Topical Bible: Armies: Commenced Battles With a Shout

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In the biblical narrative, the commencement of battles with a shout is a recurring theme that signifies the readiness, unity, and divine empowerment of the Israelite armies. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, where the shout served as both a psychological weapon and a spiritual act of faith.

Biblical Instances

1. The Fall of Jericho: One of the most famous instances of commencing battle with a shout is found in the account of the fall of Jericho. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites were instructed by God to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, after marching around the city seven times, the priests blew the trumpets, and the people shouted. The walls of Jericho collapsed, allowing the Israelites to take the city. This event is recorded in Joshua 6:20: "So when the trumpets sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the trumpet, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

2. Gideon's Victory Over the Midianites: In Judges 7, Gideon and his 300 men defeated the Midianites with a strategic surprise attack that involved trumpets and shouting. Judges 7:20-21 describes the moment: "The three companies blew their trumpets and shattered their jars. They held the torches in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands and shouted, 'A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!' Each man stood in his place around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran."

3. The Battle Against the Philistines: In 1 Samuel 17, the Israelites faced the Philistines, and the narrative of David and Goliath unfolds. Before David's confrontation with Goliath, the Israelite army prepared for battle with a shout. 1 Samuel 17:52 states, "Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron."

Theological Significance

The shout in battle is not merely a war cry but a declaration of trust in God's power and presence. It symbolizes the Israelites' reliance on divine intervention rather than solely on military might. The shout often precedes miraculous victories, underscoring the belief that God fights for His people.

Cultural Context

In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the shout was a common tactic used to intimidate the enemy and boost the morale of one's own troops. For the Israelites, however, it held additional spiritual significance. The shout was an act of worship and obedience, often accompanied by the blowing of trumpets, which were used in religious ceremonies and as signals in battle.

Symbolism and Application

The shout in battle serves as a metaphor for the believer's faith and confidence in God's promises. It represents the power of collective faith and the importance of unity among God's people. The biblical accounts encourage believers to face their own battles with the same confidence and reliance on God's strength.

In summary, the practice of commencing battles with a shout in the Bible highlights the intersection of faith, obedience, and divine intervention in the lives of the Israelites. It serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual dimensions of warfare and the ultimate victory that comes through trust in God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:20
And David rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded him; and he came to the trench, as the host was going forth to the fight, and shouted for the battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 13:15
Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 51:14
The LORD of hosts has sworn by himself, saying, Surely I will fill you with men, as with caterpillars; and they shall lift up a shout against you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... This year two more Indian missions were commenced, one among the Mohawks in Upper
Canada ... of this chief, who prided himself for having fought the battles of his ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm