Topical Bible: Armies: Marched: Often in Open Line

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In the biblical context, the movement and formation of armies are significant, reflecting both the military strategies of ancient times and the divine interventions that often accompanied Israel's battles. The open line formation, a common military tactic, allowed for flexibility and adaptability in various terrains and situations.

Biblical Instances and Descriptions:

1. Marching in Formation:
The Israelites, under divine command, often marched in organized formations. This is evident in the account of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. Numbers 10:14-28 describes the order of march for the tribes of Israel, highlighting the structured and disciplined nature of their movement. The tribes were arranged in a specific order, with the Ark of the Covenant leading, symbolizing God's presence and guidance.

2. The Battle of Jericho:
One of the most famous examples of marching in an open line is the Battle of Jericho. In Joshua 6:3-5, God instructs Joshua to have the armed men march around the city once for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. This procession, though not a traditional military tactic, demonstrated obedience to God's command and resulted in the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls.

3. David's Military Campaigns:
King David, a skilled military leader, often employed strategic formations in his campaigns. In 1 Chronicles 12:33, the men of Zebulun are described as "experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty." This implies a readiness to march and fight in organized lines, showcasing their discipline and commitment.

4. Jehoshaphat's Army:
In 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to march ahead of the army, praising the Lord. This unique formation, with worship leading the way, resulted in divine intervention as God set ambushes against their enemies. The open line of singers and soldiers demonstrated faith and reliance on God's power rather than mere military might.

5. Prophetic Imagery:
The prophets also used the imagery of marching armies to convey messages from God. In Joel 2:7, the advancing army is described: "They charge like warriors; they scale walls like soldiers. Each marches in line, not swerving from their course." This vivid depiction emphasizes the discipline and determination of the forces, often symbolizing impending judgment or divine action.

Theological Significance:

The concept of armies marching in open lines in the Bible often underscores themes of obedience, divine guidance, and the power of God in the affairs of nations. The Israelites' reliance on God's instructions, even in military matters, reflects a broader theological principle of trust and faith in God's sovereignty and provision. The open line formation, while practical, also serves as a metaphor for the order and unity required among God's people as they face both physical and spiritual battles.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 1:6,8
For, see, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwelling places that are not their's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Babylonia and Assyria
... of canals and reeds," as it was often named"was ... through Mesopotamia to the Babylonian
armies; the Egyptians ... years later the Babylonian army marched into Egypt ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... Notwithstanding these precautions, however, the water often failed ... quarters in the
fortress, while his armies could be ... near the shore; the other marched far in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vi the review of.htm

Crossing the Hellespont.
... and followed by a thousand spearmen, who marched trailing their ... of men were so great,
that often, in the ... of men as you have brought together in your armies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter v crossing the hellespont.htm

Canaan
... of Egypt, may still be often observed among the ... centuries before our era; its armies
made their ... The victors marched unresisted through the country, burning and ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... trusty substitute ruled in his place: often, however, he ... providing a practicable
road for her armies marching to ... day, the 5th of Pakhons; he marched but slowly ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... their native lands, and he had often whole regiments ... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians,
were the national armies of these ... way along the coast, he marched due east ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... Susa, and that their revolts must often have jeopardised ... Sargon himself, and which
would have marched on all ... showed that there were then two armies, engaged at ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... Mohammedan power was extended by these armies, which till ... two hundred and fifty workmen
marched before to ... Jerusalem, as other enthusiasts have often attempted. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The First Theban Empire
... Two small parties marched along the banks, and foraging to ... or if the passage of their
armies was marked ... who were sent to quarry the stone often took advantage ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... issued forth with his adherents, and marched at once ... vitality of which she had so
often given proof ... To accept the present was equivalent to open rebellion, and ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm