Topical Bible: Military Arms: Not Worn in Ordinary Times

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, military arms refer to the weapons and equipment used by soldiers during times of war and conflict. These arms were not typically worn or carried during ordinary, peaceful times, reflecting a clear distinction between periods of war and peace in ancient Israelite society.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of military engagements and the use of arms. Weapons such as swords, spears, bows, and shields were commonly used by the Israelites and their adversaries. For instance, in 1 Samuel 17:45, David confronts Goliath with the words, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." This passage highlights the typical armament of a warrior, contrasting it with David's reliance on divine support.

The Israelites were often instructed to prepare for battle, as seen in passages like Numbers 31:3, where Moses commands, "Arm some of your men for war and let them go against the Midianites to carry out the LORD’s vengeance on them." However, these arms were not part of everyday attire. The distinction between times of war and peace is evident in the narrative of 2 Samuel 11:1, which states, "In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army." This seasonal aspect of warfare underscores the separation between military and civilian life.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual battles. The Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of military armor to describe the spiritual preparedness required of believers. In Ephesians 6:11-17, 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. This passage emphasizes that while physical arms are not worn in ordinary times, spiritual readiness is a constant requirement for believers.

Cultural and Historical Insights

The cultural and historical context of the Bible reveals that military arms were often stored and maintained separately from civilian life. In times of peace, weapons were kept in armories or designated storage areas. For example, 1 Kings 10:17 mentions King Solomon's shields, which were stored in "the House of the Forest of Lebanon," a place likely used for both storage and display of military equipment.

The separation of military arms from daily life also reflects the broader biblical theme of peace as an ideal state. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a future where "they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This prophetic vision underscores the temporary and situational nature of military arms, contrasting with the enduring pursuit of peace.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of military arms in the Bible is often associated with divine judgment and protection. The Israelites' reliance on God for victory in battle, as seen in numerous Old Testament accounts, highlights the belief that ultimate security and success come from the Lord, not merely from human weaponry. This is echoed in Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

In summary, military arms in the biblical narrative serve as instruments of war, distinct from the tools of daily life. They symbolize the temporal nature of conflict and the hope for a future characterized by peace and divine justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 21:8
And David said to Ahimelech, And is there not here under your hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Trinidad
... stories, is said not to be quite true), 'Not all; I ... guard, seized some 3000 to 5000
stand of arms, and then ... secured the honours of war to the military, and law ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iii trinidad.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... however, a striking example of the military spirit of ... But, with her infant in her
arms, she cheerfully ... It was remarked that the disciples were not worn out by ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

The Martyrdom
... He had been promised gold and a step in military rank if ... and a few moments later
sank fainting into Philip's arms. ... Nay, nay, Philip, you must not weep like this ...
/.../chapter lxviii the martyrdom.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... the country, the conducting of military expeditions, the ... or of superintending their
distribution; two arms of the ... no value in itself, and did not designate, as ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... So where silk abounds, it may be worn as well as wool ... to their own opinion, because
he swore not before a ... I answer, It is ordinary for the prophets to [1361 ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... earrings, and necklaces, while from their arms, necks, and ... reign, and he also held
a military command in ... promise of one day rivalling, if not exceeding, her ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of his kingdom, strengthened by the military colonies in ... to be able to carry his
arms effectively elsewhere ... against Zamru, though he was careful not to approach ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... religious fervour would not, doubtless, have restrained military zeal in ... of war;*
but if it did not tend to ... bravery, it discouraged the taste for arms and for ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The City of Benares.
... dog; his hideous partner Durga, with her eight arms and her ... some days, and was at
last quelled by the military. ... the press of holy mendicants and not less holy ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... despair, but the relatives and friends themselves did not shrink from ... coloured half
in gold and half in blue, arms, sceptres, military batons, necklaces ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm