Topical Encyclopedia
In the history of Israel, the preparation for war was not only a matter of military strategy but also a spiritual and communal endeavor. The commanders of Israel played a crucial role in encouraging and preparing the troops for battle, ensuring that the soldiers were not only physically ready but also spiritually fortified.
Biblical Instances of Encouragement1.
Moses and Joshua: One of the earliest examples of encouragement before battle is seen in the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. As Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses charged Joshua in the presence of all Israel, saying, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance" (
Deuteronomy 31:7). This charge was not only a personal encouragement to Joshua but also served to inspire the entire nation.
2.
Joshua's Leadership: Joshua himself continued this tradition of encouragement. Before the battle of Jericho, he reminded the people of God's promises and instructed them to be strong and courageous, emphasizing that the LORD was with them (
Joshua 1:9). His leadership was marked by a reliance on God's guidance and a call to the people to trust in divine providence.
3.
Gideon: In the time of the Judges, Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his initial hesitance, Gideon encouraged his men by sharing the signs and assurances he received from God. Before the battle, he divided his 300 men into three companies and instructed them to follow his lead, declaring, "For the LORD and for Gideon!" (
Judges 7:18). His faith and confidence in God's deliverance served to embolden his troops.
4.
King Jehoshaphat: During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, when faced with a vast army of Moabites and Ammonites, he sought the LORD and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. Encouraging his people, he declared, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (
2 Chronicles 20:15). His reliance on God and his public prayer inspired the nation to trust in divine intervention.
5.
King Hezekiah: When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, threatened Jerusalem, Hezekiah encouraged his people by saying, "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him" (
2 Chronicles 32:7). Hezekiah's faith in God's protection reassured the people and strengthened their resolve.
Role of Faith and ObedienceThe encouragement provided by Israel's commanders was deeply rooted in faith and obedience to God. The leaders consistently reminded the people of God's past faithfulness and His promises of victory. This spiritual encouragement was essential, as it reinforced the belief that success in battle was not solely dependent on military might but on the favor and guidance of the LORD.
ConclusionThe encouragement of the armies of Israel by their commanders before going to war highlights the integral role of faith and divine assurance in the life of the nation. These leaders understood that true strength and courage came from reliance on God, and they instilled this conviction in their troops, ensuring that their hearts were prepared for the challenges ahead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... and each gave their orders to their several armies. ... to kill nobody else but only
the king of Israel. ... with the Israelites, saw Jehoshaphat stand before the army ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm
The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... were forces such as no king had ever before united under ... both together the idea of
a trireme going at full ... directly in front, both fleets and armies facing one ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm
The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... places each at the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ... he that brought
the tidings answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm
Footnotes
... Three leading Antinomian teachers were brought before a committee of ... Gataker's "God's
Eye on his Israel","preface, Lond ... night to prevent any one's going in or ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm
Resources
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