Topical Bible: Armies: Fear Occasioned By

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The presence and approach of armies have historically been a source of fear and anxiety, as depicted in various accounts throughout the Bible. This fear is often portrayed as a natural human response to the threat of violence, destruction, and the potential loss of life and property. The Bible provides numerous examples where the fear of armies is evident, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of such encounters.

1. Fear of Destruction and Defeat: The fear occasioned by armies is frequently linked to the potential for destruction and defeat. In 2 Kings 6:15-17, the servant of Elisha is initially overwhelmed with fear upon seeing the Aramean army surrounding the city. His fear is alleviated only when Elisha prays for his eyes to be opened, revealing the heavenly army protecting them: "And Elisha prayed, 'O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.' And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha" .

2. Fear of Captivity and Oppression: The Israelites often faced the fear of captivity and oppression at the hands of foreign armies. In Deuteronomy 28:49-50, a warning is given about a nation that the LORD will bring against Israel, described as "a nation whose language you will not understand, a fierce nation without respect for the old or pity for the young" . This prophecy underscores the dread of being conquered and subjugated by a foreign power.

3. Fear as a Test of Faith: The fear of armies also serves as a test of faith and reliance on God. In the account of Gideon in Judges 7, God reduces Gideon's army to a mere 300 men to face the Midianites, emphasizing that victory comes from the LORD and not from human strength. This narrative illustrates the challenge of overcoming fear through trust in divine intervention.

4. Fear Leading to Despair: The psychological impact of fear is evident in the reaction of the Israelites when they first approach the Promised Land. In Numbers 13:31-33, the spies report back about the formidable inhabitants, causing the people to despair: "We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them" . This fear leads to a lack of faith and a refusal to enter the land God promised them.

5. Divine Assurance Against Fear: Despite the natural fear of armies, the Bible frequently offers divine assurance to counteract this fear. In Isaiah 41:10, God reassures His people: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" . Such promises are meant to encourage believers to trust in God's protection and sovereignty over all earthly powers.

6. Fear Transformed into Courage: The transformation of fear into courage is a recurring theme, as seen in the account of David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17, while the Israelite army is paralyzed by fear of the Philistine giant, David's faith in God empowers him to confront and defeat Goliath, demonstrating that faith can overcome fear.

The fear occasioned by armies in the Bible serves as a multifaceted theme, reflecting human vulnerability, the testing of faith, and the ultimate reliance on God's power and promises. Through these narratives, believers are encouraged to face their fears with confidence in God's providential care and deliverance.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 22:3
And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 6:25
Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

1 Timothy ii. 4-Feb
... public, when our soldiers are attacked by foreign armies: The second is ... care that
comes of these things, the fear, the alarm, the strife occasioned by them ...
/.../homily vii 1 timothy ii.htm

How Titus Gave Orders to Demolish the Tower of Antonia and Then ...
... correct that impiety which thou hast occasioned; while thou ... Jews to act vigorously
were, their fear for themselves ... other to retire; but both the armies left the ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus gave.htm

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on ...
... that is between God and all men, occasioned by the ... challenges, and yet the soul will
not fear,"it hath ... O it would be more terrible than all the armies of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii thou shall keep.htm

The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished.
... descendants of those who cast off the fear of God ... had long been augmenting, and at
length occasioned that awful ... at the approach of the Roman armies and escaped ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxix the sins of.htm

The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews.
... and every city was divided into two armies, encamped one ... These Romans being in great
fear, lest the place ... which wise conduct of that city occasioned the rest ...
/.../chapter 18 the calamities and.htm

How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ...
... inhabitants of those countries to be in no small fear. ... of the people of those countries
occasioned perplexity and ... 4. So the armies joined battle; and it came ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the amalekites.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... mercy; I must swim it, or else I fear I must ... so near to me as heretofore; nevertheless
they occasioned more fright ... sea, how is it that I hear the armies of my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

The City and River of God
... One is that wonderful deliverance of the armies of Jehoshaphat ... The figure is occasioned
by, or at all events ... Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the city and river of.htm

The Census of Israel
... in their armies to fight giant races, and armies versed in war ... Another diminution
of power is occasioned by the vast ... They were soon cowed by fear and baffled by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

The Death of Cyrus.
... result, if he should invade her dominions and encounter her armies. ... She did not fear
him. ... and the deep dejection and distress which they occasioned, acceded to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter xii the death of.htm