Topical Bible: The Armies of Israel: Refusing to Join, Stigmatised

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In the historical and theological context of ancient Israel, the concept of military service was deeply intertwined with national identity and religious duty. The armies of Israel were not merely a defense force but were often seen as instruments of divine will, executing God's judgment and securing the Promised Land for His chosen people. Refusal to join these armies, therefore, carried significant social and spiritual implications.

Biblical Context

The expectation for able-bodied men to join the military efforts of Israel is evident throughout the Old Testament. In Numbers 1:2-3 , God commands Moses to take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man twenty years old or older who is able to serve in the army. This directive underscores the communal responsibility of military service.

Stigmatization of Refusal

Refusal to join the armies of Israel was often stigmatized, as it was perceived as a failure to fulfill one's duty to God and nation. In Judges 5:16-17 , during the Song of Deborah, the tribes of Reuben, Gilead, Dan, and Asher are criticized for their reluctance to join the battle against the Canaanite oppressors: "Why did you sit among the sheepfolds to hear the whistling for the flocks? In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision. Gilead remained beyond the Jordan. And Dan, why did he linger by the ships? Asher stayed at the coast and remained in his harbors."

This passage highlights the shame associated with inaction and the expectation that all tribes should participate in the collective defense and deliverance of Israel. The reluctance of these tribes is portrayed as a lack of commitment to the communal cause and, by extension, to God's purposes.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

From a theological perspective, refusing to join the armies of Israel could be seen as a lack of faith in God's promises and protection. In Deuteronomy 20:8 , the officers are instructed to ask the army, "Is there any man who is afraid or fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, so that the heart of his brothers will not melt like his own." This provision acknowledges human fear but also implies that such fear should not be a reason to shirk one's duty. The fainthearted are allowed to leave, but this concession also serves to highlight the ideal of courage and trust in God.

Cultural and Social Consequences

Socially, those who refused to join the military efforts could face ostracism or be viewed as cowards. The communal nature of Israelite society meant that individual actions were often judged in light of their impact on the community. The stigma attached to refusal was not merely about personal reputation but also about the perceived weakening of the nation's collective strength and resolve.

Conclusion

The refusal to join the armies of Israel was a complex issue with significant religious, moral, and social dimensions. It was seen as a deviation from the expected role of an Israelite man, carrying with it the weight of potential divine disfavor and communal disapproval. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of unity and faithfulness in fulfilling God's commands, with military service being a critical aspect of this covenantal relationship.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 5:15-17
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 Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Cyaxares converted all the small feudal armies which had ... the siege of Nineveh, hastened
to join battle with ... task of rewriting the history of Israel, which, as ...
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