Topical Bible: Armies: Devastation Occasioned By

◄ Armies: Devastation Occasioned By ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The presence and actions of armies in biblical times often resulted in significant devastation, affecting both the physical landscape and the social fabric of the regions involved. The Bible provides numerous accounts of such devastation, illustrating the profound impact of military campaigns on cities, nations, and peoples.

Destruction of Cities and Lands

One of the most vivid examples of devastation caused by armies is the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. In 2 Kings 25:9-10 , it is recorded: "He set fire to the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every significant building was burned down. The whole army of the Chaldeans under the commander of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem." This passage highlights the comprehensive destruction that often accompanied military conquests, leaving cities in ruins and their inhabitants displaced or killed.

Similarly, the Assyrian invasion of Israel led to widespread devastation. In Isaiah 37:36 , the angel of the LORD struck down 185,000 men in the Assyrian camp, demonstrating the divine intervention that sometimes accompanied such military actions. The aftermath of these invasions often left the land desolate, as described in Isaiah 1:7 : "Your land is desolate; your cities are burned with fire; foreigners devour your fields before you—a desolation demolished by strangers."

Impact on Populations

The devastation wrought by armies extended beyond physical destruction to include severe impacts on populations. The conquest of a city or nation often resulted in the slaughter of its inhabitants, enslavement, or forced exile. The Babylonian captivity is a prime example, where the people of Judah were taken into exile, as noted in 2 Kings 24:14 : "He carried into exile all Jerusalem: all the commanders and mighty men of valor, all the craftsmen and metalsmiths—ten thousand captives in all. Only the poorest people of the land remained."

The psychological and spiritual toll on the people was immense, as they faced the loss of their homeland, cultural identity, and religious practices. Lamentations 1:1-3 poignantly captures the sorrow and desolation felt by the exiled Israelites: "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow. The princess of the provinces has become a slave. She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers, there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies."

Divine Judgment and Protection

In the biblical narrative, the devastation occasioned by armies is often portrayed as a form of divine judgment against nations or peoples who have turned away from God. The prophets frequently warned of impending destruction as a consequence of sin and disobedience. For instance, Jeremiah 4:6-7 warns of an army coming from the north as a judgment: "Raise a banner toward Zion. Seek refuge; do not delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north— even terrible destruction. A lion has gone up from his thicket; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his lair to lay waste your land. Your cities will be reduced to ruins and lie uninhabited."

Conversely, the Bible also records instances where God intervenes to protect His people from the devastation of armies. In 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 , during the reign of Jehoshaphat, God caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to turn against each other, sparing Judah from destruction: "At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another."

Conclusion

The devastation occasioned by armies in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of war and disobedience, as well as the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. Through these accounts, the Bible underscores the themes of judgment, repentance, and divine protection, offering lessons that resonate throughout the ages.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 37:18
Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 5:17
And they shall eat up your harvest, and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat: they shall eat up your flocks and your herds: they shall eat up your vines and your fig trees: they shall impoverish your fenced cities, wherein you trusted, with the sword.
Torrey's Topical Textbook