Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Ark of God Frequently Brought With

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The Ark of the Covenant, often referred to as the Ark of God, holds a significant place in the history of Israel, particularly in its military campaigns. The Ark, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized the presence and power of God among His people and was frequently brought into battle as a divine assurance of victory.

Biblical Accounts of the Ark in Battle

1. The Battle of Jericho: One of the most notable instances of the Ark accompanying the armies of Israel is during the conquest of Jericho. As recorded in the Book of Joshua, the Ark was carried around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, after the priests blew the trumpets, the walls of Jericho fell, leading to a decisive victory for Israel. "So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat" (Joshua 6:20).

2. The Battle Against the Philistines: In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites brought the Ark from Shiloh to the battlefield against the Philistines, hoping it would secure their victory. However, due to the nation's disobedience and the corrupt leadership of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, the Ark was captured by the Philistines. This event marked a significant moment of loss and reflection for Israel. "So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great, and thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell" (1 Samuel 4:10).

3. The Return of the Ark: The Ark's capture led to calamities for the Philistines, prompting its return to Israel. The Ark's presence in the Philistine cities brought plagues and destruction, demonstrating the power and holiness of God. Eventually, the Philistines returned the Ark to Israel, acknowledging the supremacy of the God of Israel (1 Samuel 5-6).

4. King David and the Ark: Under King David's leadership, the Ark was brought to Jerusalem with great celebration. David understood the importance of the Ark as a symbol of God's presence and favor. The Ark's journey to Jerusalem was marked by worship and offerings, signifying a new era of unity and divine blessing for the nation. "So David went up to bring the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with rejoicing" (2 Samuel 6:12).

Theological Significance

The presence of the Ark in military campaigns underscores the belief that victory for Israel was not merely a result of military might but was deeply rooted in their covenant relationship with God. The Ark served as a tangible reminder of God's promises and His requirement for holiness and obedience among His people. The successes and failures associated with the Ark in battle reflect the spiritual state of the nation and their adherence to God's commands.

Symbol of Divine Presence

Throughout Israel's history, the Ark of God was more than a physical object; it was a symbol of divine presence and guidance. Its role in battles was a testament to the belief that God fought for Israel, and their victories were ultimately attributed to His power and favor. The Ark's involvement in military campaigns highlights the centrality of faith and obedience in the life of the nation, serving as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the importance of aligning with His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 6:6,7
And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests, and said to them, Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 4:4,5
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwells between the cherubim: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 11:11
And Uriah said to David, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 15:24
And see Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God: and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

God.
... Universe (the original meaning having been the armies of Israel ... exile, Jeremiah was
the first in Israel to assure ... on distant and alien soil, without Ark or Altar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 god.htm

That when David had Conquered the Philistines who Made War against ...
... still came upon the Hebrews with greater armies; nay, indeed ... The king of Israel
therefore inquired of God again ... in them, he should overlook the ark while it was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 that when david.htm

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
... out arm; and when Pharaoh and his armies were overthrown ... His purpose of separating
the kingdoms of Israel and Judah ... be, we need not tremble for the ark of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxviii king of kings.htm

The Historical Books.
... the capture and restoration of the ark; Samuel's administration ... Samuel, of the defeat
of the armies of Israel ... the history of the kingdom of Israel, giving only ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church
... about her, but even then she floats safely in the ark which Jehovah ... Hebrew is, "God
of Israel shall gather you up." Armies in the ... "The God of Israel is your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the vanguard and rereward of.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... by Michal for "dancing before the ark, and uncovering ... God acted entirely as the supreme
King of Israel, and the supreme General of their armies, and always ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Lord, for but an unadvised touching of the ark, when the ... had set up idolatry in the
land of Israel, they sent ... of other the like, but this ungodly fear of God? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... they had cut to pieces several Roman armies that Marius ... For on leaving the ark Noah
sacrificed victims to God ... Gentiles shall have come in, all Israel shall be ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

Mason -- Messiah's Throne
... men, does the Holy Spirit recruit the "armies of the ... The ark is launched, indeed,
upon the floods; the ... Blindness in part has happened unto Israel; they have ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/mason messiahs throne.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ... that brought the tidings
answered and said, Israel is fled ... and Phineas, are dead, and the ark of God ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm