Topical Encyclopedia
The term "first assault" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept of an initial attack or confrontation can be observed in various biblical narratives. These accounts often highlight themes of faith, obedience, divine intervention, and the consequences of human actions.
1. The Fall of Jericho (Joshua 6): One of the most notable examples of a first assault in the Bible is the fall of Jericho. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites were commanded by God to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day. On the seventh day, after the priests blew the trumpets, the people shouted, and the walls of Jericho collapsed. This initial assault was marked by obedience to God's specific instructions and demonstrated His power in granting victory to His people. The Berean Standard Bible records, "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city" (
Joshua 6:20).
2. David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17): The encounter between David and Goliath can be seen as a first assault in the context of personal combat. David, a young shepherd, faced the Philistine giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones. His faith in God and his courage to confront the enemy were pivotal in this initial confrontation. David declared, "This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head" (
1 Samuel 17:46). David's victory over Goliath was a turning point for Israel and demonstrated God's deliverance through seemingly unlikely means.
3. Gideon's Battle Against the Midianites (Judges 7): Gideon's first assault against the Midianites is another example of divine strategy leading to victory. God instructed Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. The Berean Standard Bible recounts, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled" (
Judges 7:22). This initial attack, characterized by faith and obedience, resulted in confusion and defeat among the Midianites.
4. The Battle of Ai (Joshua 8): After the initial failure due to Achan's sin, the Israelites launched a successful first assault on Ai under God's guidance. Joshua set an ambush behind the city, and when the men of Ai pursued the Israelites, the ambush was sprung, leading to the city's capture. The Berean Standard Bible states, "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land'" (
Joshua 8:1). This account emphasizes the importance of following divine instructions and the consequences of sin and repentance.
5. The Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18): While not a physical assault, the Apostle Paul speaks of a spiritual battle that believers face. He exhorts Christians to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage highlights the importance of being prepared for spiritual confrontations, which can be seen as a form of first assault in the believer's life. The Berean Standard Bible encourages, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (
Ephesians 6:11).
In these accounts, the concept of a first assault is intertwined with themes of faith, obedience, and reliance on God's power. These narratives serve as reminders of the importance of seeking divine guidance and trusting in God's provision in the face of challenges.