Reference: ARMIES
Watsons
ARMIES. In the reign of David, the Hebrews acquired such skill in the military art, together with such strength, as gave them a decided superiority over their competitors on the field of battle. David increased the standing army, which Saul had introduced. Solomon introduced cavalry into the military force of the nation, also chariots. Both cavalry and chariots were retained in the subsequent age; an age, in which military arms were improved in their construction, the science of fortification made advances, and large armies were mustered. From this period, till the time when the Hebrews became subject to the Assyrians and Chaldeans, but little improvement was made in the arts of war. The Maccabees, after the return of the Hebrews from the captivity, gave a new existence to the military art among them. But their descendants were under the necessity of submitting to the superior power of the Romans.
Whenever there was an immediate prospect of war, a levy was made by the genealogists, De 20:5-9. In the time of the kings, there was a head or ruler of the persons, that made the levy, denominated ?????, who kept an account of the number of the soldiers, but who is, nevertheless, to be distinguished from the generalissimo, ?????, 2Ch 26:11. Compare 2Sa 8:17; 20:25; 2Ch 18:16. After the levy was fully made out, the genealogists gave public notice, that the following persons might be excused, from military service, De 20:5-8:
1. Those who had built a house, and had not yet inhabited it.
2. Those who had planted a ???, that is, an olive or vine garden, and had not as yet tasted the fruit of it; an exemption, consequently, which extended through the first five years after such planting.
3. Those who had bargained for a spouse, but had not celebrated the nuptials; also those who had not as yet lived with their wife, for a year.
4. The faint-hearted, who would be likely to discourage others, and who, if they had gone into battle, where, in those early times, every thing depended on personal prowess, would only have fallen victims.
At the head of each rank or file of fifty, was the captain of fifty. The other divisions consisted of a hundred, a thousand, and ten thousand men, each one of which was headed by its appropriate commander. These divisions ranked in respect to each other according to their families, and were subject to the authority of the heads of those families, 2Ch 25:5; 26:12-13. The centurions, and chiliarchs or captains of thousands, were admitted into the councils of war, 1Ch 13:1-3; 1Sa 18:13. The leader of the whole army was denominated ??????????, the captain of the host. The genealogists, (in the English version, officers,) according to a law in De 20:9, had the right of appointing the persons who were to act as officers in the army; and they, undoubtedly, made it a point, in their selections, to choose those who are called heads of families. The practice of thus selecting military officers ceased under the kings. Some of them were then chosen by the king, and in other instances the office became permanent and hereditary in the heads of families. Both kings and generals had armour bearers, ??? ????. They were chosen from the bravest of the soldiery, and not only bore the arms of their masters, but were employed to give his commands to the subordinate captains, and were present at his side in the hour of peril, 1Sa 14:6; 17:7. The infantry, the cavalry, and the chariots of war were so arranged, as to make separate divisions of an army, Ex 14:6-7. The infantry were divided likewise into light-armed troops, ??????, and into spearmen, Ge 49:19; 1Sa 30:8,15,23; 2Sa 3:22; 4:2; 22:30; Ps 18:30; 2Ki 5:2; Ho 7:1. The light-armed infantry were furnished with a sling and javelin, with a bow, arrows, and quiver, and also, at least in latter times, with a buckler. They fought the enemy at a distance. The spearmen, on the contrary, who were armed with spears, swords, and shields, fought hand to hand, 1
Chronicles 12:24, 34; 2Ch 14:8; 17:17. The light-armed troops were commonly taken from the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, 2Ch 14:8; 17:17. Compare Ge 49:27; Ps 78:9.
The art of laying out an encampment appears to have been well understood in Egypt, long before the departure of the Hebrews from that country. It was there that Moses became acquainted with that mode of encamping, which, in the second chapter of Numbers, is prescribed to the Hebrews. In the encampment of the Israelites, it appears that the holy tabernacle occupied the centre. In reference to this circumstance, it may be remarked, that it is the common practice in the east, for the prince or leader of a tribe to have his tent pitched in the centre of the others; and it ought not to be forgotten, that God, whose tent or palace was the holy tabernacle, was the prince, the leader of the Hebrews. The tents nearest to the tabernacle were those of the Levites, whose business it was to watch it, in the manner of a Pretorian guard. The family of Gershom pitched to the west, that of Kehath to the south, that of Merari to the north. The priests occupied a position to the east, opposite to the entrance of the tabernacle, Nu 1:53; 3:21-38. At some distance to the east, were the tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulon; on the south were those of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad; to the west were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin; to the north, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. The people were thus divided into four bodies, three tribes to a division; each of which divisions had its separate standard, ???. Each of the large family associations likewise, of which the different tribes were composed, had a separate standard, termed, in contradistinction from the other, ???; and every Hebrew was obliged to number himself with his particular division, and follow his appropriate standard. Of military standards, there were,
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"Reuben, you're my firstborn, my strength, and the first fruit of my vitality. You excel in rank and excel in power.
Judah is a lion cub. My son, you have gone up from the prey. Crouching like a lion, he lies down, Like a lioness, who would dare rouse him?
Dan will be a snake on the path, a viper on the road that snaps at the heels of horses, causing their riders to fall off.
"Bandits will raid Gad, but Gad will raid them back."
"Joseph is descended from a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine planted near springs of water. His branches climb over walls.
"Benjamin is vicious like a wolf; what he kills in the morning he devours in the evening."
So Pharaoh had his chariot prepared and took his troops with him. He took 600 of the best chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers in charge of each one.
But the descendants of Levi are to encamp on all sides of the Tent of Meeting so that divine wrath won't fall on the congregation of Israel. The descendants of Levi are to take care of the Tent of Meeting."
The families of Libni and Shimei were descendants of Gershon. As families of the descendants of Gershon, all the males a month old and above numbered 7,500. read more. The families of the descendants of Gershon encamped behind the tent toward the west. The leader of the tribe and family of Gershon was Lael's son Eliasaph. The duties of the descendants of Gershon at the Tent of Meeting pertained to the tent, the tent covering, the curtain to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the hangings at the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance of the courtyard that surrounded the tent, the altar, and all of the tent cords in use. The families of Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel were descendants of Kohath. As families of the descendants of Kohath, all the males a month old and above numbered 8,600. They were tasked to the care of the sanctuary. The descendants of Kohath encamped beside the tent toward the south. The leader of the tribe and family of Kohath was Uzziel's son Elizaphan. Their duties pertained to the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, and all the curtains in use. The chief of all the leaders of the descendants of Levi was Aaron the priest's son Eleazar. He was assigned to oversee those who were in charge of the services of the sanctuary. The families of Mahli and Mushi were descendants of Merari. As families of Merari, all the males a month old and above numbered 6,200. The leader of the tribe and family of Merari was Abihail's son Zuriel. The descendants of Merari encamped beside the tent toward the north. The duties of the caretakers from the descendants of Merari included the boards of the tent, its bars, crossbars, sockets, all its utensils for their services, the pillars around the courtyard, their sockets, pegs, and tent cords. In front of the tent and east of the Tent of Meeting, Moses, Aaron, and Aaron's sons encamped facing the east. They were tasked to perform the duties of the sanctuary and care for the needs of the Israelis. Any unauthorized person who approached was to be executed.
"When you wage war in your land against an enemy who is hostile to you, you are to sound an alarm with the trumpets. Then you will be remembered before the face of the LORD your God and you will be delivered from your enemies. At the beginning of the month, during your time of rejoicing at the appointed place, sound the trumpet over your burnt offering, then sacrifice your peace offering, since they are to be your memorial before the LORD your God. I am the LORD your God."
Then the LORD instructed Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent out of brass and fasten it to a pole. Anyone who has been bitten and who looks at it will live." So Moses made a bronze serpent and fastened it to a pole. If a person who had been bitten by a poisonous serpent looked to the serpent, he lived.
As you draw near for battle, let the priest approach and speak to the army.
"Furthermore, let the officials ask the army, "Is there a man here who has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it.
"Furthermore, let the officials ask the army, "Is there a man here who has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man dedicate it. And is there a man here who has planted a vineyard and not yet benefited from it? Let him go home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man use it.
And is there a man here who has planted a vineyard and not yet benefited from it? Let him go home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man use it. And is there a man here who is engaged to a woman and has not yet married her? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man marry her.'
And is there a man here who is engaged to a woman and has not yet married her? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may die in battle and another man marry her.' "Let the officials also speak to the army, "Is there a man here who is afraid and faint-hearted? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may demoralize his fellow soldier.'
"Let the officials also speak to the army, "Is there a man here who is afraid and faint-hearted? Let him go back home. Otherwise, he may demoralize his fellow soldier.' "When the officials have finished speaking to the army, they must appoint officers to lead the troops."
"When the officials have finished speaking to the army, they must appoint officers to lead the troops."
Jonathan told his armor bearer, "Come, let's go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised ones. Perhaps the LORD will work for us, since nothing prevents the LORD from delivering, whether by many or by a few."
The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam and the iron point of his spear weighed 600 shekels. A man carrying his shield walked in front of him.
Ahitub's son Zadok and Abiathar's son Ahimelech were priests, Seraiah was his personal secretary,
The king of Israel suggested to Jehoshaphat, "I'll go into battle in disguise, but you keep your royal uniform on." So the king of Israel disguised himself and they both went into the battle. Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to 32 of his chariot commanders: "Don't attack unimportant soldiers or ranking officers. Go after only the king of Israel." read more. So when the chariot commanders observed Jehoshaphat, they said by mistake, "It's the king of Israel!" and they turned aside to attack him. But Jehoshaphat cried out. When the chariot commanders saw that their target was not the king of Israel, they stopped pursuing him. Meanwhile, somebody drew his bow aimlessly and struck the king of Israel between the scales where his armor breastplates joined, so he instructed his chariot driver, "Turn around and take me out of the battle, because I've been severely wounded."
Later, David conferred with every officer in charge of groups of thousands and groups of hundreds. Then he addressed the entire community of Israel, "If it seems good to you and something from the Lord our God, let's spread word to all of our relatives who remain throughout the entire land of Israel, including the priests and descendants of Levi in the cities and pasture lands, so they can gather together with us. read more. Then let's bring the Ark of God back to us, because we didn't consult it during Saul's reign."
Asa kept a standing army of 300,000 soldiers from Judah equipped with large shields and spears, as well as 280,000 soldiers from Benjamin, also bearing shields and wielding bows. All of them were valiant soldiers.
There was also Eliada from Benjamin, himself a valiant soldier. He was accompanied by 200,000 expert archers bearing shields.
Amaziah gathered Judah together and organized them according to their ancestral households under commanders of thousands and hundreds throughout Judah and Benjamin. He then mustered an army from those who were 20 years old and older. He discovered that there were 300,000 elite soldiers qualified for war duty and capable of handling spears and shields.
Uzziah kept a standing army, equipped for battle, garrisoned in divisions according to an organizational structure devised by his royal secretary Jeiel and his officer Maaseiah, who reported to Hananiah, one of the king's commanders. The number of senior leaders of the ancestral houses of his elite forces numbered 2,600. read more. Uzziah commanded an army of 307,500 who could fight formidably on behalf of the king against any enemy.
As for God, his way is upright; the word of God is pure; he is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.
The descendants of Ephraim were sharp shooters with the bow, but they retreated in the day of battle.
Your soldiers are willing volunteers on your day of battle; in majestic holiness, from the womb, from the dawn, the dew of your youth belongs to you.
The LORD will signal for nations far away, whistling for them to come from the ends of the earth. Look how quickly and how swiftly they come!
"Raise a banner on a bare hilltop! Cry out loud to them! Give a wave of the hand, signaling for them to enter the gates of the nobles.
All you inhabitants of the world, you who live on the earth, when a banner is raised on the mountains, you'll see it. When a trumpet sounds, you'll hear it!
They set the tables; they spread the carpets; they eat, they drink! Get up, you officers! Oil the shields!"
A thousand will flee at the threat of one; and run away, pursued by five, until you are left like a flagpole on a mountaintop, like a banner on a hill."
"For this what the LORD says, "Watch! I'll lift up my hand to the nations and raise my banner to the nations. They will bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.'
"Pass through the gates! prepare the way for the people! Build up! Build up the highway! Clear it of stumbling stones, speak among the nations. Here is the LORD! Proclaim to the ends of the earth, say to the inhabitants of Zion: "See, your salvation is coming! See, his reward is with him, and his recompenses are before him.' read more. People will call them, "The Holy People,' "The Redeemed of the LORD'; and they will call you, "Sought After,' "The City Not Deserted.'"
Raise a standard in the direction of Zion. Flee! Don't stand around! For I'm bringing calamity from the north, along with great destruction.
How long will I see the battle standard and hear the sound of the trumpet?
"Prepare buckler and shield, and advance into the battle! Harness the horses! Riders, mount up! Take your positions with your helmets! Polish lances, and put on armor!
I'll send foreigners to Babylon, and they'll winnow her, and devastate her land. They'll come against her from every side on the day of her disaster.
Lift up the battle standard against Babylon's walls. Strengthen the guard; post watchmen. Set men in position for an ambush. For the LORD will both plan and carry out what he has declared against the inhabitants of Babylon.
Lift up a battle standard in the land. Blow a trumpet among the nations. Consecrate the nations against her. Summon the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz against her. Appoint a commander against her, bring up horses like bristling locusts.
with sails made with embroidered Egyptian linen, festooned with blue banners, and with your sun shades made with purple cloth from Cypress.
"When I was healing Israel, Ephraim's sin was uncovered, along with Samaria's wickedness. While they craft lying schemes, the thief invades, and the gang of thieves plunders outside.