In the biblical narrative, armies play a significant role, often depicted as vast and formidable forces that shape the course of events in the ancient Near East. The Bible provides numerous accounts of military encounters, strategies, and the divine intervention that often determined the outcomes of battles.

Composition and Structure

Ancient armies, as described in the Bible, were typically composed of infantry, cavalry, and chariots. The infantry formed the backbone of these forces, often armed with swords, spears, and shields. Cavalry units, though less common, provided mobility and speed, while chariots were considered a symbol of military might and technological advancement. For instance, Pharaoh's army, which pursued the Israelites during the Exodus, is described as having "six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them" (Exodus 14:7).

Numerous and Mighty

The size of ancient armies is frequently emphasized in the biblical text, underscoring their might and the threat they posed. The Assyrian army, for example, is depicted as a vast and powerful force that conquered many nations. In 2 Kings 19:35, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night, demonstrating both the size of the army and the power of divine intervention.

Similarly, the Midianite army that Gideon faced is described as being "as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seashore" (Judges 7:12). This hyperbolic language highlights the overwhelming odds against which the Israelites often found themselves.

Divine Intervention and Strategy

The Bible frequently attributes the success or failure of armies to divine will. The Israelites, in particular, are often depicted as relying on God's guidance and intervention rather than sheer numbers or military prowess. In the battle of Jericho, it was not the might of the Israelite army but the obedience to God's unusual strategy—marching around the city for seven days—that led to victory (Joshua 6:1-20).

King David, a renowned military leader, often sought God's counsel before engaging in battle. In 1 Samuel 23:2, David inquired of the Lord, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" and received divine guidance, which was a common practice for ensuring success.

Symbolism and Prophecy

Armies in the Bible also carry symbolic and prophetic significance. They often represent the power and judgment of God against nations. In the prophetic books, armies are sometimes used as instruments of divine wrath. For example, in Joel 2, the locust army is a metaphor for an invading force that brings devastation as a form of divine judgment.

Moreover, the eschatological visions in the Book of Revelation depict vast armies in the final battles between good and evil. Revelation 19:19 describes the gathering of "the kings of the earth and their armies to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army," symbolizing the ultimate confrontation between Christ and the forces of darkness.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of armies as ancient and often numerous serves to highlight the themes of divine sovereignty, human reliance on God, and the ultimate triumph of God's purposes in history. Through these narratives, the Bible underscores the belief that while human armies may be formidable, it is the Lord who ultimately determines the outcome of battles.Joshua 11:4
And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is on the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 13:5
And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... "The way of ancient ordinance, though ... wind, which often lasts for weeks together ... the
battle of Marengo, nicely poised as the fortunes of the two armies are now ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ...
... So he set them in their ancient order of battle used by ... 6. When therefore the generals
of Antiochus's armies had been beaten so often, Judas assembled the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 how judas overthrew.htm

The Saviour's Last Command.
... the pyramids, and to gather relics of ancient literature and ... of my territory acknowledge
the control of their armies. ... they have made been too often marked with ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

As Many as were Called by Grace, and Displayed the First Zeal...
... "We serve in your armies," says Tertullian ... the heathenish adjuncts to their calling
which often brought Christian ... xi.5, 10), "the ancient canons did not condemn ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xii as many as.htm

The Mutiny of 1857-58.
... established as if it had come down from ancient times. ... has always been the backbone
of our armies; but in ... by high-minded and able rulers; but often, with the ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvi the mutiny of.htm

Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... war and bloodshed, the destruction of armies, the plunder ... But the ancient bishops,
who otherwise were most resolute ... Pious emperors also, as often as there was ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

The Roman Empire at the Time of the Birth of Christ. Upwards of a ...
... their powerful rulers, and the imperial armies were at ... The ancient philosophers
delivered many excellent moral precepts ... which they taught had often very little ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the roman empire.htm

Chronology of the Life of Christ
... It is often found that, where an ancient writer aims at ... of Augustus in all the provinces
and armies of the ... a date by a numbered year, it is often a difficult ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 10 chronology of the.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... became a standard of value in the ancient world ... opened the road to the Mediterranean
to the armies of Assyria ... the kingdom of Comagene, of which we often hear in ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Birth of Saint George.
... his heroic deeds, they lead forth their armies under his ... there can be no doubt that
the ancient city of ... Often poor Crumpleback's body was black and blue with ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter one the birth of.htm

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