Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5208 armies An organised military force for the defence or expansion of national borders. Israel's national life was characterised by many battles with foreign nations such as Egypt, Philistia, Assyria and Babylon and by Roman occupation. Examples of armies in conflict with Israel The Egyptian army when Israel left Egypt Exodus 14:5-9,23-25 The inhabitants of Canaan when Israel entered the promised land Joshua 3:10; Joshua 12:1,7; Joshua 23:9; Judges 3:1-3 The Philistines, a constant enemy 1 Samuel 13:5; Samuel 14:20-23; Samuel 17:1-3; Samuel 31:1,7 pp 1 Chronicles 10:7 Assyria, defeating the northern kingdom of Israel 2 Kings 15:29; Kings 17:5-6; Isaiah 36:1 Babylon, defeating the southern kingdom of Judah 2 Kings 24:1; Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 39:1 pp Jeremiah 52:4; 2 Kings 25:10-11 pp 2 Chronicles 36:17 Palestine occupied by the Roman army in NT times Roman law in force at the time of Jesus Christ Roman military personnel in the life of Jesus Christ and in the lives of the first Christians Matthew 8:5 pp Luke 7:3; Matthew 27:54 pp Luke 23:47; Acts 10:1; Acts 21:31 Development of Israel's army from the time of the exodus to the reign of Solomon A military census taken after the exodus Fighting men to possess the promised land Deuteronomy 7:1-2; Joshua 1:10-11; Joshua 12:1 The army as a tribal militia assembled in times of crisis Certain tribes gaining reputations for proficiency in particular forms of combat Judges 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2,8,24-37 Saul and David having regular contingents of special forces 1 Samuel 13:2; 2 Samuel 15:18; Samuel 23:8-12 pp 1 Chronicles 11:10-14 Forces divided into twelve battalions, each serving for a month at a time Chariot forces hardly known in David's time, but much used by Solomon 2 Samuel 8:3-4; 1 Kings 4:26; Kings 10:26 God's sovereignty over the armies of Israel and over his spiritual armies Joshua 5:13-15; 1 Samuel 17:45; 1 Kings 22:19; 2 Kings 6:17 In the final battle between good and evil, Jesus Christ appearing as the leader of the armies of heaven God as the commander of armies Psalm 89:8 The term here, and in the following verses, translated as “LORD God Almighty” may also be translated “LORD God of hosts” or “LORD God of armies”. See also 1 Kings 19:10; Jeremiah 5:14; Hosea 12:5; Amos 4:13 See also
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