Topical Bible: Military Arms were Provided by Individuals Themselves

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient context of Israel, the provision of military arms by individuals was a common practice, reflecting the decentralized and tribal nature of early Israelite society. This practice is evident in several biblical narratives, where individuals are depicted as responsible for their own armaments in times of conflict.

Historical Context

During the period of the Judges and the early monarchy, Israel did not maintain a standing army equipped by a central authority. Instead, military service was often a communal effort, with tribes and families rallying to defend their land and people. This decentralized approach meant that individuals were expected to provide their own weapons and armor when called to battle.

Biblical Examples

1. Judges 3:16 · Ehud, a judge of Israel, is described as fashioning a double-edged sword for himself: "Now Ehud had made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his cloak." This passage illustrates the personal responsibility of acquiring and maintaining one's own weaponry.

2. 1 Samuel 13:19-22 · During the reign of King Saul, the Philistines had a monopoly on ironworking, which severely limited the Israelites' ability to produce weapons. The text notes, "So on the day of battle, not a sword or spear was found in the hands of the troops with Saul and Jonathan; only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons." This scarcity underscores the reliance on individual provision and the challenges faced by the Israelites in arming themselves.

3. 1 Samuel 17:38-39 · When David prepares to face Goliath, King Saul offers him his own armor, which David declines, choosing instead to use his sling and stones. "David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not used to them. 'I cannot walk in these,' David said to Saul. 'I am not used to them.' So David took them off." This account highlights the personal nature of armament, as David opts for weapons with which he is familiar and skilled.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The practice of individuals providing their own military arms reflects the broader cultural and theological themes of personal responsibility and reliance on God. In a society where centralized military provision was limited, the ability to arm oneself was crucial for survival and defense. This necessity also fostered a sense of personal agency and accountability in warfare.

Moreover, the biblical narratives often emphasize that victory in battle is ultimately attributed to divine intervention rather than human armament. For instance, David's triumph over Goliath is attributed to his faith in God rather than the might of conventional weaponry (1 Samuel 17:45-47).

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of individuals providing their own military arms offer insight into the early Israelite society's structure and values. These narratives underscore themes of personal responsibility, resourcefulness, and faith, which are integral to understanding the historical and spiritual context of ancient Israel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 12:33,37
Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Civil Government.
... munitions, I include everything pertaining to the military art. ... All these things,
however, were not done in the ... such deeds, when they took up arms against kings ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... soon left us, in order to attend to his military duties ... in company with others;
'however,' said he, 'were I alone ... I said that I supposed he carried arms with him ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram.htm

Concerning the Barbarians Beyond the Danube, who were Driven Out ...
... They took up arms against each other, and Phritigernes was ... The Goths were not long
in making peace among ... of the usual complement of men for the military service ...
/.../chapter xxxvii concerning the barbarians beyond.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... One contributed horses, another arms and ammunition, another ships ... the conveyance
of troops or of military stores. ... Sea, and many of the islands, were already in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

Herodotus and Xenophon.
... almost exclusively to the use of arms, to horsemanship ... races, the games, and the
military spectacles, there ... descriptions of neighboring nations, were read to ...
/.../abbott/cyrus the great/chapter i herodotus and xenophon.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... earrings, and necklaces, while from their arms, necks, and belts ... reign, and he also
held a military command in ... of barter with which they were provided, and to ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Sack of Rome
... populace remained behind the walls, unused to arms, and still ... Quicker than any one
else, the military governor of ... No sooner were they off the boat than he had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the sack of rome.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... and half in blue, arms, sceptres, military batons, necklaces ... by two undulating lines,
while the arms and legs ... are deceptive to the eye: such were the statuettes ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Significance of Compulsory Service.
... one state adopted it the others were obliged to ... this means all citizens are under
arms to support ... Universal military service was an inevitable logical necessity ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vii significance of compulsory.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... Its training, discipline, and arms were such as the world ... re-organising western Asia,
and the military abilities of ... Here too were kept the public records, as ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm