Topical Bible: Music: The Movements of Armies Regulated By

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In the biblical narrative, music plays a significant role in the regulation and coordination of military movements, serving both practical and spiritual purposes. The use of music in military contexts is evident in several instances throughout the Scriptures, where it is employed to signal, inspire, and unify the forces of Israel.

One of the most notable examples is found in the account of the fall of Jericho. In Joshua 6, the Israelites are instructed to march around the city for six days, with seven priests carrying trumpets of rams' horns before the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they are to march around the city seven times, and the priests are to blow the trumpets. Joshua 6:20 states, "So when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they raised a great shout, and the wall collapsed." Here, the sound of the trumpet serves as a divine signal for the Israelites to shout and for God to deliver the city into their hands.

The use of trumpets is further emphasized in Numbers 10, where God commands Moses to make two silver trumpets for summoning the congregation and directing the movements of the camps. Numbers 10:9 instructs, "When you enter into battle in your land against an adversary who is oppressing you, you are to sound short blasts on the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the LORD your God and saved from your enemies." The trumpets serve as a means of communication and a reminder of God's presence and deliverance.

In Judges 7, Gideon employs a unique strategy involving music to defeat the Midianites. He divides his 300 men into three companies, each equipped with trumpets and empty jars with torches inside. At Gideon's signal, they blow the trumpets and break the jars, creating a cacophony that confuses and terrifies the Midianite army, leading to their defeat. Judges 7:22 records, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp."

The role of music in military contexts is not limited to instruments. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faces a vast army of Moabites and Ammonites. After seeking the Lord's guidance, he appoints singers to go before the army, praising the Lord for His enduring love. As they begin to sing and praise, the Lord sets ambushes against the enemy, leading to their defeat. 2 Chronicles 20:22 states, "The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated."

These examples illustrate the multifaceted role of music in the regulation of military movements in the Bible. Music serves as a tool for communication, a means of invoking divine intervention, and a source of encouragement and unity among the troops. Through the use of music, the Israelites are reminded of God's sovereignty and their dependence on His guidance and protection in times of conflict.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 6:8
And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns passed on before the LORD, and blew with the trumpets: and the ark of the covenant of the LORD followed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 14:8
For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm