Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "band" or "troop" often refers to a group of soldiers or a military unit. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where various bands or troops are mentioned in the context of warfare, protection, and divine intervention.
Old Testament References1.
Genesis 49:19 · In Jacob's blessing over his sons, he prophesies concerning Gad: "Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will raid at their heels." Here, the term "raiders" can be understood as a troop or band of invaders. This prophecy highlights the martial nature and resilience of the tribe of Gad, which was known for its warrior-like characteristics.
2.
1 Samuel 30:8 · David inquired of the LORD, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" The LORD answered, "Pursue them, for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives." In this passage, the "raiding party" refers to the Amalekite band that had attacked Ziklag. David's pursuit and victory over this troop demonstrate God's guidance and deliverance.
3.
2 Kings 5:2 · "At that time the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, who became a servant to Naaman’s wife." The Aramean bands were small military units conducting raids, illustrating the constant state of conflict and the threat posed by neighboring nations.
New Testament References1.
Acts 21:31 · "While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in turmoil." The term "cohort" here is synonymous with a Roman band or troop, indicating a structured military unit. This passage underscores the presence and authority of Roman military forces in maintaining order in Jerusalem.
2.
Acts 23:27 · "This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him, but I came with my troops and rescued him, for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen." The Roman commander Claudius Lysias refers to his "troops," highlighting the role of Roman military bands in enforcing law and protecting Roman citizens.
Symbolic and Prophetic UsageIn a symbolic sense, bands or troops can also represent spiritual forces or divine armies. The imagery of God as a warrior leading heavenly hosts is a recurring theme in Scripture. For instance, in the prophetic literature, the LORD is often depicted as commanding celestial troops to execute His judgment and will.
Psalm 68:11 · "The Lord gives the command; a great company of women proclaim the good news." While not directly mentioning troops, the imagery of a "great company" can be seen as a metaphor for the organized and powerful spread of God's message, akin to a well-ordered troop.
ConclusionThe concept of a band or troop in the Bible serves as a multifaceted symbol of military might, divine intervention, and spiritual warfare. Whether referring to earthly armies or heavenly hosts, these terms underscore the themes of conflict, protection, and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all forces.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Band TroopThese words are employed to represent the Hebrew wordgedud , which has invariably the sense of an irregular force, gathered with the object of marauding and plunder.
Strong's Hebrew
1416. gedud -- aband,troop... gedud. 1417 . a
band,
troop. Transliteration: gedud Phonetic Spelling: (ghed-ood')
Short Definition: bands.
... army,
band of men, company,
troop of robbers.
...92. aguddah -- aband
... bunch, burden,troop. Feminine passive participle of an unused root (meaning to
bind); aband, bundle, knot, or arch -- bunch, burden,troop. 91, 92....
Library
What God Hath Cleansed
... but Cornelius's name suggests the possibility of his connection with a famous Roman
family, and the name of the 'band' or 'cohort,' of which histroop was part...
Heroic Faith
... arm could reach these wandering plunderers, and if Ezra and histroop were visibly...
and prayer, they put themselves in God's hand; and then theband, with their...
The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet.
... at Airs-moss, they were surprized by Bruce of Earls-hall, Airly'stroop and Strahan's
dragoons. Here, being commander in chief of that littleband, and seeing...
The Life of Mr. Donald Cargil.
... Middleton sent aband of soldiers to apprehend him, who, coming to the church, found...
But he was no sooner out, than he saw atroop of dragoons just opposite to...
Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
... torturing. The sport is too good to be kept by a few, so the wholeband
is gathered to enjoy it. How they wouldtroop to the place!...
Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New...
... And Sisera their leader fled; whose flight. No man, nor anyband, arrested: him,....
No: but we mean thetroop. Of sinners, empty, mindless, who have placed....
Gainas Meets his Doom
... few followers with him; but among them were his son Thorismund and theband of warriors...
He gave a signal to histroop, and they closed in dense ranks round the...
How Antipater Committed the Care of Galilee to Herod, and that of...
... his courage; for finding that there was one Hezekiah, a captain of aband of robbers,
who overran the neighboring parts of Syria with a greattroop of them, he...
Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... a breathless messenger shall bring the news that our dear Marcella has reached the
shores of Palestine, and when everyband of monks and everytroop of virgins...
The Retreat from Scythia.
... up and down the country, until presently they fell in with atroop of horses... to make
excursions for plunder, and soon became a most formidableband of marauders...
Resources
Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is collective salvation? | GotQuestions.orgHow do I choose a good Christian counselor/therapist? | GotQuestions.orgBand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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