In the biblical narrative, the concept of troops from Israel is deeply intertwined with the history and identity of the nation of Israel. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, were often engaged in military endeavors, both as a means of securing the Promised Land and as a form of divine judgment against surrounding nations. The organization, leadership, and divine guidance of these troops are significant themes throughout the Old Testament.

Formation and Organization

The formation of Israelite troops can be traced back to the Exodus from Egypt. As the Israelites journeyed toward the Promised Land, they encountered various hostile nations. In Exodus 17:9, Moses instructs Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites." This marks one of the earliest instances of organized military action by the Israelites.

The Book of Numbers provides a detailed account of the census taken to organize the fighting men of Israel. Numbers 1:3 states, "You and Aaron are to number by their divisions all the men in Israel twenty years old or older who are able to serve in the army." This census was crucial for organizing the tribes into a cohesive military force.

Leadership and Strategy

Leadership of the troops was often divinely appointed. Joshua, who succeeded Moses, is a prime example. Under his command, the Israelites achieved significant victories, such as the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6). The strategy often involved direct divine intervention or guidance, as seen in the fall of Jericho, where the walls collapsed after the Israelites followed God's specific instructions.

The judges of Israel, such as Gideon and Samson, also played pivotal roles in leading troops against oppressors. Gideon's victory over the Midianites with just 300 men (Judges 7) highlights the theme of reliance on God's power rather than sheer numbers.

Monarchical Period

With the establishment of the monarchy, the organization of troops became more formalized. King Saul, the first king of Israel, organized a standing army. However, his reign was marked by disobedience to God's commands, leading to his downfall. David, his successor, was a skilled military leader who expanded Israel's territory significantly. Under David, the troops were organized into divisions, and notable warriors, such as the "mighty men," were recognized for their valor (2 Samuel 23).

Solomon, David's son, inherited a well-organized military but focused more on building projects and maintaining peace through alliances. However, the division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign led to conflicts between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, each maintaining its own military forces.

Prophetic and Divine Influence

Throughout Israel's history, prophets played a crucial role in guiding military actions. They often delivered God's messages regarding when to engage in battle or when to refrain. For instance, the prophet Samuel instructed Saul on military matters, and Elisha provided strategic advice to the king of Israel (2 Kings 6:8-23).

The success of Israelite troops was often attributed to their faithfulness to God. When the Israelites obeyed God's commands, they experienced victory, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. Conversely, disobedience led to defeat, such as the loss at Ai due to Achan's sin (Joshua 7).

Conclusion

The concept of troops from Israel is a testament to the nation's reliance on divine guidance and the importance of obedience to God's commands. The military history of Israel serves as a backdrop for understanding the broader narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people and His sovereignty over the nations.