Topical Bible: Armies: Often Consisted of the Whole Effective Strength of Nations

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, armies were a central aspect of ancient Near Eastern societies, often representing the entire effective strength of a nation. The organization, size, and role of these armies were crucial for the defense, expansion, and survival of the people of Israel and their neighboring nations.

Israelite Armies

The armies of Israel were initially composed of all able-bodied men who could bear arms. This is evident in the early biblical narratives where the entire community was called to arms. In the Book of Numbers, God commands Moses to take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man able to serve in the army (Numbers 1:2-3). This census was not merely for administrative purposes but was directly related to military readiness.

The Israelite army was often organized by tribes, with each tribe contributing its men to the collective defense. This tribal organization is seen in the account of the battle against the Amalekites, where Moses instructs Joshua to choose men and go out to fight (Exodus 17:9). The tribal leaders played a significant role in mobilizing and leading their men in battle.

Monarchical Period

During the monarchical period, the structure of the Israelite army became more formalized. King Saul, the first king of Israel, established a standing army, as seen in his campaigns against the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:2). David, his successor, further developed the military, creating a professional army with specialized units, such as the "mighty men" (2 Samuel 23:8-39). David's military successes expanded Israel's territory and secured its borders.

Solomon, David's son, maintained a strong military presence, though his reign was marked more by peace and prosperity than by warfare. He is noted for building chariots and horsemen, which were significant military assets (1 Kings 10:26).

Role of God in Warfare

In the biblical narrative, the success of Israel's armies was often attributed to divine intervention. The Israelites believed that their victories were granted by God, who fought on their behalf. This is exemplified in the account of Gideon, where God reduces Gideon's army to a mere 300 men to demonstrate that victory comes from the Lord, not from human strength (Judges 7:2-7).

The concept of God as a divine warrior is a recurring theme, emphasizing that the true strength of Israel's army lay not in numbers or military prowess but in their covenant relationship with God. This theological perspective is encapsulated in the words of David to Goliath: "The battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:47).

Armies of Other Nations

The armies of surrounding nations also played a significant role in the biblical narrative. The Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Philistines, among others, had formidable military forces that often threatened Israel. These armies were typically well-organized and equipped with advanced weaponry and tactics for their time.

The Assyrian army, for example, was known for its size, discipline, and innovative siege techniques. The biblical account of Sennacherib's invasion during the reign of Hezekiah highlights the might of the Assyrian forces (2 Kings 18:13-19:37). Despite their strength, the biblical narrative often portrays these foreign armies as instruments of God's judgment or as foils to demonstrate His power and sovereignty.

Conclusion

In summary, armies in the biblical world were integral to the identity and survival of nations. They were often composed of the entire effective strength of the people, reflecting both the communal nature of ancient societies and the theological belief in divine involvement in human affairs. The biblical portrayal of armies underscores the tension between human effort and divine providence in the unfolding of history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 21:23
And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 29:1
Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites pitched by a fountain which is in Jezreel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... have no direct information respecting the armies acting in ... was rounded at the top
and often furnished with ... Their weapons consisted of pikes about five feet long ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... the limit of their dominion, and they often crossed it to ... scenes as well as
inscriptions"consisted of plaques ... of the care of commanding their armies; and as ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Zakkala, and their allies had devastated the whole coast before ... men for their ships,
and they were often obliged to ... for them to think of raising armies fit to ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... classical writers maintain that the Magi often cloaked monstrous ... and further on,
that "the whole people rose ... considerably from each other; one consisted of the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The whole country consisted of a collection of petty ... has witnessed century after
century so many armies crossing its ... as far as the Orontes; nay, often even to ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... idea, showed that there were then two armies, engaged at ... seem, for the most part,
to have consisted of a ... and there at long intervals by tiny windows, but often.
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... Abel's offering consisted of "the firstlings of his flock and ... of those who in Scripture
are so often called "the ... 19:14, it is said that "the armies in heaven ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The infantry consisted of a limited number of archers ... native lands, and he had often
whole regiments of ... Mysians, Dardanians, were the national armies of these ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... The whole country, in some places, seems like bowing to ... and forty-five colored; and
the school consisted of fifty ... how often are all human expectations blasted! ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... in one form or another throughout the whole world wherever ... by labor, envious, covetous,
and often suffering with ... The special train consisted of one first-class ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm