Topical Encyclopedia
The term "marshalled" refers to the act of arranging or organizing in a systematic order, often for a specific purpose such as battle or ceremonial display. In a biblical context, this concept is frequently associated with the organization and preparation of the Israelites, particularly in military or religious settings.
Biblical ContextIn the Old Testament, the Israelites were often marshalled for battle or for religious observances. The organization of the tribes of Israel, especially during their wilderness journey, is a prime example of marshalling. The Book of Numbers provides detailed accounts of how the tribes were arranged around the Tabernacle, each with specific roles and responsibilities.
Numbers 2:2 states, "The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family."
The marshalling of the Israelites was not only a practical necessity but also a reflection of divine order. God provided specific instructions on how the tribes were to be arranged, emphasizing the importance of obedience and unity among His people. This organization was crucial for maintaining order and discipline, especially during times of conflict.
Military ContextThe concept of marshalling is particularly evident in the context of warfare. The Israelites, under the leadership of figures such as Joshua and King David, were often marshalled into battle formations. This strategic organization was essential for their success in conquering the Promised Land and defending it against various enemies. In
1 Samuel 17:20 , we see an example of marshalling for battle: "So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle lines, shouting the war cry."
The marshalling of troops was not only a matter of military strategy but also a demonstration of faith. The Israelites believed that their success in battle was dependent on their adherence to God's commands and their trust in His providence. The careful organization of their forces was a tangible expression of their reliance on divine guidance.
Religious and Ceremonial ContextBeyond military applications, marshalling also played a significant role in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Levites, for example, were marshalled for their duties in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Their roles were meticulously organized, with specific families assigned to tasks such as carrying the Ark of the Covenant, performing sacrifices, and leading worship.
The marshalling of the Levites and other religious officials underscored the importance of order and reverence in worship. It highlighted the need for each individual to fulfill their God-given role within the community, contributing to the overall harmony and spiritual health of the nation.
Symbolic and Spiritual ImplicationsThe concept of marshalling extends beyond its literal applications to carry symbolic and spiritual implications. It serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to be marshalled in their faith, living in accordance with God's will and purpose. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses military imagery to describe the Christian's spiritual journey, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God" (
Ephesians 6:11) and to stand firm in their faith.
In this sense, marshalling represents the disciplined and purposeful life that Christians are called to lead, organized and directed by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of unity, order, and obedience within the body of Christ, as each member plays a vital role in the advancement of God's kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. p.) of Marshal.
Strong's Hebrew
6186a. arak -- to arrange or set in order... up in formation (3), equal (2), handle (1), keep (1), keep it in order (2), keep
the in order (1), laid in order (1), lay (1), line (1),
Marshalled (1), order
...Library
What it is to Learn and to Think.
... were, into the more remote chambers, that they must be evolved thence again as if
new (for other sphere they have none), and must bemarshalled [cogenda] again...
Sailors' Hymns.
... "WHENMARSHALLED ON THE NIGHTLY PLAIN.".... THE TUNE. "When,marshalled on the mighty
plain" has a choral set to it in the Methodist Hymnal"credited to Thos....
Order and Argument in Prayer
... puts it, "In the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up"; which
I have frequently explained to you to mean that hemarshalled his thoughts...
Concerning the Seraphim and Cherubim and Thrones, and Concerning...
... Hierarchy is akin, and in every respect like, to the first Beings, who are established
after the Godhead, who gave them Being, and who aremarshalled, as it...
Concerning the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, and...
... Princedom, and is moulded to It as far as attainable, and unites the Angels after
the fashion of its own well-regulated andmarshalled and invisible leadings...
The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those...
... You have often heard themmarshalled, as it were, under three great leaders, the
flesh, the world, and the devil; and; according to this distribution, I would...
The Census of Israel
... reason for taking the number of the people just as the nation was forming, so that
in the wilderness they might be arranged, andmarshalled, and disciplined...
God's Barriers against Man's Sin
... Let your eyes behold the stars; God alone can tell their numbers, yet he calls them
all by names; by him they aremarshalled in their spheres, and travel...
The First Part
... Levites were stationed nearest the camp; and after the Levites, to the four quarters
of the world, the rest of the assembly of Israel,marshalled under four...
Behold the victor Host Appear,
... With laurels won in mortal strife; Undaunted by the threat of fears,. Whenmarshalled
by the Prince of Life. II. The Prince upon His throne awaits,....
Thesaurus
Marshalled (2 Occurrences)...Marshalled (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 18:1 And David
marshalled the people that were
with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.
...Marshaled (4 Occurrences)
Marshals (1 Occurrence)
Harosheth (3 Occurrences)
... It was here that Jabin's great army wasmarshalled before it went forth into the
great battlefield of Esdraelon to encounter the army of Israel, by which it...
Resources
Marshalled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus