Topical Bible: Armies: Troops often Hired For

◄ Armies: Troops often Hired For ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, armies and troops were frequently hired for various purposes, ranging from defense to conquest. The practice of hiring troops is evident throughout the Old Testament, where nations and leaders sought military assistance to achieve their strategic goals. This entry explores the instances and implications of hiring armies in biblical times.

Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, the hiring of troops was a common practice among nations seeking to bolster their military strength. This was often necessary due to the constant threat of invasion, territorial disputes, and the desire for expansion. The Bible provides several examples of this practice, illustrating both the reliance on human strength and the divine perspective on such alliances.

Biblical Examples

1. David and the Philistines: One notable instance is when David, before becoming king of Israel, sought refuge with the Philistines. Achish, the king of Gath, trusted David and intended to have him fight alongside the Philistine army against Israel. However, the Philistine commanders objected, fearing David might turn against them in battle (1 Samuel 29:1-11).

2. King Asa of Judah: Asa, the king of Judah, hired the Arameans to break his alliance with Baasha, king of Israel. Asa took silver and gold from the treasuries of the LORD's temple and the royal palace to secure this military support (2 Chronicles 16:1-3). This act was later condemned by the prophet Hanani, who rebuked Asa for relying on human alliances rather than trusting in the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

3. Jehoiakim and Egypt: Jehoiakim, king of Judah, initially served as a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon but later rebelled, seeking support from Egypt. This political maneuvering involved hiring Egyptian troops to resist Babylonian dominance, which ultimately proved futile as Babylon's power prevailed (2 Kings 24:1-7).

4. The Ammonites and the Arameans: The Ammonites, facing conflict with Israel, hired Aramean troops from Beth-rehob and Zobah, as well as soldiers from Maacah and Tob, to strengthen their forces. Despite their efforts, they were defeated by David's army (2 Samuel 10:6-19).

Theological Implications

The hiring of armies in the Bible often reflects a tension between human reliance on military might and the call to trust in God's providence. Scripture frequently highlights the futility of placing ultimate trust in human strength. For instance, Psalm 20:7 states, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

The prophets consistently warned against forming alliances with foreign powers, urging the Israelites to depend on God rather than military coalitions. Isaiah 31:1 admonishes, "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the abundance of chariots and in the multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the hiring of troops raises questions about the integrity and faithfulness of God's people. The biblical narrative often portrays such actions as a lack of faith in God's promises and protection. The reliance on hired armies can be seen as a departure from the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where trust in divine provision was paramount.

In summary, the practice of hiring armies in the Bible serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between human agency and divine sovereignty. While military alliances were a practical necessity in the ancient world, the biblical text consistently calls believers to place their ultimate trust in God rather than in human strength.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 19:7
So they hired thirty and two thousand chariots, and the king of Maachah and his people; who came and pitched before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 25:6
He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valor out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Canaan
... the monuments of Egypt, may still be often observed among ... fifteenth centuries before
our era; its armies made their ... Agag was shekh, and which the troops of the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... been often subjected to incursions of Egyptian troops, and yet ... usual haunts, a few
days or often a few ... the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... His troops being subsequently driven back, he renewed the war ... power was extended
by these armies, which till ... Jerusalem, as other enthusiasts have often attempted ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... of a country wasted and trampled underfoot by two great armies. ... Meanwhile the satrap,
fearing that the troops at his ... to order, and, as was often customary in ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... and with the help of the troops sent by ... the road through Mesopotamia to the Babylonian
armies; the Egyptians ... not apply to concubines, who were often purchased. ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... "Luther used often to sing ... of an autumn morning, with the Bohemian and Austrian armies
of Emperor Ferdinand in front of him, knelt before his troops, and his ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... the limit of their dominion, and they often crossed it ... them of the care of commanding
their armies; and as ... The commanders of the troops, the attendants on the ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... foreign mercenaries, like the Mazaiu of the armies of the ... of weapons to the newly
levied troops took place ... of their own flesh and blood, and often settled upon ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... The prescribed gold ring was often replaced by ... Osiris, to the West, thou who wast
the best of men, and who always hated guile." And the hired weepers answered ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... terminated so disastrously to the continental troops, Captain Morrell ... the general
who had led the armies of America to ... of such a character as often to threaten ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm