In the biblical context, the division of the army refers to the organization and structuring of military forces among the Israelites, as well as other nations mentioned in the Scriptures. This division was often necessary for effective military strategy, leadership, and execution of warfare, as well as for maintaining order and discipline within the ranks.

Old Testament Context

The division of the army is first notably seen during the time of Moses. In the wilderness, the Israelites were organized into a military camp with specific divisions. Numbers 1:3-4 states, "You and Aaron are to register those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you." This census and organization were crucial for preparing the Israelites for the conquest of Canaan.

The army was divided according to the twelve tribes of Israel, each tribe providing a contingent of soldiers. This tribal division allowed for a structured and hierarchical military system. Each tribe had its leader, and these leaders reported to the central command, which was under the leadership of Moses and later Joshua.

During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua employed strategic divisions of the army to capture key cities and territories. The famous battle of Jericho, as described in Joshua 6, involved a well-coordinated plan where the army marched around the city for seven days, demonstrating the importance of obedience and divine strategy in military operations.

Monarchical Period

Under King Saul, the first king of Israel, the army became more centralized. Saul's reign marked a transition from tribal militias to a more organized standing army. 1 Samuel 13:2 notes, "Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with him at Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the troops he sent away, each to his own tent." This division allowed for rapid mobilization and response to threats, particularly from the Philistines.

King David further developed the military structure, creating a professional army with specialized divisions. He appointed commanders over thousands and hundreds, as seen in 1 Chronicles 27, which details the divisions of the army and their leaders. David's military reforms included the establishment of a permanent army, which was crucial for maintaining Israel's security and expanding its borders.

Prophetic and Post-Exilic Periods

The prophets often spoke of the armies of Israel and their divisions, sometimes as instruments of God's judgment or as symbols of divine protection. For instance, in Joel 2:11 , the Lord's army is described: "The LORD raises His voice in the presence of His army. Indeed, His camp is very large, for mighty are those who obey His command. For the Day of the LORD is great and very dreadful—who can endure it?"

After the Babylonian exile, the need for a structured military was less pronounced due to the lack of sovereignty. However, the concept of division and organization remained important in the rebuilding efforts, as seen in the book of Nehemiah, where the people were organized to work and defend the city simultaneously.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on the division of armies in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual warfare and the organization of spiritual forces is evident. Ephesians 6:12 states, "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." This passage highlights the structured nature of spiritual opposition and the need for believers to be organized and equipped for spiritual battles.

In summary, the division of the army in biblical times was a critical aspect of Israel's military strategy and organization, reflecting both practical needs and spiritual truths.