Topical Encyclopedia
The armies of Israel, as depicted in the Old Testament, were characterized by strict discipline and adherence to divine commandments. This discipline was not only a matter of military necessity but also a reflection of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The organization, conduct, and spiritual readiness of the troops were integral to their success in battle and their role as God's chosen people.
Divine Command and OrganizationThe organization of Israel's armies was divinely ordained, with God Himself often directing the movements and strategies of the troops. In
Numbers 1:2-3 , God commands Moses to take a census of the entire congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war. This census was not merely for administrative purposes but was a preparation for the military campaigns that lay ahead.
Leadership and ObedienceLeadership within the armies of Israel was crucial, with figures such as Joshua exemplifying the qualities of a godly leader. Joshua's leadership is marked by his unwavering obedience to God's commands. In
Joshua 1:7 , God instructs him, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go." This emphasis on obedience to divine law underscores the spiritual discipline expected of Israel's military leaders.
Moral and Ritual PurityThe armies of Israel were also expected to maintain moral and ritual purity. Before engaging in battle, soldiers were required to undergo purification rites. In
Deuteronomy 23:9-14 , the Israelites are instructed to keep their camp holy, as the LORD walks in the midst of their camp to deliver them and give their enemies into their hands. Any impurity or sin within the camp could jeopardize their success and bring divine disfavor.
Consequences of DisobedienceThe consequences of disobedience and lack of discipline were severe. The account of Achan in
Joshua 7 illustrates the impact of individual sin on the entire community. Achan's disobedience in taking forbidden items from Jericho led to Israel's defeat at Ai. It was only after Achan's sin was addressed and the camp was purified that Israel could achieve victory. This narrative highlights the importance of collective responsibility and the need for strict adherence to God's commands.
Training and PreparednessThe discipline of the Israelite army extended to their training and preparedness for battle. In
1 Chronicles 12:33 , the men of Zebulun are described as "trained for battle, with all the weapons of war, who could set the battle line with a whole heart." This readiness was not only physical but also spiritual, as the soldiers were expected to trust in God's deliverance and fight with courage and faith.
ConclusionThe strict discipline observed in the armies of Israel was a reflection of their unique identity as God's chosen people. Their military endeavors were not merely human efforts but were deeply intertwined with their covenant relationship with God. Through obedience, moral purity, and spiritual readiness, the armies of Israel served as instruments of divine will, demonstrating the power and faithfulness of God in the history of His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Joshua 7:16-21So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Samuel 14:24-44
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eats any food until evening, that I may be avenged on my enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... is likely that they did not hold to strict accuracy, and ... And thus exomologesis is
a discipline for man's prostration ... you see what key: "Men of Israel, let what ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... of the prowess exhibited by our armies upon the ... their energies for the "salvation
of Israel." These, keeping ... Answer I was sincere and strict in the religious ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm
The General Conference of 1840
... your advice cordially received and practically observed in a ... department of the Church
in strict conformity to her constitution and Discipline, we recommend ...
/.../chapter 15 the general conference.htm
Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... however, that all things which we have said be observed. ... The two armies met and there
was a fearful ... and continuation of evil times, a strict discipline was far ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... by his diligence in his calling, and his strict regard to ... for the general who had
led the armies of America ... of the lost sheep of the house of Israel," when but ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm
Memoir of John Bunyan
... 7] In his controversy with the Strict Baptists, he ... reader's recollection when he
peruses Israel's Hope Encouraged ... officers; but the God of armies avenged the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm
From the Close of the General Conference of 1800, to the End of ...
... and gesticulations not in accordance with strict religious decorum. ... ardently
affectionate as a mother in Israel,' few of ... that he "ruled in the armies of heaven ...
/.../chapter 5 from the close.htm
Footnotes
... has composed an admirable work." It has been properly observed, that during ... subversive
of all morality."Gataker's "God's Eye on his Israel","preface, Lond ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... veterans of Ramman-nirari in either discipline or courage. ... it till he had annihilated
its armies and rased ... to the ground, then, no doubt, Israel, Judah, the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
The Iranian Conquest
... Their dress was unpretentious, they wore no jewels, and observed strict fidelity
to the marriage vow;* and the virtues with which they were accredited obtained ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm
Resources
Who was Chedorlaomer / Kedorlaomer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the heavenly hosts? | GotQuestions.orgDoes China have a role in the end times? | GotQuestions.orgArmies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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