Topical Bible: Armies: Called The: Power of Kings

◄ Armies: Called The: Power of Kings ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, armies are often depicted as the embodiment of a king's power and authority. Throughout the Scriptures, the strength and might of a king's army are frequently highlighted as a reflection of his ability to rule and protect his kingdom. The concept of armies as the power of kings is woven into the fabric of biblical history, illustrating both divine providence and human ambition.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the formation and deployment of armies are central to the narratives of many kings and leaders. The Israelites, under divine command, organized themselves into a formidable force to conquer the Promised Land. The army was not only a tool for conquest but also a means of defense against surrounding nations.

For instance, King David, one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, is often associated with military prowess. His leadership and strategic acumen in battle are well-documented. In 1 Chronicles 18:6, it is noted, "Then David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went." Here, the success of David's army is directly linked to divine favor, underscoring the belief that the true power behind the army is God Himself.

Divine Sanction and Human Responsibility

The power of armies is frequently portrayed as being under divine sanction. In Deuteronomy 20:1, the Israelites are reminded, "When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you." This passage emphasizes that while the physical might of an army is significant, ultimate victory is granted by God.

However, the Bible also acknowledges the human responsibility in the preparation and maintenance of an army. Kings were expected to muster their forces, train their soldiers, and equip them for battle. The balance between divine intervention and human effort is a recurring theme, as seen in the account of Gideon, whose army was reduced by God's command to demonstrate that victory comes from the Lord (Judges 7:2-7).

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical armies to spiritual warfare. While earthly kings and their armies continue to play a role in the historical context, the emphasis is on the spiritual battle against the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

This shift highlights the transition from the physical manifestations of power to the spiritual authority granted to believers through Christ. The imagery of armor and battle is retained, but it is applied to the spiritual realm, where the true power of the King of Kings is revealed.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, armies are depicted as a crucial element of a king's power, serving both as instruments of divine will and as symbols of human authority. The narratives of military conquest and defense illustrate the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency, ultimately pointing to the ultimate power and authority of God over all earthly kingdoms.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 32:9
After this did Sennacherib king of Assyria send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with him,) to Hezekiah king of Judah, and to all Judah that were at Jerusalem, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The King and his Armies.
... the head of all principality and power" (Col.2:10 ... The "armies" which follow him,
symbolize the attending saints ... wedding garments of those who were called to the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the king and his armies.htm

Of the Power of Prayer.
... Chapter XXIX."Of the Power of Prayer ... used to call down [8952] plagues, scatter the
armies of foes ... its miraculous operations, as they are called, are suspended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxix of the power of.htm

From the Seventeenth Chapter.
... of confusion; and in Isaiah also; and Ezekiel called it Sodom. ... For that ten kings
received royal power when he ... be sent from the city of Rome with his armies. ...
/.../from the seventeenth chapter.htm

The Final Conflict.
... They gather their armies to war against the Lamb. ... and they are to be gathered "into
a place called in the ... works unto the end, to him will I give power over the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the final conflict.htm

The First Kings.
... was Goliah, presented himself daily between the two armies, and, with ... of the ten
tribes, who were called Israel ... pagan neighbors in the pomp and power of royalty ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... years before Christ, marched his armies against the ... other ornaments for the head,
properly called coronets, garlands ... easy, with the increase of power and wealth ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Image and the Stone
... and not yet fully grasped by many so-called historians ... the use of human means, such
as armies, are emphasised ... that the clay and iron have inherent power to pass ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the image and the stone.htm

In the Birth of the Son Light Dawned, --And Darkness Fled from the ...
... He binds crowns and is King of all;"and great is His power over the ... the poverty of
His mother He dwells;"why then King is He called by you ... The armies of thy ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xv in the birth.htm

How after the Death of Cambyses and the Slaughter of the Magi but ...
... and Ethiopia, and the generals of the armies of his ... wisdom; "and," says he, "he shall
be called my cousin ... deserve to be esteemed insuperable in power and force. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how after the.htm

The Call of Isaiah
... was not accompanied by a corresponding revival of spiritual power. ... Isaiah, of the
royal line, was called, while yet ... of Judah by the combined armies of northern ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 25 the call of.htm