Topical Bible: Armies: Frequently the Instrument of God's Vengeance

◄ Armies: Frequently the Instrument of God's Vengeance ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, armies often serve as instruments of divine justice and vengeance, executing God's will against nations and peoples who have turned away from His commandments. Throughout the Scriptures, God uses both Israelite and foreign armies to fulfill His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to righteousness and justice.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Conquest of Canaan: One of the most prominent examples is the Israelite conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. God commanded the Israelites to destroy the Canaanite nations due to their abominable practices and idolatry. In Joshua 10:40, it is recorded, "So Joshua conquered the whole region—the hill country, the Negev, the foothills, and the slopes, together with all their kings, leaving no survivors, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded."

2. Assyrian and Babylonian Armies: God also used foreign armies to bring judgment upon His own people when they strayed from His ways. The Assyrian army was used to conquer the northern kingdom of Israel, as prophesied in 2 Kings 17:6, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria." Similarly, the Babylonian army was an instrument of God's wrath against Judah, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, as described in 2 Kings 25:8-10.

3. The Plagues of Egypt: While not an army in the traditional sense, the plagues that God sent upon Egypt can be seen as a divine force executing judgment. In Exodus 12:12, God declares, "On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament focuses more on spiritual warfare and the ultimate victory of Christ, the concept of divine vengeance through armies is not entirely absent. In Revelation, the imagery of Christ leading the heavenly armies against the forces of evil is a powerful depiction of divine justice. Revelation 19:11-14 describes this scene: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses."

Theological Implications

The use of armies as instruments of God's vengeance underscores several key theological themes:

· Divine Sovereignty: God is portrayed as the ultimate ruler over all nations, directing the course of history according to His divine plan. His use of armies, whether Israelite or foreign, highlights His control over earthly powers.

· Justice and Righteousness: God's vengeance is always rooted in His perfect justice and righteousness. The armies serve as agents to correct moral and spiritual corruption, bringing about divine retribution for sin and rebellion.

· Covenant Faithfulness: God's actions through armies often relate to His covenant promises. Whether punishing Israel for breaking the covenant or fulfilling His promise to give them the land of Canaan, God's use of armies is tied to His faithfulness to His word.

In summary, armies in the Bible are frequently depicted as tools in the hands of a just and sovereign God, executing His will and bringing about His purposes on earth. Through these narratives, the Scriptures reveal the seriousness of sin, the certainty of divine justice, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 13:5
They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the LORD, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dilemma and Deliverance
... himself to this last, most sharp, moat deadly instrument. ... you on the Sabbath day;
I frequently come here ... wrought victories, put to flight the armies of aliens ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ... my table: as I have done,
so God hath requited ... Law were enclosed in the Ark is frequently expressed in ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... of the soul to entertain vast armies of thoughts ... with fear, and drew consolation
more frequently from the ... hidden meaning in the division of God's creatures into ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Mystery
... one, during a tumultuous conflict of armies and people ... the worshippers of the beast
frequently and sharply ... they punctured with a sharp instrument youths just ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... ceased not to warn Chlodowech that he should acknowledge the true God and forsake
idols. ... The two armies met and there was a fearful slaughter, and the army of ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

The Holy War,
... within, to keep her humble; that she may feel her dependence upon God, and be ... At
first sight, it may seem strange that the armies, both within and without the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

part i
... allured by the melodious sounds of an instrument or of a ... hatred towards them; we
are infuriated and long for vengeance. ... not asked and do not ask God's grace in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm