Topical Bible: Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes

◄ Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, sieges were a common military strategy employed by various nations and city-states. The act of laying siege involved surrounding a city or fortress with the intent of capturing it, often by cutting off supplies and reinforcements. A key tactic within the broader strategy of siege warfare was the use of ambushes. These surprise attacks were designed to weaken the enemy, disrupt their plans, and gain a tactical advantage.

Biblical Examples of Sieges and Ambushes

1. Joshua and the Conquest of Ai: One of the earliest examples of a siege involving an ambush is found in the Book of Joshua. After the initial failure to capture Ai, Joshua devised a plan to lure the men of Ai out of their city. Joshua 8:2 states, "And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city." This strategic ambush led to the successful capture of Ai, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining siege tactics with surprise attacks.

2. The Siege of Gibeah: In the Book of Judges, the tribe of Benjamin faced a siege from the other Israelite tribes due to the atrocity committed in Gibeah. Judges 20:29 records, "So Israel set men in ambush around Gibeah." The ambush played a crucial role in the eventual defeat of the Benjamites, highlighting the use of ambushes as a decisive element in siege warfare.

3. David and the Philistines: King David, known for his military prowess, also employed ambush tactics during his campaigns. In 2 Samuel 5:23-25 , David inquired of the Lord and was instructed to circle around behind the Philistines and attack them in front of the balsam trees. This ambush led to a significant victory over the Philistines, showcasing David's reliance on divine guidance and strategic surprise.

4. The Siege of Samaria: The Arameans laid siege to Samaria during the reign of King Jehoram. In 2 Kings 6:24-25 , it is noted, "Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria." Although the text does not explicitly mention an ambush, the siege itself created conditions ripe for surprise attacks and skirmishes, as seen in the subsequent narrative where the Lord causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading to their flight.

5. The Fall of Jerusalem: The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction in 586 BC, is one of the most significant sieges in biblical history. While the primary focus is on the prolonged siege itself, the use of ambushes and surprise tactics by both the defenders and attackers would have been a part of the broader military strategy. Lamentations and the prophetic books provide insight into the dire conditions and the eventual fall of the city.

Theological and Moral Reflections

From a theological perspective, the use of ambushes in sieges reflects the broader biblical theme of divine strategy and human agency. The success of these tactics often depended on divine guidance, as seen in the accounts of Joshua and David. The narratives underscore the importance of seeking God's will and wisdom in times of conflict, as well as the moral complexities involved in warfare.

Moreover, the frequent occurrence of sieges and ambushes in the biblical text serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the prevalence of conflict in a world marred by sin. These accounts call believers to reflect on the ultimate hope of peace and restoration promised through the coming of God's kingdom, where swords will be beaten into plowshares and nations will no longer engage in war (Isaiah 2:4).

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 9:34
And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.
Torrey's Topical Textbook