Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, armies were often accompanied by beasts of burden and wagons to transport supplies, equipment, and provisions necessary for sustaining military campaigns. This logistical support was crucial for the movement and effectiveness of ancient armies, as it allowed them to carry food, weapons, tents, and other essential items over long distances.
Beasts of BurdenBeasts of burden, such as donkeys, camels, and oxen, played a vital role in the transportation needs of ancient armies. These animals were valued for their strength, endurance, and ability to carry heavy loads. In the Old Testament, we see references to the use of such animals in military contexts. For instance, in
1 Samuel 17:22, David left his supplies with the keeper of the baggage when he went to the battlefield to face Goliath, indicating the presence of logistical support in the form of beasts of burden.
Camels, in particular, were highly prized in desert regions for their ability to travel long distances without water. In
Judges 7:12, the Midianites and Amalekites are described as being "as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore in multitude," highlighting the extensive use of camels in their military operations.
Wagons for BaggageWagons were another essential component of military logistics, used to transport heavier loads that could not be carried by animals alone. These vehicles were often drawn by oxen or horses and were used to carry tents, food supplies, and other equipment necessary for sustaining an army in the field. In
Numbers 7:3, the leaders of Israel brought offerings before the LORD, including "six covered carts and twelve oxen," which were used for transporting the tabernacle and its furnishings, illustrating the use of wagons for carrying significant loads.
The use of wagons is also evident in the account of the Philistines returning the Ark of the Covenant to Israel. In
1 Samuel 6:7, the Philistines placed the Ark on a new cart drawn by two cows, demonstrating the use of wagons for transporting sacred and valuable items.
Strategic ImportanceThe presence of beasts of burden and wagons in ancient armies was not merely a logistical convenience but a strategic necessity. The ability to move supplies efficiently allowed armies to maintain their strength and effectiveness over extended campaigns. In
2 Kings 7:7, the Arameans fled, abandoning their tents, horses, and donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, which underscores the importance of logistical resources in military operations.
Moreover, the capture or destruction of an enemy's supply lines, including their beasts of burden and wagons, could significantly weaken their ability to sustain a campaign. This strategic aspect is evident in various biblical narratives where the disruption of supply lines led to the downfall of armies.
In summary, the accompaniment of armies by beasts of burden and wagons for baggage was a critical aspect of ancient military logistics, enabling the transport of essential supplies and equipment necessary for the success of military campaigns. The biblical accounts provide numerous examples of how these logistical elements were integrated into the operations of armies, highlighting their importance in the warfare of the ancient Near East.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Judges 7:12And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.
Torrey's Topical Textbook2 Kings 7:7
Why they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Ezekiel 23:2
Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Crossing the Hellespont.
... a dreadful storm of wind and rain, accompanied by thunder ... men as you have brought
together in your armies. ... The officers drove forward men and beasts alike by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter v crossing the hellespont.htm
Resources
What does the Bible mean when it calls God the “LORD of hosts”? | GotQuestions.orgWho was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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