Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Men Selected From, for Difficult Enterprises

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Throughout the history of Israel, the selection of men for challenging military enterprises was a significant aspect of their warfare strategy. The Bible provides numerous accounts of how God guided the leaders of Israel in choosing specific individuals for difficult tasks, often emphasizing faith, courage, and divine guidance over sheer numbers or human strength.

Gideon's Army

One of the most notable examples is the account of Gideon, found in the Book of Judges. Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. Initially, Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men, but God instructed him to reduce the number significantly to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human might. The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me’" (Judges 7:2). Eventually, Gideon's army was reduced to just 300 men, chosen based on how they drank water, demonstrating their alertness and readiness for the task ahead.

David's Mighty Men

King David's reign also highlights the selection of elite warriors for special missions. Known as David's Mighty Men, these individuals were renowned for their bravery and skill in battle. Among them were Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah, who performed extraordinary feats of valor (2 Samuel 23:8-12). These men were not only selected for their physical prowess but also for their loyalty and dedication to David and the nation of Israel.

Jonathan and His Armor-Bearer

Another example is Jonathan, the son of King Saul, who, along with his armor-bearer, undertook a daring attack against the Philistines. Jonathan's faith in God's ability to deliver victory was paramount, as he declared, "Come, let us cross over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few" (1 Samuel 14:6). This act of faith and courage resulted in a significant victory for Israel.

The Selection of the 12 Spies

In the wilderness, Moses was instructed by God to send twelve spies, one from each tribe, to scout the land of Canaan. These men were chosen for their leadership and ability to assess the land that God had promised to the Israelites (Numbers 13:1-2). However, only Joshua and Caleb demonstrated the faith and confidence necessary to encourage the people to trust in God's promise, highlighting the importance of spiritual discernment in selecting leaders for challenging tasks.

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of men selected for difficult enterprises in the armies of Israel underscore the importance of faith, divine guidance, and the willingness to trust in God's power over human strength. These narratives serve as enduring examples of how God equips and empowers those He calls to fulfill His purposes, often choosing the few and the faithful to accomplish great victories.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 17:9
And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.
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Numbers 31:5,6
So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
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Joshua 7:4
So there went up thither of the people about three thousand men: and they fled before the men of Ai.
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Joshua 8:3
So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valor, and sent them away by night.
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Judges 7:5,6
So he brought down the people to the water: and the LORD said to Gideon, Every one that laps of the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, him shall you set by himself; likewise every one that bows down on his knees to drink.
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2 Samuel 17:1
Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:
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Library

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... from whom ye have deeply revolted, O children of Israel."**. ... in the resources necessary
to pay the men and their ... He selected this city as his residence at the ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... drawing too great a proportion of men from the ... execution had occurred, the Egyptian
armies had merely ... prevented the subjugation of Damascus, Israel, Tyre, the ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... the rabble of servants, hucksters, and women which followed all the armies of that ...
it variously at 800,000, at 3,000,000, and at 5,283,220 men; 1,700,000 of ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm