Topical Bible: Armies: Generally in Three Divisions

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, armies were often organized into three main divisions, a structure that can be observed in various accounts throughout the Scriptures. This tripartite organization reflects both strategic military practices and the cultural norms of ancient Near Eastern warfare.

1. The Vanguard (Front Division):
The vanguard, or the front division, was typically composed of the most skilled and valiant warriors. This division was responsible for leading the charge into battle and often bore the brunt of the initial conflict. In 1 Samuel 13:22, we see the importance of having well-armed soldiers in the front lines: "So on the day of battle, not a sword or spear was found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons." The vanguard's role was crucial in setting the tone for the engagement and often determined the morale of the entire army.

2. The Main Body (Central Division):
The central division formed the core of the army, providing strength and stability. This division was typically the largest and included a mix of infantry and support units. The main body was responsible for sustaining the battle effort and providing reinforcement where needed. In 2 Samuel 10:9-10, we see a strategic deployment of forces: "When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. And he placed the rest of the forces under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites." This passage illustrates the importance of a well-organized central division to respond to threats from multiple directions.

3. The Rearguard (Rear Division):
The rearguard served as the protective division, safeguarding the army from surprise attacks from behind and ensuring a secure retreat if necessary. This division often included reserve troops who could be called upon to support the front lines or cover a strategic withdrawal. In Joshua 8:12, the rearguard plays a pivotal role: "Joshua took about five thousand men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city." The strategic placement of the rearguard in ambush positions highlights its role in both defense and tactical maneuvers.

The tripartite division of armies in biblical times reflects a well-thought-out military strategy that balanced offense, defense, and flexibility. This structure allowed for effective command and control, enabling leaders to adapt to the dynamic conditions of ancient warfare. Throughout the Bible, the organization of armies into these three divisions underscores the importance of preparation, strategy, and divine guidance in achieving victory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 14:15
And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:17
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell on the camels, and have carried them away, yes, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Reconstruction.
... But there were three communions, of great prospective ... Episcopalian and Methodist
ministers were generally Tories, and ... of the French and of the British armies. ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xiii reconstruction.htm

The Historical Books.
... of the risen Samuel, of the defeat of the armies of Israel ... was the author of this
book is generally acknowledged ... The book naturally falls into three divisions. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Above these, again, three musicians march in procession, one ... of the Elamite name,
writing generally Umman-igash ... to the manoeuvres of large armies, had always ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... them (ie, the kings and their armies) together unto ... and the dimensions of the hailstones
are generally enormous ... This is the second of the three great divisions ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... Vainly did their victorious armies follow the Nile for months together as ... this Green
Nile does not last long, but generally flows away in three or four ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... the same woman when it swallowed up the armies of Pharaoh ... The task is generally
undertaken on the assumption that the problem is ... Now three is the Divine number. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

Introduction.
... In another passage, [20] which critics generally assign to ... Enoch says: [21] "Then
those three who were clothed in ... of Behar, is to lead the armies of Antichrist ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/introduction.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... by tradition: Manetho, the royal lists, main divisions of Egyptian ... and writing"Menes,
and the three first human ... The devout generally were of opinion that the ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... the whole, notwithstanding its immense armies of immigrants ... impression that in the
three centuries of ... so defective, uncertain, and generally unsatisfactory as ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

The Provinces.
... the king in the maintenance of their armies. ... government, in these ancient empires,
generally interested itself ... This made three hundred and sixty annually, that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm