Topical Bible: Military Arms: Put on at the First Alarm

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the concept of military arms being put on at the first alarm is deeply rooted in the spiritual and physical preparedness of God's people. The Bible often uses military imagery to convey the importance of readiness, vigilance, and the defense against both physical and spiritual adversaries.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were frequently called to arms to defend their land and uphold God's covenant. The necessity of being prepared for battle at a moment's notice is exemplified in several passages. For instance, in Nehemiah 4:17-18, the builders of Jerusalem's wall worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other, illustrating the need for constant readiness: "Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens did their work with one hand and held a weapon with the other. And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side."

The Israelites' readiness to respond to threats was not only a matter of physical defense but also a demonstration of their trust in God's protection and guidance. In Judges 7, Gideon's army was reduced to 300 men, yet they were prepared to face the Midianites, relying on God's strength rather than their own numbers.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of military armor to describe the spiritual readiness required of Christians. Ephesians 6:10-18 is a key passage where Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and preparedness: "Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

The armor of God includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace as footwear, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This spiritual armor is to be donned at the first alarm of spiritual attack, highlighting the necessity of being ever-ready to defend one's faith and uphold the teachings of Christ.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In ancient times, the call to arms was often sudden and required immediate action. The Israelites, living in a land surrounded by hostile nations, understood the importance of being prepared for battle. This cultural context underscores the biblical emphasis on readiness and the swift response to threats, both physical and spiritual.

The Roman soldiers, familiar to the early Christians, were known for their discipline and preparedness, serving as a fitting analogy for the spiritual readiness Paul describes. The imagery of a soldier's armor would have resonated deeply with the early Christian audience, who faced persecution and spiritual challenges.

Theological Implications

The call to put on military arms at the first alarm is a reminder of the Christian's duty to remain vigilant in faith and conduct. It underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and the assurance of His protection. The readiness to engage in spiritual warfare is not only a defensive posture but also an active stance in advancing the kingdom of God.

The biblical exhortation to be prepared at all times serves as a call to live a life of holiness, integrity, and unwavering faith. It is a reminder that the Christian life is a continuous battle against sin, temptation, and the forces of evil, requiring constant reliance on God's strength and provision.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 8:9
Associate yourselves, O you people, and you shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all you of far countries: gird yourselves, and you shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and you shall be broken in pieces.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 46:3,4
Order you the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Goths
... A kinsman of the Goth"Tribigild, a military tribune and ... Tribigild roused his tribe,
and flew to arms. ... was a Goth, and could not be trusted to put down Goths. ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter xxv the goths.htm

The Trial of Saul.
... instructed him in his duty: and, moreover, put him on ... were far inferior to them in
military qualities ... have already observed, they had no regular arms: "It came ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iii the trial of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... had, ordinarily, a twofold function, religious and military, the priest ... When the
last revolt had been put down, all the ... has lent thee the shock of arms and the ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Conquest of Lydia.
... and toil, and they desired nothing but military glory for ... inhabitants of the city
that were capable of bearing arms. ... captive, he ordered him to be put in chains ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter vii the conquest of.htm

The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense.
... whose profession was exclusively that of arms, were as ... and particular about their
dress and military appearance, though ... The officer was about to put them to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vii the preparations of.htm

The Outbreak at Benares.
... The whole military force of the place was called out ... the guns, and the Sepoys were
ordered to pile their arms. ... after conduct; and how all had been put to flight ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvii the outbreak at.htm

The House of Offense
... intentions, rode up to the walls without arms or armor ... never been instructed in the
nice points of military courtesy, so ... it, he will be captured and put to death ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xi the house of.htm

The Provinces.
... and friends who were capable of bearing arms; for he ... to undertake it, which requires
no military force, and ... has had the intolerable insolence to put to death ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter v the provinces.htm

The Holy War,
... are described with an extraordinary knowledge of military terms and ... When she betook
herself unto her arms, Fought her ... be-will was, when power was put into his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Justice Satisfied
... he gives him up to Jewish mockery, to military scorn, and ... Come, take me in thine
arms; come, wrap me in thy ... sins are forgiven; your iniquities are all put away ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/justice satisfied.htm