Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:The term "battle-array" refers to the organized and strategic arrangement of troops in preparation for combat. In biblical times, this involved the positioning of soldiers, chariots, and other military resources in a manner that maximized their effectiveness in warfare. The concept of battle-array is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, highlighting the importance of military strategy and divine intervention in the battles faced by the Israelites.
Biblical References:The Bible provides several instances where the term "battle-array" is used to describe the preparation and organization of forces for war. One notable example is found in
1 Samuel 17:21, where the Israelites and Philistines are described as being "drawn up in battle array, army against army." This passage sets the stage for the famous encounter between David and Goliath, emphasizing the tension and anticipation of the impending conflict.
In
2 Chronicles 20:21-22, King Jehoshaphat of Judah appoints singers to praise the Lord as they go out before the army, demonstrating a unique form of battle-array that combines military readiness with worship: "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.' The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated."
Theological Significance:The concept of battle-array in the Bible often underscores the reliance on God's guidance and power in warfare. While the physical arrangement of troops was crucial, the ultimate victory was attributed to divine intervention. This is evident in the account of Gideon in
Judges 7, where God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men, arranged in a strategic manner, to defeat the Midianites. The victory is attributed to God's hand rather than human military prowess.
Symbolism and Application:In a broader spiritual sense, the idea of battle-array can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life. Believers are called to be spiritually prepared and equipped to face the challenges and battles of life.
Ephesians 6:11-13 speaks to this spiritual preparation: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 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."
Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the arrangement of troops was a critical aspect of military strategy. Armies were often organized into divisions, with specific roles assigned to different groups, such as infantry, archers, and charioteers. The effectiveness of a battle-array could determine the outcome of a conflict, making it a vital component of military planning.
Conclusion:The concept of battle-array in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation, strategy, and reliance on God in both physical and spiritual battles. Through various biblical narratives, the theme of divine intervention in warfare is consistently highlighted, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power.
Greek
3925b. parembole -- an insertion, an army inbattle array...... 3925a, 3925b. parembole. 3926 . an insertion, an army in
battle array, barracks.
Transliteration: parembole Short Definition: barracks.
...3925. parembole -- to put in beside or between, interpose
... of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: parembole Phonetic Spelling:
(par-em-bol-ay') Short Definition: a camp, barracks, army inbattle array Definition:...
498. antitasso -- to range in battle against, to set oneself...
... Accordingly, 498 () is used in antiquity of resistance, like an army assuming a
specificbattle-array position to resist in "full alignment"; to disagree...
Strong's Hebrew
2571. chamushim -- inbattle array... 2570, 2571. chamushim. 2572 . in
battle array. Transliteration: chamushim
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-moosh') Short Definition: array.
...4634. maarakah -- row, rank, battle line
... Word Origin from arak Definition row, rank, battle line NASB Word Usage armies
(3), army (3), arrangement (1),battle array (1), battle formation (1), battle...
6186. arak -- to arrange or set in order
... rak') Short Definition: array. set thebattle,array, compare, direct, equal,
esteem, estimate, expert in war, A primitive root; to...
Library
Who is She that Cometh Forth as the Rising Morning, Fair as the...
... CHAPTER VI. 9. Who is she that cometh forth as the rising morning, fair as the
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army inbattle-array....
Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
... from those forces that are in conflict. We must stand on one side or the
other of thebattle array. Jesus has said, "He that is...
How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews...
... Wherefore this Goliath stood between the two armies, as they were inbattle array,
and sent out aloud voice, and said to Saul and the Hebrews, "I will free you...
Matt. I. 1
... side God from Heaven, arising "out of the royal thrones, leaped down [78] " unto
the earth, and even unto hell itself, and stood in thebattle array; and how...
The Death of Saint David.
... Sad was the state of Wales when they entered it inbattle-array, seeking the
enemy,"towns were unpeopled, houses overthrown, monasteries pillaged, corn...
The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money...
... 4. And in the south there befell us a greater war than that in Shechem; and I joined
inbattle array with my brethren, and pursued a thousand men, and slew of...
At that Time Samuel Died. ...
... The Philistines, accordingly, having pitched their camp on the enemy's territory,
drew up their army inbattle array on the following day, David, however...
How, when Absalom was Beaten, He was Caught in a Tree by his Hair...
... 2. Then did Joab put his army inbattle-array over against the enemy in
the Great Plain, where he had a wood behind him. Absalom...
Matt. xxvii. 45-48.
... Since if indeed I saw you thoroughly sound in health, I should lead you forth to
thatbattle array, and ye would see by the grace of Christ ten thousands lying...
Though Many Other Widows came Near to Judith in virtue...
... minds of women might be stirred up, became a judge, a woman set all in order, a
woman prophesied, a woman triumphed, and joining in thebattle array taught men...
Thesaurus
Battle-array (1 Occurrence)Battle-
array. Battle,
Battle-
array. Battle-ax . Multi-Version
Concordance
Battle-
array (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 17:20
...Array (63 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Order; a regular and imposing arrangement; disposition in regular
lines; hence, order of battle; as, drawn up inbattlearray....
50000 (1 Occurrence)
... to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all manner of
instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could order thebattlearray, and were...
Volunteered (4 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:38 All these being men of war, who could order thebattlearray,
came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and...
Undivided (4 Occurrences)
... to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all manner of
instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could order thebattlearray, and were...
Ungodly (41 Occurrences)
... involved in the word, that it is a deliberate withholding from God of His dues of
prayer and of service; a standing, so to speak, inbattlearray against God...
Loyalty (18 Occurrences)
... to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all manner of
instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could order thebattlearray, and were...
Formation (11 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 12:38 All these being men of war, who could order thebattlearray,
came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel: and...
Routed (25 Occurrences)
... Philistines put themselves in array against Israel; and the battle spread, and Israel
was routed before the Philistines; and they slew inbattlearray in the...
Rank (42 Occurrences)
... (2) ma`arakhah, "battlearray" (1 Chronicles 12:38 the King James Version; compare
1 Samuel 4:16; 1 Samuel 17:22, 48). See ARMY. Multi-Version Concordance...
Resources
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