Topical Encyclopedia
In the ancient context of Israel, the organization and maintenance of the military forces were crucial for the survival and security of the nation. The mode of supplying the armies of Israel involved various methods, one of which was the levying of contributions from the people. This system was deeply rooted in the socio-political and religious fabric of Israelite society.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of levying contributions for the support of the military can be traced back to the instructions given in the Torah. In
1 Samuel 8:11-17, the prophet Samuel warns the Israelites about the implications of having a king, including the conscription of their sons for military service and the appropriation of resources to support the king's army. This passage highlights the expectation that the people would contribute to the sustenance of the military forces.
Historical ContextDuring the reigns of Saul, David, and Solomon, the need for a well-supplied army became increasingly apparent. King David, in particular, organized a standing army and established a system to ensure its provision. In
1 Chronicles 27, we see a detailed account of the divisions of the army and the officials responsible for various aspects of its maintenance. This organization required a steady flow of resources, which were often obtained through contributions from the tribes of Israel.
Levying ContributionsThe contributions levied for the army were not merely financial but also included provisions such as food, livestock, and other necessary supplies. In
1 Kings 4:7, we read about Solomon's twelve district governors, each responsible for providing supplies for the king and his household for one month of the year. This system ensured a continuous supply chain for the royal court and, by extension, the military.
Religious and Social ImplicationsThe levying of contributions for the army was not only a practical necessity but also carried religious significance. The Israelites viewed their military endeavors as divinely sanctioned, and thus, supporting the army was seen as a communal responsibility aligned with God's purposes for the nation. This perspective is evident in the various instances where God commands the Israelites to engage in battle, promising His support and victory (e.g.,
Deuteronomy 20:1-4).
Challenges and CriticismsDespite its necessity, the system of levying contributions was not without its challenges and criticisms. The burden of supplying the army could be heavy on the people, leading to discontent and resistance. The prophet Samuel's warning in
1 Samuel 8 serves as a reminder of the potential for abuse and the heavy demands that a centralized monarchy could place on its subjects.
ConclusionThe mode of supplying the armies of Israel through levied contributions was a complex system that reflected the intertwined nature of Israel's religious, social, and political life. It underscored the communal responsibility of the Israelites to support their military endeavors, which were seen as integral to the fulfillment of their covenantal relationship with God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Judges 8:5And he said to the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread to the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Samuel 25:4-8
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What does the Bible mean when it calls God the “LORD of hosts”? | GotQuestions.orgWho was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSurviving the end times - what do I need to know? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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