Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Munitions, in a biblical context, refer to the materials used for warfare, including weapons, armor, and fortifications. The term encompasses both offensive and defensive implements of war. In ancient times, munitions would have included swords, spears, shields, and various forms of protective gear, as well as the fortifications of cities and strongholds.
Biblical References:While the specific term "munitions" is not frequently used in most English translations of the Bible, the concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of Israel's military engagements and God's provision of protection and victory.
1.
Weapons and Armor: The Bible often describes the use of weapons and armor in the context of battles. For instance, in
1 Samuel 17:45, David confronts Goliath with the words, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." This highlights the reliance on divine power over physical munitions.
2.
Fortifications: The construction and significance of fortified cities are mentioned throughout the Old Testament. In
2 Chronicles 11:5-12, Rehoboam fortifies cities for defense, illustrating the importance of strongholds in ancient warfare. Verse 11 states, "He strengthened their fortresses and put commanders in them, with supplies of food, oil, and wine."
3.
Divine Protection: The Bible frequently emphasizes that true security comes from God rather than human munitions.
Psalm 20:7 declares, "Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse underscores the belief that reliance on God surpasses any earthly military strength.
4.
Prophetic Imagery: Prophets often used imagery of munitions to convey messages of judgment or salvation.
Isaiah 2:4 speaks of a future time of peace: "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This prophecy envisions a world where munitions are transformed into tools for cultivation and peace.
Theological Implications:The use and reliance on munitions in the Bible often serve as a backdrop to highlight the sovereignty and power of God. While human efforts in warfare are acknowledged, the ultimate victory and protection are attributed to divine intervention. This perspective encourages believers to place their trust in God rather than solely in human strength or military might.
Historical and Cultural Background:In the ancient Near East, warfare was a common aspect of life, and nations invested heavily in munitions to protect their territories and assert dominance. The Israelites, like their neighbors, engaged in battles and fortified their cities. However, their unique covenant relationship with God set them apart, as they were called to rely on Him for deliverance and victory.
Practical Application:For contemporary believers, the biblical teachings on munitions serve as a reminder to prioritize spiritual readiness and trust in God's protection.
Ephesians 6:11-17 encourages Christians to "put on the full armor of God," emphasizing spiritual munitions such as truth, righteousness, and faith to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.
ATS Bible Dictionary
MunitionsImplements of war. "Munitions of rocks" seems to mean, a rocky fortress or stronghold. The strong tower of the righteous is impregnable and inaccessible to their foes,Isaiah 33:16.
Library
The Fortress of the Faithful
... 'He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be themunitions of rocks; bread
shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.'"Isaiah 33:16....
A Discourse
... Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep them in check, Solomon built a
tower house and palace, well furnished withmunitions of war, called the house...
Be for Thou Art'
... 'His place of defence shall be themunitions of rocks.' When the floods are out,
and all the plain is being dissolved into mud, the dwellers on it fly to the...
Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... In modern times it is the practice of powerful nations to accumulate arms andmunitions
of war on storage in arsenals and naval depots, so that the necessary...
The Harvest of a Godless Life
... (c) The implied Absurdity of it. What a contrast between the safe 'munitions of
rocks' and the unsheltered security of these Damascene gardens!...
The Exile --Continued.
... to have continuous throughout all the days of his life, which was to surround him
with a privacy of protection in trouble, and to be as themunitions of rocks...
A Farther Quotation from virgilius Maro Respecting Christ, with...
... and securely, as far as possible, he presents the truth to those who have faculties
to understand it; and while he denounces themunitions and conflicts of war...
Visions of Future Glory
... stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be themunitions of rocks...
Of Civil Government.
... On this right of war depends the right of garrisons, leagues, and other civil
munitions. By garrisons, I mean those which are stationed...
The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... Flee to Him to hide, and your defence shall be the 'munitions of rocks,' which shall
laugh to scorn all assault, and never be stormed by any foe....
Thesaurus
Munitions (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Munitions (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 33:16 He shall
dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the
munitions...Equip (2 Occurrences)
... exigency; to fit out; to supply with whatever is necessary to efficient action in
any way; to provide with arms or an armament, stores,munitions, rigging, etc...
Muppim (1 Occurrence)
Munition (2 Occurrences)
City
... were kept, but were fortified towns where merchants might store their goods and
transact their business in safety, or cities in whichmunitions of war were...
Artillery (1 Occurrence)
... equipment of war. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.)Munitions of war; implements
for warfare, as slings, bows, and arrows. 2. (n.) Cannon...
Defence (48 Occurrences)
... (KJV). Isaiah 33:16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be themunitions
of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure....
Resources
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