Topical Bible: Military Arms: Before Using: Tried and Proved

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In the biblical context, the concept of military arms being tried and proved before use is a theme that underscores the importance of preparation, trust in God, and reliance on proven methods and tools. This principle is illustrated in several key passages and narratives throughout the Scriptures.

One of the most notable examples is found in the account of David and Goliath. Before David faced the Philistine giant, King Saul offered him his own armor. However, David chose not to wear it because he had not tested it. Instead, he relied on his sling and stones, tools he had proven effective in his past experiences as a shepherd defending his flock. In 1 Samuel 17:39, David says, "I cannot walk in these, for I have not tested them." This decision highlights the importance of using what has been tried and proven, rather than relying on unfamiliar equipment.

The principle of proving one's arms is also evident in the preparation of the Israelites for battle. In Judges 7, Gideon is instructed by God to reduce his army to a mere 300 men, ensuring that those who remained were tested and proven in their vigilance and readiness. This narrative emphasizes that victory does not come from the might of untested numbers but from the faithfulness and preparedness of those who are chosen.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of military armor to describe the spiritual readiness of believers. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God," which includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith, among others. Each piece of this spiritual armor is to be tried and proven through a life of faith and obedience, ensuring that believers are prepared for spiritual battles.

The biblical emphasis on tried and proven arms extends beyond physical weapons to include spiritual readiness and reliance on God. In Psalm 18:34, David declares, "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." This verse reflects the belief that God equips and prepares His people for the challenges they face, both physically and spiritually.

Throughout Scripture, the theme of military arms being tried and proven before use serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, experience, and trust in God's provision. Whether in physical battles or spiritual warfare, the biblical narrative consistently points to the necessity of relying on what has been tested and proven effective.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:39
And David girded his sword on his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said to Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... badge, as if upon the field of arms or on ... As is the case again in military affairs:
private, captain ... of food which can relieve famine, set before them basins of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... and Cambyses had been formidable warriors, and the kingdoms of the Bast had fallen
before their arms, but they were purely military sovereigns, and ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Of Civil Government.
... I include everything pertaining to the military art. ... would disappear amid the noise
of arms, were not ... as they are forbidden to take revenge, cite before a judge ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

part viii.
... he commanded to enter Alexandria with military pomp, and ... them were shooting; others
shouting, their arms rattling, and ... 1819] , which is the day before the Ides ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

Progress of Calvinism
... Catholic victories, might use his recognised military ability and ... of the citizens
took up arms to support ... The king presented himself before the Parliament of ...
/.../chapter iii progress of calvinism.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... of the other; and a huge military empire of ... Jesus of Nazareth, without money and
arms, conquered more ... destroy the strongest chain of evidence before a court of ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

Against Jovinianus.
... is only called pardonable, we are wrong in using it. ... And the Lord before the flood
had said [4391] "My spirit ... thing to draw up a list of military commanders in ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... himself behind his rivers; the military science and ... by keeping sufficient troops
under arms on their ... Years might have elapsed before Sennacherib could have ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... all the superior grades of the military profession. ... took place between Astyages and
Cyrus before the final ... He even carried his arms into Bithynia, where, to ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Suicide of Thought
... it was against this remote ruin that all the military systems in ... of Sanity which
blasted all the books before me ... for the rush of great horses, his cry to arms. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/iii the suicide of thought.htm