In the biblical narrative, the preparation and accumulation of military arms are often depicted as essential aspects of ancient warfare and governance. The scriptures provide numerous accounts of leaders and nations amassing great stores of weaponry to defend their territories, assert dominance, or prepare for impending conflicts. This entry explores the biblical references to the preparation and storage of military arms, highlighting the strategic and symbolic significance of such actions.

Old Testament References

1. Solomon's Armory: King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, also demonstrated a keen understanding of military preparedness. In 1 Kings 10:16-17 , it is recorded, "King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels of gold went into each shield. He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold; three minas of gold went into each shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon." These shields, while ceremonial, symbolized the strength and prosperity of Solomon's reign.

2. Jehoshaphat's Fortifications: King Jehoshaphat of Judah is noted for his efforts to fortify his kingdom against potential threats. In 2 Chronicles 17:12-13 , it is stated, "Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah. He had large supplies in the cities of Judah and warriors, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem." This preparation underscores the importance of readiness and strategic planning in maintaining national security.

3. Uzziah's Innovations: King Uzziah of Judah is credited with advancing military technology and fortifications. According to 2 Chronicles 26:14-15 , "Uzziah supplied the entire army with shields, spears, helmets, armor, bows, and slingstones. In Jerusalem he made skillfully designed devices to shoot arrows and hurl large stones from the towers and corners. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was helped marvelously until he became strong." Uzziah's innovations reflect the evolving nature of warfare and the need for continual adaptation.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on the accumulation of physical arms, it does address the concept of spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:11-17 , exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God," emphasizing spiritual preparedness over physical armament. This metaphorical use of military imagery highlights the ongoing battle against spiritual forces and the necessity of being equipped with faith, truth, and righteousness.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The preparation and storage of military arms in the Bible often carry symbolic and theological implications. They serve as reminders of human reliance on divine providence and the futility of trusting solely in military might. Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse encapsulates the biblical tension between human efforts in warfare and the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the accumulation of military arms is portrayed as a practical necessity for ancient kingdoms, yet it is consistently framed within the broader context of divine oversight and the moral responsibilities of leadership.2 Chronicles 32:5
Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter Xl. St. Ambrose Begs Theodosius to Listen to Him, as He ...
... of their complaints, an extraordinary military inquiry may ... This so great piety, this
so great faith towards ... entreat, who spared enemies in arms, and preserved ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xl st ambrose begs.htm

The Mutiny of 1857-58.
... as the main prizes in both the military and civil ... that victory would soon crown our
arms, and these ... former days, to prepare the people for great and startling ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvi the mutiny of.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... our badge, as if upon the field of arms or on ... As is the case again in military affairs:
private, captain ... 4450] the disturber and destroyer of a great part of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

The Conquest of Lydia.
... and toil, and they desired nothing but military glory for ... the inhabitants of the
city that were capable of bearing arms. ... He had a great number of camels in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vii the conquest of.htm

part viii.
... he commanded to enter Alexandria with military pomp, and ... after those tribulations;
such as the great Daniel had ... and the bows and arrows and other arms found in ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... nought all the efforts and all the military science of ... differed in no way from the
great lords who ... earrings, and necklaces, while from their arms, necks, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... were quite unfitted, as to their numbers, their military organisation, and ... its recent
reverses, and the terror inspired by its arms was so great even among ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Preacher as a Man of the Word.
... Such military notions seem to have occurred naturally to the ... or is seen gathering
the lambs in his arms and carrying them ... to the Bible was never so great as it ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iv the preacher as.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... He was one of the great sovereigns of the ancient world ... kingdoms of the Bast had
fallen before their arms, but they were purely military sovereigns, and if ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... and inhabited the confines of the Great Desert to the ... for completing the organisation
and military defence of ... cities had immediately taken up arms; Edom and ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

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