Topical Bible: Military Arms: Often Given As Presents

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In the biblical narrative, the exchange of military arms as gifts is a practice that underscores the significance of alliances, diplomacy, and the recognition of power and honor among leaders. This custom is evident in several instances throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the cultural and political dynamics of the ancient Near East.

One notable example is found in the relationship between David and Jonathan. In 1 Samuel 18:4 , it is recorded: "Then Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt." This act of giving military arms was not merely a gesture of friendship but symbolized a covenantal bond and the transfer of royal favor and protection. Jonathan's gift of his sword and bow to David was a profound acknowledgment of David's future as a leader and warrior in Israel.

Another instance is seen in the account of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. While the primary focus of their exchange was on wealth and wisdom, the giving of gifts often included items of military significance. In 1 Kings 10:2 , it is mentioned that the Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem with a very great caravan, with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones. Although not explicitly stated, it was customary for such exchanges to include weapons or military equipment, symbolizing mutual respect and the potential for military alliance.

The giving of military arms as presents also served as a diplomatic tool to secure peace or allegiance. In 2 Kings 16:8 , King Ahaz of Judah sent silver and gold from the temple and royal treasury to the king of Assyria as a gift, seeking his assistance against enemy forces. While the text does not specify military arms, the context implies that such gifts were part of the tribute to secure military support.

Furthermore, the exchange of arms could signify the transfer of authority or the acknowledgment of a new ruler. In 1 Samuel 10:1 , when Samuel anointed Saul as king, he gave him specific instructions and signs, which included military connotations, to confirm his new role as the leader of Israel.

These examples illustrate that the giving of military arms as presents was a multifaceted practice in biblical times, serving as a means of solidifying alliances, demonstrating loyalty, and recognizing leadership. The exchange of such gifts was deeply embedded in the social and political fabric of the ancient world, reflecting the values and priorities of the time.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 10:25
And they brought every man his present, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, and armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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As Many as were Called by Grace, and Displayed the First Zeal...
... heathenish adjuncts to their calling which often brought Christian ... ancient canons
did not condemn the military life as a ... of peace "threw away their arms" (can.2 ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xii as many as.htm

'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob'
... more formidable weapons and a more terrible military discipline in ... as the throbbing
feebleness of our arms, the dimness of ... The bow is often too heavy for us to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the hands of the mighty.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor ... all offensive action, and
waited under arms to see ... vitality of which she had so often given proof, and ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The visit to Media.
... driving impetuously over such ways, were often thrown from ... to take part, as a soldier,
in military campaigns, it ... he possessed, such as his arms, and ornaments ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iii the visit to.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... conquerors, when going forth on great campaigns, often considered their ... The military
force of the city and a small number ... that there was a suit of arms, of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

The Mutiny of 1857-58.
... by high-minded and able rulers; but often, with the ... open, as the main prizes in both
the military and civil ... that victory would soon crown our arms, and these ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvi the mutiny of.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... Hypnotism, and Coercion by Force of Arms"State Violence ... free will, uncoerced by anyone,
often even for ... allowed to wear, will enter military service, become a ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm

The Trial of Saul.
... were far inferior to them in military qualities ... I have already observed, they had
no regular arms: "It came ... This is a crime often denounced in Scripture, as in ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm

A Nation's Duty in a War for Freedom.
... thanks to the noble and brave military leaders who ... in from all ranks, from all nobler
occupations to arms. ... be quickly spread, the fathers must often be taught ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/iii a nations duty in.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... The military roads were paved, and provided with ... they had continually to purchase
arms and court ... the real Publicani, or publicans, who often underlet certain ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm