Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Bravery and Fidelity In, Rewarded

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The armies of Israel, throughout biblical history, are depicted as instruments of divine will, often demonstrating remarkable bravery and fidelity. Their actions, under the guidance of God and His appointed leaders, were frequently met with divine favor and reward. This entry explores key instances where the bravery and fidelity of Israel's armies were notably rewarded, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references.

1. The Conquest of Canaan

The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a prime example of the bravery and fidelity of Israel's armies being rewarded. After the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, a campaign marked by unwavering faith and obedience to God's commands. The fall of Jericho is a testament to this, where the Israelites, following God's specific instructions, marched around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell, leading to a decisive victory (Joshua 6:20). This victory was a direct result of their faithfulness and courage, as God promised Joshua, "I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5).

2. Gideon's Victory Over the Midianites

Gideon's triumph over the Midianites is another instance where the bravery and fidelity of a small, divinely chosen army were rewarded. God reduced Gideon's army to just 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Despite the overwhelming odds, Gideon's faith and the courage of his men led to a miraculous victory, as recorded in Judges 7:22 : "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled." This victory underscored the principle that faithfulness to God, even in the face of daunting challenges, brings about divine reward.

3. David's Mighty Men

King David's reign was marked by numerous military successes, many of which were achieved through the valor and loyalty of his mighty men. These warriors, renowned for their extraordinary feats, were instrumental in establishing and securing David's kingdom. Their bravery and fidelity were rewarded with positions of honor and leadership within Israel. For instance, 2 Samuel 23:8-39 lists the exploits of these mighty men, highlighting their critical role in David's military campaigns and the stability of his reign.

4. The Battle Against the Ammonites

During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the armies of Israel faced a formidable coalition of Ammonites, Moabites, and others. In response to this threat, Jehoshaphat sought the Lord's guidance, and the people of Judah fasted and prayed. God assured them of victory without the need for battle, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s" (2 Chronicles 20:15). The armies of Israel, demonstrating faith and obedience, went out singing and praising God, and the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, leading to a miraculous victory (2 Chronicles 20:22).

5. The Maccabean Revolt

Though not part of the canonical Old Testament, the Maccabean Revolt is a significant historical event illustrating the bravery and fidelity of Jewish forces. Under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, a small band of Jewish warriors successfully resisted the Hellenistic influence and oppression of the Seleucid Empire. Their commitment to preserving their faith and identity was rewarded with the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the festival of Hanukkah.

Throughout biblical history, the armies of Israel exemplified bravery and fidelity, often facing overwhelming odds with unwavering faith in God. Their victories and the rewards they received serve as enduring testimonies to the power of divine guidance and the blessings that follow obedience and courage.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 15:16
And Caleb said, He that smites Kirjathsepher, and takes it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.
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1 Samuel 17:25
And the men of Israel said, Have you seen this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is he come up: and it shall be, that the man who kills him, the king will enrich him with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.
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1 Samuel 18:17
And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give you to wife: only be you valiant for me, and fight the LORD's battles. For Saul said, Let not my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.
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2 Samuel 18:11
And Joab said to the man that told him, And, behold, you saw him, and why did you not smite him there to the ground? and I would have given you ten shekels of silver, and a girdle.
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1 Chronicles 11:6
And David said, Whoever smites the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.
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Library

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Year after year there will be scenes of bloody conflict, in which petty armies will
fight petty battles on behalf of petty interests, but so fiercely, and with ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... Their dress was unpretentious, they wore no jewels, and observed strict fidelity
to the marriage vow;* and the virtues with which they were accredited obtained ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... it merely means that Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... they
applied themselves to the task of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm