Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: First Mention of

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The concept of the armies of Israel is first introduced in the context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The initial mention of Israel's organized military forces is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 6:26 and Exodus 7:4. These passages highlight the emergence of a structured group capable of engaging in warfare, underlining the necessity for defense and conquest as the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan.

In Exodus 6:26 , the text states: "It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the LORD said, 'Bring the Israelites out of the land of Egypt by their divisions.'" The term "divisions" here is significant, as it implies an organized assembly, often interpreted as military divisions or units. This organization was crucial for maintaining order and readiness as the Israelites embarked on their journey.

Further, in Exodus 7:4 , God declares, "Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out the divisions of My people the Israelites, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment." Here, the "divisions" again suggest a structured and prepared group, ready to follow divine guidance and engage in the necessary actions to secure their freedom and future.

The first explicit mention of Israel's military engagement occurs in Exodus 17:8-16, during the battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim. In this account, Joshua is appointed by Moses to lead the men of Israel in battle. Exodus 17:9 records Moses' command: "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand." This passage marks the transition from a loosely organized group to a more defined military force under leadership, with Joshua emerging as a key military figure.

The formation of Israel's armies is further detailed in the Book of Numbers, where the census of the tribes is conducted to determine the number of men eligible for military service. Numbers 1:3 specifies, "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." This census underscores the importance of military organization and preparedness as the Israelites prepared to enter and conquer the land promised to them by God.

Throughout these early mentions, the armies of Israel are depicted as divinely guided and essential for the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The organization and leadership of these forces are portrayed as critical components in the unfolding narrative of Israel's journey from bondage to nationhood.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 7:4
But Pharaoh shall not listen to you, that I may lay my hand on Egypt, and bring forth my armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . .
... First, his name means "Soothsayer" which at once connects him with the ... Third, he
was the enemy of Israel. ... in his blatant challenge, "I defy the armies of Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/in the volume of the.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... while of much interest, because it is the first mention of Israel in an ... The allied
kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom marched with their armies against the ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

The First Kings.
... was Goliah, presented himself daily between the two armies, and, with ... true place
for the human king of Israel to fill ... It also made him the first to discover his ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

A Cloud of Witnesses.
... waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens ... Israel believed, and as God
had said, so it came ... people.[293] Rahab believed in God first, and, therefore ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xiii a cloud of.htm

Faithlessness and Defeat
... majesty, His universal dominion over the armies of heaven ... sons, themselves amongst
the worst men in Israel. ... Old Testament religion for the first time welded ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/faithlessness and defeat.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... "No woman of Israel was married unless she had been first espoused"] to ... his land
was threatened with an invasion by the united armies of Syria and Israel. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

The Census of Israel
... forth in their armies to fight giant races, and armies versed in ... that fear the Lord,
yet the God of Israel will not ... as true to-day as when it was first spoken. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the census of israel.htm

His Own Funeral Sermon
... one of them, seeing he had defied the armies of the ... many Psalms, which were sung
all over the land of Israel. ... When he said, the first time, "Feed my sheep," he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/his own funeral sermon.htm

Antichrist in Daniel
... the one who then headed the Roman armies is clear ... doubtless the seven-years-treaty
confirmed with Israel, which is ... with the fact that at the first he appears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 antichrist in daniel.htm

The New Leaders Commission
... the transmitters of His orders and His aids to Israel. The first command given to
Joshua was a trial of ... a ticklish operation, even for modern armies; what must ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new leaders commission.htm