Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the disarmament of conquered nations serves as a strategic measure to prevent rebellion and ensure the stability of the ruling power. This practice is evident in various accounts throughout the Scriptures, where victorious leaders confiscate the weapons of their defeated foes to maintain control and suppress any potential uprisings.One of the earliest examples can be found in the account of the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. After the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites were instructed to destroy the military capabilities of the conquered cities. This included the burning of chariots and the hamstringing of horses, as seen in Joshua 11:6, where the LORD commands Joshua, "Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will deliver all of them slain before Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire." This directive not only served to weaken the military strength of the Canaanites but also to prevent any future threat to Israel's security. Similarly, during the reign of King David, the disarmament of subjugated peoples was a common practice. In 2 Samuel 8:4, after defeating Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, David captured a significant number of chariots and horses. The text states, "David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. David hamstrung all the chariot horses except a hundred he kept for himself." By disabling the horses, David effectively neutralized the military threat posed by Hadadezer's forces. The Philistines also employed this tactic against the Israelites during the period of the judges. In 1 Samuel 13:19-22, the Philistines sought to prevent the Israelites from arming themselves by prohibiting blacksmiths in Israel, thus ensuring that the Israelites could not produce weapons. The passage notes, "Not a blacksmith could be found in all the land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, 'Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears.' So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles sharpened." This measure effectively kept the Israelites in a state of subjugation and dependence. The removal of military arms from conquered nations is not only a practical measure but also a symbolic act of dominance. It signifies the complete subjugation of the defeated and the transfer of power to the victor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where military prowess was closely tied to national identity and strength, the confiscation of weapons served as a powerful reminder of the conqueror's supremacy. Throughout the biblical narrative, the disarmament of conquered peoples underscores the importance of maintaining peace and order through strategic control of military resources. It reflects a broader theme of divine sovereignty, where God uses human leaders to execute His judgment and establish His purposes among the nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 5:8They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 13:19-22 Library Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Babylonia and Assyria The Sack of Rome the Legendary History of Egypt The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Chaldaean Civilization Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome Resources What is laminin? Is there any significance to laminin being in the shape of a cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pacifism? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin and meaning of the Celtic cross? | GotQuestions.org Arms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Military Arms for Sieges: Battering Rams Military Arms for Sieges: Engines for Casting Stones Military Arms of Conquered Nations Taken Away to Prevent Rebellion Military Arms of the Vanquished: Sometime Burned Military Arms of the Vanquished: Sometimes Kept As Trophies Military Arms of the Vanquished: Taken off Them Military Arms were Provided by Individuals Themselves Military Arms were Provided: from the Public Arsenals Military Arms: Armouries Built For Military Arms: Before Using: Anointed Military Arms: Before Using: Burnished Military Arms: Before Using: Tried and Proved Military Arms: Defensive: Buckler Military Arms: Defensive: Called Armour Military Arms: Defensive: Called Harness Military Arms: Defensive: Coat of Mail, Breastplate, Habergeon, or Brigandine Military Arms: Defensive: Girdle Military Arms: Defensive: Greaves Military Arms: Defensive: Helmet Military Arms: Defensive: Shield Military Arms: Defensive: Target Military Arms: Great Stores of, Prepared Military Arms: Hung of the Walls of Cities Military Arms: Inferior to Wisdom Military Arms: Judgments of God Military Arms: Made of Iron, Steel, or Brass Military Arms: Not Worn in Ordinary Times Military Arms: Offensive: Battle-Axe Military Arms: Offensive: Bow and Arrows Military Arms: Offensive: Called Instruments of Death Military Arms: Offensive: Called Instruments of War Military Arms: Offensive: Called Weapons of War Military Arms: Offensive: Dagger Military Arms: Offensive: Dart or Javelin Military Arms: Offensive: Hand Staff Military Arms: Offensive: Sling Military Arms: Offensive: Spear or Lance Military Arms: Offensive: Sword Military Arms: Offensive: Two-Edged Sword Military Arms: Often Given As Presents Military Arms: Part of, Borne by Armour-Bearers Military Arms: Put on at the First Alarm Military Arms: Spiritual Armour Military Arms: Spiritual Weapons Related Terms |
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