In the biblical narrative, the armies of Israel were not merely military forces but were seen as instruments of divine will and justice. Before engaging in warfare, the Israelites were required to adhere to specific spiritual and moral standards to ensure that they remained in favor with God. This requirement underscores the belief that victory in battle was contingent not only on military prowess but also on spiritual purity and obedience to God's commandments.

Spiritual Preparation and Purity

The concept of spiritual preparation before battle is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Israelites were instructed to sanctify themselves and maintain purity to ensure that God's presence would be with them in battle. In Deuteronomy 23:9-14, the Lord commands the Israelites to keep their camp holy: "When you are encamped against your enemies, then you shall keep yourself from every wicked thing" (Deuteronomy 23:9). This passage emphasizes the necessity of avoiding iniquity, as any impurity could lead to the withdrawal of God's favor and protection.

Moral Conduct and Obedience

The moral conduct of the soldiers was of paramount importance. The Israelites were reminded that their success depended on their obedience to God's laws. In Joshua 7, the sin of Achan, who took forbidden items from Jericho, led to Israel's defeat at Ai. This incident illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience and impurity within the camp. The Lord's anger was kindled against Israel because of Achan's transgression, demonstrating that individual sin could impact the entire community (Joshua 7:1).

Ritual Cleansing and Offerings

Ritual cleansing was also a critical aspect of preparation for war. Soldiers were required to undergo purification rites to ensure they were ceremonially clean. In Numbers 31:19-24, after the battle against the Midianites, Moses instructed the soldiers to purify themselves and their captives, as well as their garments and equipment. This purification process was essential to remove any defilement acquired during the conflict and to restore the camp's holiness.

Divine Guidance and Assurance

Before going to war, the Israelites often sought divine guidance and assurance of victory. This was typically done through the Urim and Thummim, sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will (1 Samuel 14:41). Additionally, leaders like Moses, Joshua, and David frequently inquired of the Lord before engaging in battle, seeking His direction and blessing (1 Samuel 23:2).

The Role of the Priests

Priests played a vital role in preparing the army for battle. They were responsible for reminding the soldiers of God's promises and encouraging them to trust in His power. In Deuteronomy 20:2-4, the priest is instructed to address the troops, saying, "Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory" (Deuteronomy 20:3-4). This exhortation served to bolster the soldiers' faith and confidence in God's deliverance.

Conclusion

The requirement for the armies of Israel to keep from iniquity before going to war highlights the integral relationship between spiritual fidelity and military success in the biblical tradition. The emphasis on purity, obedience, and divine guidance reflects the belief that the Lord's favor was essential for victory, and any deviation from His commandments could jeopardize the entire nation's welfare.Deuteronomy 23:9
When the host goes forth against your enemies, then keep you from every wicked thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Before going into an examination of the laws by which these ... Who followed the rejected
King of Israel, as his ... any movements on this subject; and before I would ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... will say there was no more men in Israel, when they had 600,000 such, and above,
before their coming ... and thought him unfit to lead their armies, till he ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm

The Best Strengthening Medicine
... sin you may conquer for a time; but sin itself, as a force, in all its armies, is
never ... Then, and not before, he overthrew them, so that Israel sang, "The ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the best strengthening medicine.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... The armies that would swallow the Jew up are swallowed up by ... It connects back with
the nation of Israel. ... in the tribulation are seen standing before the throne ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

Manasseh
... in the most daring manner insulted the Lord God of Israel. ... He was their great Goliath,
challenging all the armies of the ... him, make a wrong use of it before long ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/manasseh.htm

The Seventh Book
... Spain, where they had completely crushed our armies in battle ... the Sacred Word: "The
houses of Israel have all ... by a command unless it has been enjoined before. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election.
... was and therefore He sent forth his armies and destroyed ... with all the Miseries which
attend them, before the Gospel ... ye, for why will ye die; O house of Israel? ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon our call and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... each at the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made up ... And he that brought
the tidings answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... Satan assaults the soul with armies of doubts, and, to ... the captivity of the children
of Israel was hard ... in teaching children forms of prayer, before they know ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... "The twelve tribes of Israel" is the ... the Son of man and his attendant armies, are
symbolically ... ekeruxen), is excluded by "in spirit" going before, and they ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

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