Topical Bible: Armies: Called The: Wings of a Nation

◄ Armies: Called The: Wings of a Nation ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, armies are often depicted as the strength and protection of a nation, symbolically referred to as the "wings" that provide shelter and defense. This metaphor underscores the role of military forces as both a protective and a divine instrument in the unfolding of God's plan for His people.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The imagery of wings is frequently used in Scripture to convey protection, speed, and divine intervention. While not always directly linked to armies, the metaphor of wings can be extended to understand the role of military forces in the biblical narrative. For instance, in Isaiah 8:8, the prophet speaks of the Assyrian army as a flood that will "sweep on into Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck." Here, the overwhelming force of an army is likened to a natural, unstoppable power.

In the context of divine protection, Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." While this verse primarily speaks of God's protection, it can be seen as a parallel to how armies serve as a nation's shield, providing a sense of security and refuge.

Historical Context

Throughout the Old Testament, the armies of Israel are depicted as instruments of God's will. The Israelites' military campaigns, under leaders like Joshua and David, are often portrayed as divinely sanctioned efforts to establish and protect the nation of Israel. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David confronts Goliath, declaring, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." This highlights the belief that the true strength of an army lies not in its numbers or weapons, but in its alignment with God's purposes.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of armies as the "wings of a nation" emphasizes the belief in divine sovereignty over human affairs. The successes and failures of armies in the Bible are often attributed to the nation's faithfulness or lack thereof to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 20:4, the Israelites are reminded, "For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory." This reinforces the idea that military might is ultimately subject to divine will.

Prophetic and Eschatological Views

In prophetic literature, the imagery of armies often takes on an eschatological dimension. The Book of Revelation describes the final battle between the forces of good and evil, where heavenly armies play a crucial role. Revelation 19:14 depicts the armies of heaven following Christ, "riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." This vision underscores the ultimate victory of God's kingdom, with divine armies serving as the executors of His final judgment.

Conclusion

The metaphor of armies as the "wings of a nation" in the Bible serves to illustrate the dual role of military forces as both protectors and instruments of divine will. Through historical narratives, theological teachings, and prophetic visions, the Bible presents a complex view of armies that intertwines human agency with divine sovereignty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 8:8
And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 48:40
For thus said the LORD; Behold, he shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread his wings over Moab.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Prophets were Sent from one and the Same Father from whom the ...
... therefore does He say, "He sent His armies," because every ... a hen gathereth her chickens
under her wings, and ye ... and us also who have been called together from ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxvi the prophets were sent.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... and slander flew, as on the wings of the wind ... We have commenced to build a city,
called 'Nauvoo,' in ... Persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... He heard the tread of armies marshaling for war ... as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings, and ye ... have stayed the angel of justice, I have called thee to ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... He heard the tread of armies marshaling for war ... as a hen gathereth her chickens under
her wings, and ye ... have stayed the angel of justice, I have called thee to ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

Two Ways of Despising God's Feast
... summon those who had already been 'called.' That calling ... Note the forcible pronouns,
'His armies,' and 'their city ... with the sound of rushing wings, His presence ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/two ways of despising gods.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... the Mede, and commanding general of the combined armies of the ... For thou shalt no
more be called, The lady of ... the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
... angels of God met him and 'he called the name ... thereof,' the reappearance of the shining
armies whose presence ... and sing, sweet and strong angel wings and voices ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/elijahs translation and elishas deathbed.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... years before Christ, marched his armies against the ... veiling their faces with their
wings, and waiting ... ornaments for the head, properly called coronets, garlands ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Kingdom of God.
... all, at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies. ... to His being what the Hebrew
prophets called Him"a ... If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon ix the kingdom of.htm

A New Kind of King
... light pinion will fly further than the wings of Rome's ... and He that sat upon Him was
called Faithful and ... down and scatter, but amongst 'the armies that follow ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/a new kind of king.htm