Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Called: Composed of Infantry

Bible > Topical > The Armies of Israel

◄ The Armies of Israel: Called: Composed of Infantry ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The armies of Israel, as depicted in the Old Testament, were primarily composed of infantry, which played a crucial role in the military campaigns and defense of the nation. The infantry was the backbone of Israel's military might, often called upon to engage in direct combat with enemy forces.

Biblical References to Infantry

The composition of Israel's armies as primarily infantry is evident in several biblical passages. In 1 Samuel 15:4 , we read about Saul's mustering of the troops: "So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah." This passage highlights the significant number of foot soldiers, indicating the reliance on infantry in Israel's military strategy.

Similarly, in 2 Samuel 24:9 , the census conducted by Joab reveals the strength of Israel's infantry: "And Joab reported to the king the number of the fighting men: In Israel there were 800,000 valiant men who drew the sword, and in Judah 500,000." The emphasis on those "who drew the sword" underscores the importance of infantrymen in the army.

Role and Organization

The infantry was organized into divisions and units, often led by commanders who were responsible for their training and readiness. The soldiers were typically drawn from the tribes of Israel, with each tribe contributing men to the national defense. This tribal contribution is evident in the mustering of troops for various battles, as seen in Judges 20:2 : "The leaders of all the people of all the tribes of Israel took their places in the assembly of the people of God, 400,000 men on foot who drew the sword."

The infantry was equipped with swords, spears, and shields, and they were trained for hand-to-hand combat. Their role was to engage the enemy directly, often forming the first line of attack or defense in battle. The reliance on infantry reflects the military tactics of the time, where close combat was a common feature of warfare.

Historical Context

The composition of Israel's armies as primarily infantry can be understood within the historical and cultural context of the ancient Near East. During this period, many nations relied heavily on foot soldiers due to the terrain and the nature of warfare. The Israelites, being a settled agrarian society, could muster large numbers of infantrymen from their population.

The infantry's effectiveness was not only in their numbers but also in their discipline and courage, often attributed to their faith in God and the leadership of divinely appointed leaders. This spiritual dimension is evident in passages where God is depicted as the ultimate commander of Israel's armies, providing guidance and victory in battle.

Significance in Israel's Military History

The infantry's role in Israel's military history is significant, as they were instrumental in the conquest of Canaan, the defense against surrounding nations, and the establishment of the kingdom under leaders like Saul, David, and Solomon. Their presence in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of ordinary soldiers in the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.

In summary, the armies of Israel, composed primarily of infantry, were a vital component of the nation's military strength. Their role in biblical history reflects both the practical realities of ancient warfare and the spiritual dimension of Israel's reliance on God for victory.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 11:21
And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and you have said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 5:15
And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah; even Issachar, and also Barak: he was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Their armies were modelled on similar lines, and consisted ... that river which the Greeks
called the Eleutheros ... of Hamath and masters of half Israel, were powerful ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... made upon them by princes who called themselves his ... Lycians, Mysians, Dardanians,
were the national armies of these ... the temple facade, which was composed of a ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... thought that they worshipped the God of Israel in their ... direction of the Oracle,
are Equestrian armies, sent forth ... prince of the Turks, (who is called by our ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... II., about the fourth century of the Christian era.*** The text is composed, as
may ... light to quench it for ever, but Ahura-mazda had already called forth the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made ... perceived that it was God
who had called the child ... And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... to reorganise the provinces of Philistia and Israel, and received ... It seems that this
town was called Amkaru, and ... that there were then two armies, engaged at ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... that Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... the greatest among
the prophets of Israel"Jeremiah, son ... When Jahveh called him, he cried out in ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 14) and Hosea (x.5), where Bethel is called Beth-aven ... nation raised up by Jahveh
to oppress Israel "from the ... in 765 and 755, which brought his armies right up ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... a country wasted and trampled underfoot by two great armies. ... readiness to join him
as soon as called on. ... Their force was composed of about 25,000 hoplites, and ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... The people of Saparda, called by the ... their execution had occurred, the Egyptian armies
had merely ... not prevented the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm