War Preparations in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, the preparation for war is depicted as a significant aspect of the life of the Israelites and other nations. War preparations often involved both physical and spiritual readiness, reflecting the belief that success in battle was dependent on divine favor as much as military might.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were frequently engaged in battles as they sought to claim and defend the Promised Land. The preparation for war included assembling troops, gathering weapons, and sometimes seeking divine guidance through prophets or priests. For instance, before the battle of Jericho, Joshua received specific instructions from the Lord on how to conquer the city (Joshua 6:1-5). The Israelites' obedience to these divine instructions was crucial for their victory.

King David, a renowned warrior, often sought the Lord's guidance before going into battle. In 1 Samuel 23:2, David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The Lord's response guided his actions, demonstrating the importance of seeking divine counsel in war preparations.

The spiritual aspect of war preparations is further emphasized in passages like 2 Chronicles 20:15, where Jehoshaphat is told, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." This highlights the belief that ultimate victory comes from the Lord, and reliance on Him is paramount.

Hiring of Mercenaries

The hiring of mercenaries, or foreign soldiers, is also mentioned in the Bible, though it is often portrayed with caution or disapproval. The use of mercenaries reflects a reliance on human strength and alliances rather than trust in God's provision and protection.

One notable instance is found in 2 Chronicles 25:6, where King Amaziah of Judah hired 100,000 mighty warriors from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. However, a man of God warned him against this alliance, saying, "O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the LORD is not with Israel—not with any of the Ephraimites." Amaziah heeded the warning and sent the hired troops away, choosing instead to rely on God's strength.

The hiring of mercenaries is often associated with a lack of faith or a deviation from God's commands. In Ezekiel 27:10-11, Tyre is described as having armies from various nations, including mercenaries, which ultimately could not save the city from destruction. This serves as a reminder of the futility of relying on human alliances over divine protection.

In the New Testament, while the focus shifts from physical battles to spiritual warfare, the principles of reliance on God and the dangers of misplaced trust remain relevant. Ephesians 6:10-18 speaks of the "armor of God," emphasizing spiritual readiness and dependence on God's power rather than human strength.

Overall, the Bible presents war preparations and the hiring of mercenaries within the context of faith and obedience to God. The narratives encourage reliance on divine guidance and caution against placing trust in human alliances or strength.