Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of biblical times, the term "infantry" refers to foot soldiers who formed the backbone of ancient military forces. While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "infantry," it frequently describes armies composed of foot soldiers, highlighting their significance in warfare throughout biblical history.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament provides numerous accounts of infantry in action, often detailing the composition and strategies of ancient armies. For instance, the Israelites, under the leadership of figures like Joshua, relied heavily on infantry as they conquered the Promised Land. In
Joshua 8:1-29, the capture of Ai involved a strategic ambush by foot soldiers, demonstrating the tactical use of infantry in battle.
The Philistines, frequent adversaries of Israel, also fielded formidable infantry forces. In
1 Samuel 17, the famous encounter between David and Goliath occurs within the context of a larger battle between the Philistine and Israelite armies, both of which included significant numbers of foot soldiers.
The role of infantry is further illustrated in the accounts of King Saul and King David. In
1 Samuel 13:5, the Philistines are described as having "troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore," indicating a vast infantry presence. David's military campaigns, as recorded in 2 Samuel, often involved large numbers of foot soldiers, reflecting the importance of infantry in securing territorial gains and maintaining national security.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not focus on military campaigns, it does provide insights into the Roman military system, which included a well-organized infantry. Roman soldiers, often mentioned in the Gospels and Acts, were primarily infantrymen. For example, in
Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion, an officer in charge of a hundred infantry soldiers, approaches Jesus to request healing for his servant, illustrating the presence and authority of Roman infantry in Judea.
Symbolic and Spiritual ImplicationsIn addition to historical accounts, the Bible uses military imagery, including references to soldiers and warfare, to convey spiritual truths.
Ephesians 6:10-18 famously describes the "armor of God," encouraging believers to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. While not directly referencing infantry, the passage draws on the imagery of a soldier prepared for battle, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness and resilience.
ConclusionThe concept of infantry, while not explicitly named, is woven throughout the biblical narrative, reflecting the realities of ancient warfare and the reliance on foot soldiers in military campaigns. These accounts not only provide historical context but also serve as a backdrop for spiritual lessons and metaphors that resonate with believers throughout the ages.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A body of children.
2. (n.) A body of soldiers serving on foot; foot soldiers, in distinction from cavalry.
Greek
2760. kenturion -- a centurion (a Roman army officer)... kenturion Phonetic Spelling: (ken-too-ree'-ohn) Short Definition: a centurion
Definition: a centurion, an officer commanding about a hundred
infantry in the
...3003. legion -- a legion
... leg-eh-ohn') Short Definition: a legion, very large number Definition: properly:
a division of the Roman army, numbering about 6,000infantry with additional...
Strong's Hebrew
120. adam -- man, mankind... from an unused word Definition man, mankind NASB Word Usage any man (2), anyone
(4), anyone's (1), being* (1), common sort* (1), human (19),
infantry (1), low
...Library
The Outbreak at Benares.
... We had in Benares a NativeInfantry regiment, which was believed to be tainted;
a Sikh regiment, the temper of which was little known; and, a few miles off, an...
The Emperor Valens is Ridiculed by the People on Account of the...
... But others affirm that having put off his imperial robe he ran into the midst of
the main body ofinfantry; and that when the cavalry revolted and refused to...
Victory of Theodosius the Emperor Over Eugenius.
... On descending from the heights of these mountains, he perceived a plain before him
covered withinfantry and cavalry, and became at the same time aware that...
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Thutmosis I.'s campaign in Syria"The organisation of the Egyptian army: theinfantry
of the line, the archers, the horses, and the charioteers"The...
The First Theban Empire
... The head was protected by a padded cap, and the body by shields, which were small
for lightinfantry, but of great width for soldiers of the line....
The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The number of horsemen forming this contingent was as yet small; like theinfantry,
they wore casques and cuirasses, but were clothed with a tight-fitting loin...
Some Errors.
... If the public really believed that Rosenthal would play the piano inInfantry Hall
on a certain evening, and that there would be no charge for admittance...
Appendix
... The army of Francis I penetrated into Navarre, and, at the siege of Pampeluna,
Ignatius, Captain ofInfantry, was wounded by a cannon ball....
The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... He met a legion ofinfantry going north, and envied every soldier, sweating under
a set pace of four miles to the hour and a burden of sixty pounds"shield...
The Brethren in Poland, 1548-1570.
... They had hundreds with them, both Catholic and Protestant, to protect them against
the mountain brigands. They had guards ofinfantry and cavalry....
Thesaurus
Infantry (3 Occurrences)...Infantry (3 Occurrences).
... Acts 23:32 The next day the
infantry returned to the
barracks, leaving the cavalry to proceed with him; (WEY).
...Roman (26 Occurrences)
... 3. The "Auxilia": The auxilia were organized asinfantry in cohortes, as
cavalry in alae, or as mixed bodies, cohortes equitatae....
Cavalry (11 Occurrences)
... "Get ready two hundred men," he said, "to march to Caesarea, with seventy cavalry
and two hundred lightinfantry, starting at nine o'clock to-night." (WEY)....
Armor (53 Occurrences)
... weapon of war. The slingers (ha-qalla`im, 2 Kings 3:25) belonged to the light
infantry, like the archers. The Benjamites were specially...
Arms (166 Occurrences)
... weapon of war. The slingers (ha-qalla`im, 2 Kings 3:25) belonged to the light
infantry, like the archers. The Benjamites were specially...
Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... the Old Testament. The army consisted of cavalry,infantry, bowmen and
slingers, as well as of a corps of charioteers. After the...
Army (401 Occurrences)
... To this band he afterwards added the Cherethites and the Pelethites (2 Samuel
15:18; 20:7). At first the army consisted only ofinfantry (1 Samuel 4:10; 15:4...
Nine (55 Occurrences)
... "Get ready two hundred men," he said, "to march to Caesarea, with seventy cavalry
and two hundred lightinfantry, starting at nine o'clock to-night." (WEY NIV)....
O'clock (16 Occurrences)
... "Get ready two hundred men," he said, "to march to Caesarea, with seventy cavalry
and two hundred lightinfantry, starting at nine o'clock to-night." (WEY)....
Line (131 Occurrences)
... 31. (n.) The regularinfantry of an army, as distinguished from militia, guards,
volunteer corps, cavalry, artillery, etc. 32. (n.) A trench or rampart. 33....
Resources
How should Christians view weapons of mass destruction / nuclear weapons? | GotQuestions.orgInfantry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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