Topical Encyclopedia Throughout the biblical narrative, the Israelites are depicted as a people who were not only familiar with war but also skilled in its execution. From the time of the patriarchs to the establishment of the monarchy and beyond, the Israelites engaged in numerous military campaigns, often under divine instruction or guidance.Patriarchal Period The earliest mention of warfare involving the Israelites is found in the account of Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 14. Abram leads a small force to rescue his nephew Lot, who had been captured by a coalition of kings. This episode demonstrates Abram's strategic acumen and the ability to mobilize and lead men in battle. Conquest of Canaan The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a significant period where the Israelites' military prowess is prominently displayed. The Book of Joshua details a series of campaigns against the Canaanite cities, beginning with the miraculous victory at Jericho. Joshua 6:20 states, "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted, and when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed." This victory, along with others, underscores the combination of divine intervention and military strategy. Period of the Judges During the time of the Judges, the Israelites frequently engaged in warfare against surrounding nations. Judges like Gideon and Samson were raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression. Gideon's victory over the Midianites with just 300 men (Judges 7) highlights the Israelites' ability to execute unconventional warfare tactics effectively. United Monarchy Under King Saul, Israel began to establish a more formalized military structure. Saul's reign was marked by continuous conflict with the Philistines, as seen in 1 Samuel 14:52 : "There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul, and whenever Saul saw any mighty or brave man, he took him into his service." King David, Saul's successor, was a renowned warrior and military leader. His defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 17) is one of the most famous biblical accounts of individual combat. David's military campaigns expanded Israel's territory and secured its borders. His leadership and strategic brilliance are evident in passages like 2 Samuel 8:6 : "Then David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went." Divided Monarchy and Later Periods Even after the division of the kingdom, both Israel and Judah continued to engage in warfare. Kings such as Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah demonstrated military acumen and reliance on divine guidance in their battles. For instance, 2 Chronicles 20:15 records the words of the prophet Jahaziel to King Jehoshaphat: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." Military Organization and Strategy The Israelites developed a sophisticated military organization over time. They employed various strategies, including direct combat, ambushes, and sieges. The use of chariots, archers, and infantry is documented throughout the historical books. The emphasis on divine guidance and reliance on God's favor was a distinctive feature of Israelite warfare, as seen in numerous accounts where victory was attributed to the LORD's intervention. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of the Israelites as expert in war is not merely a testament to their martial skills but also to their faith in God's promises and commands. Their military history is intertwined with their covenant relationship with God, who often directed and empowered them in their battles. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 12:33,35,36Of Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand, which could keep rank: they were not of double heart. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 3:8 Library The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Acts xxv. 23 Whether we are to Believe that Angels, who are of a Spiritual ... Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election. Concerning the Posterity of Adam, and the Ten Generations from Him ... Egypt Letter Lvii. To Pammachius on the Best Method of Translating. Colossians iv. 5, 6 The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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