The term "well-armed" in a biblical context often refers to being equipped and prepared for battle, both physically and spiritually. Throughout the Scriptures, the concept of being well-armed is illustrated in various narratives and teachings, emphasizing the importance of readiness, protection, and divine empowerment.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently engaged in physical battles as they journeyed to the Promised Land and established their nation. Being well-armed was crucial for their survival and success. For instance, in the Book of Numbers, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh are described as being well-armed for battle. Numbers 32:20-21 states, "Moses replied, 'If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for battle, and if every one of your armed men crosses the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out before Him.'"

The preparation for battle often included not only physical armament but also spiritual readiness. The Israelites were reminded that their victories depended on their faithfulness to God and His commandments. In Deuteronomy 20:1 , they are encouraged, "When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being well-armed takes on a more spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, uses the metaphor of the "armor of God" to describe the spiritual armament necessary for believers to stand firm against the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:11-13 instructs, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

The armor of God includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:14-17). This passage highlights the necessity for Christians to be spiritually equipped to face trials and temptations, relying on God's strength and guidance.

Symbolism and Application

The imagery of being well-armed serves as a powerful symbol of preparedness and reliance on divine strength. In both the Old and New Testaments, the emphasis is on the combination of physical readiness and spiritual faithfulness. The well-armed believer is one who trusts in God's provision and protection, understanding that true victory comes from the Lord.

The biblical call to be well-armed encourages believers to be vigilant, to stand firm in their faith, and to engage in spiritual warfare with confidence, knowing that God is their ultimate defender and source of strength.

Of Holy Obedience
... The truly obedient Religious is like a knight well mounted and well armed, who
fearlessly and securely makes his way through the ranks of the enemy, because ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xvii of holy obedience.htm

Of Temptations
... He that is well armed enters into the battle and fights valiantly; but the other,
who is unarmed, says thus to his lord:'My liege, you see that I am unarmed ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter ix of temptations.htm

Public Spirit
... The first answer which occurred to you, perhaps, was, that the soldiers were well
armed, and the mob was not: but soon, I am sure, you felt that you were doing ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xxii public spirit.htm

The Troubles of those who are Lazy
... instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to
rest, And your poverty comes as a robber, And your want as a well-armed man. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the troubles of those who.htm

Third Part of the Book.
... It needs he be well armed against the arrows of his foe, that severely shoots at
him; and the more may he dread him because he cannot see him: with foot-traps ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/third part of the book.htm

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... Perhaps, however, reference is made to the whole history of the tribe of Ephraim,
that though they were well armed and were dexterous men in the use of the bow ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

Prayer and the Word of God (Continued)
... PRAYER AND THE WORD OF GOD (Continued). "Some years ago a man was travelling in
the wilds of Kentucky. He had with him a large sum of money and was well armed. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiii prayer and the word.htm

The Irish Whiteboys
... It was supposed that eight or ten thousand were now actually risen, many of them
well armed and that a far greater number were ready to rise whenever they ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the irish whiteboys.htm

Our Ally
... require, and is a strong Spirit who will be our Champion and our Ally, whatever
antagonism may storm against us, and however strong and well-armed may be the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/our ally.htm

How Taricheae was Taken. A Description of the River Jordan, and of ...
... Consider further, that you are to have a conflict with men in effect unarmed, while
you are well armed; with footmen, while you are horsemen; with those that ...
/.../chapter 10 how taricheae was.htm

Well-armed (1 Occurrence)
Well-armed. Well-advised, Well-armed. Well-being . Multi-Version
Concordance Well-armed (1 Occurrence). Daniel 11:15 ...
/w/well-armed.htm - 6k

Well-being (19 Occurrences)
Well-being. Well-armed, Well-being. Wellbeloved . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(BBE). Well-armed, Well-being. Wellbeloved . Reference Bible.
/w/well-being.htm - 11k

Well-advised (1 Occurrence)
Well-advised. Well-accepted, Well-advised. Well-armed . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS ASV DBY WBS). Well-accepted, Well-advised. Well-armed . ...
/w/well-advised.htm - 6k

Earthworks (10 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:15 So the king of the north will come, and put up earthworks and take
a well-armed town: and the forces of the king of the south will make an attempt ...
/e/earthworks.htm - 9k

Barak (14 Occurrences)
... Mt. Tabor. This location was very favorable to the rudely armed Israelites
in warding off the danger of the well-armed enemy. The ...
/b/barak.htm - 14k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... Philistines of the low country and the maritime plain, of whom we read in Judges
and Samuel, were a warlike people, were disciplined and wellarmed and their ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

Attempt (23 Occurrences)
... Daniel 11:15 So the king of the north will come, and put up earthworks and take
a well-armed town: and the forces of the king of the south will make an attempt ...
/a/attempt.htm - 14k

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