Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Educated in the Art of War

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The armies of Israel, as depicted in the Bible, were not only a formidable force in the ancient Near East but also a divinely ordained instrument for the fulfillment of God's purposes. The education and preparation of these armies in the art of war were integral to their success and survival, as well as to the establishment and maintenance of the nation of Israel.

Divine Mandate and Organization

The formation of Israel's military forces was rooted in divine instruction. From the time of the Exodus, God commanded the organization of the tribes into a structured fighting force. In Numbers 1:2-3 , God instructed Moses, "Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army."

The organization of the army was tribal, with each tribe contributing men to the collective defense and conquest efforts. This tribal structure allowed for a cohesive yet flexible military force, capable of both large-scale engagements and smaller, tactical operations.

Training and Strategy

The Israelites were educated in the art of war through both divine guidance and practical experience. The Bible records numerous instances where God provided specific strategies for battle. For example, in the conquest of Jericho, God instructed Joshua to march around the city for seven days, culminating in a miraculous victory (Joshua 6:2-5).

Moreover, the Israelites learned warfare through their interactions with surrounding nations. The period of the Judges, for instance, was marked by frequent conflicts with neighboring peoples, which honed the Israelites' military skills and tactics. Judges 3:1-2 notes, "These are the nations the LORD left to test all the Israelites who had not known any of the wars in Canaan, so that later generations of the Israelites might learn warfare, at least those who had not known it before."

Leadership and Valor

Leadership played a crucial role in the effectiveness of Israel's armies. Figures such as Joshua, Gideon, and David exemplified the qualities of faith, courage, and strategic acumen. David, in particular, is celebrated for his military prowess and leadership, having unified the tribes and established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel. His exploits are chronicled in 1 Samuel 18:14 , "And David continued to prosper in all his ways, for the LORD was with him."

The valor of individual warriors also contributed to the strength of Israel's military. The exploits of David's mighty men, as detailed in 2 Samuel 23:8-39, highlight the bravery and skill of these elite soldiers, who performed extraordinary feats in battle.

Divine Assistance and Moral Imperatives

While the Israelites were educated in the art of war, their ultimate success depended on divine assistance. The Bible emphasizes that victory was granted by God, contingent upon the people's faithfulness and obedience. In 1 Samuel 17:47 , David declares, "And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands."

The moral imperatives of warfare were also underscored. The Israelites were called to conduct themselves according to God's laws, with an emphasis on justice and righteousness. Deuteronomy 20 provides guidelines for warfare, including the treatment of captives and the preservation of certain cities, reflecting a divine concern for ethical conduct even in times of conflict.

Conclusion

The armies of Israel, educated in the art of war, were a testament to the interplay between divine providence and human agency. Through divine instruction, practical experience, and the leadership of godly men, Israel's military forces were equipped to fulfill their role in God's redemptive plan for His chosen people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 2:4
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 4:3
And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Israelites
... wonder, therefore, that the Philistine armies again marched ... Meanwhile the kingdom
of Israel was passing into an ... Solomon was cultured and well-educated, but his ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Egypt
... While the Assyrian armies were employed elsewhere, Psammetikhos shook ... of bondage,
thus became a second house of Israel. ... in the minds of the educated classes. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

Missionary Hymns.
... yes; it brings the day, Promised day of Israel. ... Educated at Clare College, Cambridge,
he entered the service of ... the glowing arch The ransomed armies march, We ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter iv missionary hymns.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... as was done by the Assyrians in Israel; and thus ... than any of those who had been educated
with them. ... hundred years before Christ, marched his armies against the ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... of the prowess exhibited by our armies upon the ... upon his staff, waiting for the chariots
of Israel! ... Switzerland; as is usual with his educated countrymen, he ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Manasseh
... of hell, men who were brought up and educated in our ... most daring manner insulted
the Lord God of Israel. ... their great Goliath, challenging all the armies of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/manasseh.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... when quite a child, to Nineveh and educated there under ... whom ye have deeply revolted,
O children of Israel."**. ... What aileth thee now, that thou art wholly gone ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Bible in the Life of To-Day
... the object of worship of the early enemies of Israel. ... fed, well housed, well clothed,
and well educated than that he ... out in the plain the main armies have laid ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/lecture vi the bible in.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... "The twelve tribes of Israel" is the ... the Son of man and his attendant armies, are
symbolically ... him a spirit (pneuma) which is being formed, educated, and built ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... represented on the monuments
of Greek art two centuries ... of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm