In the biblical narrative, the destruction of military arms belonging to defeated foes is a recurring theme, symbolizing the complete and utter defeat of adversaries and the establishment of peace. This act often serves as a demonstration of divine intervention and the futility of relying on human strength against the will of God.

One of the most notable instances of burning the military arms of the vanquished is found in the account of Joshua's conquest of Canaan. After the Israelites defeated the northern coalition led by King Jabin of Hazor, Joshua followed the LORD's command to hamstring the horses and burn the chariots with fire. As recorded in Joshua 11:6, "The LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid of them, for by this time tomorrow I will hand all of them, slain, over to Israel. You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.'" This act not only signified the destruction of the enemy's military capabilities but also underscored Israel's reliance on God rather than on military might.

Similarly, in the prophetic literature, the burning of weapons is depicted as a sign of God's ultimate victory and the ushering in of an era of peace. In Ezekiel 39:9-10, the prophet describes a future time when the weapons of Gog's army will be burned: "Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out, kindle fires, and burn the weapons—the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them to make fires. They will not gather wood from the fields or cut it from the forests, for they will use the weapons to make fires. And they will plunder those who plundered them and loot those who looted them, declares the Lord GOD." This imagery conveys the totality of God's triumph over His enemies and the transformation of instruments of war into resources for the people of God.

The burning of military arms also appears in the context of divine judgment and purification. In Isaiah 9:5, the prophet speaks of a time when "every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, fuel for the fire." This passage anticipates the coming of the Prince of Peace, whose reign will render all implements of war obsolete.

Throughout Scripture, the act of burning the military arms of the vanquished serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereignty and the establishment of His peace. It reflects the biblical principle that true security and victory are found not in human strength or weaponry, but in the power and providence of the Almighty.Ezekiel 39:9,10
And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the hand staves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Church as She Should Be
... Little is being done in military, circles when the ... honor such carpet-knights, who
apologise for bearing arms? ... my brother; and if you be vanquished with the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the church as she should.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... Maurice was succeeded by the rude Phocas (602-610), whom a military revolution placed
upon the throne, and who instituted a reign of terror and blood. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

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