Topical Bible: Kings: Not Save by Their Armies

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In the biblical narrative, the theme that kings are not saved by their armies is a recurring motif that underscores the sovereignty and power of God over human endeavors and military might. This theme is particularly evident in several passages throughout the Scriptures, where reliance on God is emphasized over reliance on human strength or military prowess.

One of the clearest articulations of this theme is found in Psalm 33:16-17 : "No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save." This passage highlights the futility of trusting in military resources or human strength for deliverance. Instead, it points to the necessity of placing trust in the Lord, who alone has the power to save.

The historical books of the Old Testament provide numerous examples of this principle in action. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat of Judah faces a formidable coalition of enemies. Instead of relying solely on his military forces, Jehoshaphat seeks the Lord in prayer, acknowledging that "we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (2 Chronicles 20:12). The Lord responds by delivering Judah without the need for battle, demonstrating that victory comes from God, not from human might.

Similarly, the account of Gideon in Judges 7 illustrates this theme. God reduces Gideon's army from 32,000 men to just 300, ensuring that Israel cannot claim victory by their own strength. The Lord declares, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). The subsequent victory over the Midianites serves as a testament to God's power and the insufficiency of human armies.

The narrative of King David also reflects this principle. Despite being a warrior king with numerous military successes, David consistently attributes his victories to the Lord. In 1 Samuel 17, when facing Goliath, David declares, "The battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47). David's reliance on God rather than on conventional military strength is a hallmark of his reign.

The prophets further reinforce this theme. Isaiah warns against trusting in military alliances and foreign powers, urging the people to rely on God instead. In Isaiah 31:1 , the prophet declares, "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."

Throughout the biblical text, the message is clear: true security and salvation come from God, not from human armies or military might. This theme serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and reliance on divine power, rather than on human strength or resources.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 33:16
There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The King and his Armies.
... famine are symbolized by analogous results, and not by Christ's ... 13:1. So, when "the
King of kings" cometh, to ... I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the king and his armies.htm

The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself.
... on His thigh a name written, King of Kings and Lord ... Thess.1:7. That the "armies"
are not angels appears ... language which is applicable to none save the children ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the return of christ.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... and the residue of the people shall not be cut ... this awe-inspiring spectacle, the
Beast and the kings of the ... But to no sinful dweller on earth, save the Man of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

The Census of Israel
... To create and to destroy are sole prerogatives of the King of kings. ... No hearing,
nay, not hearing the apostles themselves, could save you without faith. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

God is Our Refuge
... so, by the voice of fact, said to these kings and to ... That men do not believe as they
used to do in ... either to follow no rule or guidance save their own instincts ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxii god is our.htm

This Jew of Celsus Continues, after the Above, in the Following ...
... and kings, what others are they, save the Epicureans ... be established, so that governors
and kings think of ... For they will not maintain that the acquaintances and ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xiii this jew of.htm

England's Strength
... 2 Kings xix.34 ... I will defend this city, to save it for mine own sake ... utter need and
danger; the vast army of the Assyrians was encamped at Lachish, not more than ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... reproved for, he would not again join with Ahaziah, 1 Kings 22:49 ... in relation to
that mark, that they destroy not Christians, while they save subjects and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

The Harbinger
... The knowledge of this peculiarity of the poetical idiom, may often save us the trouble
of ... The kings and politicians of this world are not aware of this. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ii the harbinger.htm

The Trial of Saul.
... And the Philistines came with their great host, and ... He had hitherto trusted that
God would save him from ... so we, by baptism, are made kings, not kings of this ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm