 . sandal, boot (of a soldier). Transliteration: seon Phonetic Spelling: (seh-own') Short Definition: boot. ... /hebrew/5430.htm - 6k 2502. chalats -- to draw off or out, withdraw 5068. nadab -- to incite, impel 192. Evil Merodak -- "man of Merodach," son and successor of ... 7273. ragli -- on foot 5431. saan -- to tread, tramp 1121. ben -- son Library Wellington and the Soldier Soldier Priests The Charge to the Soldier of the Lord A Soldier's Shoes The Christian Soldier. The Soldier of the Cross. Letter cvi. To a Soldier. Wesley Seized for a Soldier A Soldier's Training To Messer John the Soldier of Fortune and Head of the Company that ... Thesaurus Soldier (16 Occurrences)... See Termite. 6. (vi) To serve as a soldier. 7. (vi) To make a pretense of doing something, or of performing any task. Int. ...SOLDIER. sol'-jer. See ARMY. ... /s/soldier.htm - 12k Fellow-soldier (2 Occurrences) Soldier's (1 Occurrence) Entangle (7 Occurrences) Archippus (2 Occurrences) Water (4571 Occurrences) Armor (53 Occurrences) Arms (166 Occurrences) Blood (435 Occurrences) Duty (90 Occurrences) Resources Was Longinus the name of the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus with the spear? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about a Christian serving in the military? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.org Soldier: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Soldier (16 Occurrences)Mark 6:27 John 19:23 Acts 10:7 Acts 28:16 1 Corinthians 9:7 Philippians 2:25 2 Timothy 2:3 2 Timothy 2:4 Philemon 1:2 1 Samuel 13:22 2 Samuel 17:10 1 Kings 20:39 2 Kings 5:1 2 Chronicles 17:17 Isaiah 3:2 Amos 2:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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