Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical history, the concept of armies receiving pay marks a significant development in the organization and maintenance of military forces. This practice reflects a shift from earlier periods where military service was often a duty of citizenship or tribal obligation, to a more structured and professional approach to warfare.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the organization of armies was primarily tribal and communal. The Israelites, for example, were called to arms in times of need, often under the leadership of judges or kings. The soldiers were typically not paid in the modern sense but were expected to serve as part of their duty to their community and God. The spoils of war often served as a form of compensation, as seen in various accounts of battles where the victors took plunder from the defeated (e.g.,
1 Samuel 30:24-25).
However, as the Israelite monarchy developed, there was a gradual move towards a more formalized military structure. King David, for instance, maintained a standing army of mighty men (
2 Samuel 23:8-39), and his son Solomon further organized the military, including chariots and horsemen (
1 Kings 10:26). While the Bible does not explicitly mention regular pay for these soldiers, the increasing complexity of the military suggests a need for more consistent support and provision.
New Testament and Roman InfluenceBy the New Testament period, the influence of Roman military practices was evident. The Roman Empire, known for its highly organized and professional army, paid its soldiers regular wages. This practice ensured loyalty and efficiency, as soldiers were not only fighting for their country but also for their livelihood. The concept of a paid army would have been familiar to the early Christians living under Roman rule.
The New Testament does not directly address the issue of military pay, but it does reflect the presence of Roman soldiers in various narratives. For example, John the Baptist, when addressing soldiers, instructed them, "Do not extort money, and do not accuse others falsely. Be content with your wages" (
Luke 3:14). This indicates that soldiers were indeed receiving wages and were expected to live within their means.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the shift towards paid armies can be seen as part of the broader narrative of God's providence and order. The development of structured military forces allowed for greater stability and protection of the nation of Israel and later, the spread of the Gospel under the Pax Romana. The professionalization of armies, while a practical necessity, also reflects the biblical principle of fair labor and compensation, as echoed in passages like
1 Timothy 5:18, "The worker is worthy of his wages" .
In summary, the practice of paying armies in the latter ages represents a significant evolution in military organization, influenced by both internal developments within Israel and external influences such as the Roman Empire. This practice aligns with biblical principles of justice and provision, ensuring that those who serve are adequately supported.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Luke 3:14And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Corinthians 9:7
Who goes a warfare any time at his own charges? who plants a vineyard, and eats not of the fruit thereof? or who feeds a flock, and eats not of the milk of the flock?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... Of these the former serves things divine; the latter rules human ... The Transition To
The Middle Ages. ... The two armies met and there was a fearful slaughter, and ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm
The Waldenses.
... from Rome, was the hatred of the latter toward the ... was kept burning amid the darkness
of the Middle Ages. ... chanted the praise of God, and the armies of Rome ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm
The Waldenses
... from Rome was the hatred of the latter toward the ... was kept burning amid the darkness
of the Middle Ages. ... they chanted the praise of God, and the armies of Rome ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm
Protest of the Princes.
... but at the critical moment the armies of the ... of these noble Reformers contains a
lesson for all succeeding ages. ... The latter was astonished at such precipitation ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /11 protest of the princes.htm
Protest of the Princes
... but at the critical moment the armies of the ... of these noble Reformers contains a
lesson for all succeeding ages. ... The latter was astonished at such precipitation ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 11 protest of the.htm
Book 8 Footnotes
... even in Josephus himself, though the latter account be ... I suppose, no strange thing
in later ages, even in ... and the supreme General of their armies, and always ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm
Contradiction Between Our Life and Our Christian Conscience.
... It took ages, thousands of years, for the social conception ... The experience of the
wars of latter years teaches us ... For our armies are simply gangs of slaves at ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter v contradiction between our.htm
Application of these Motives
... To lead on the armies of Christ through the thickest of ... of working is more calm than
most ages before us ... diligent servants of Christ in these latter times, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 4.htm
A New Order of Priests and Levites
... to worship God in his holy mountain; and in the latter days, when ... There have been
such in all ages. ... may know that the Most High ruleth in the armies of heaven ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a new order of priests.htm
A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... of mankind which in the course of ages has taken ... strongly to the former than to the
latter, come let us ... wine plentifully poured forth, and grand armies of cooks ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm
Resources
Who was Joab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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