Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of a regiment, while not explicitly named as such in the Scriptures, can be understood through the organization and structure of military forces described in various passages. A regiment typically refers to a large, organized group of soldiers, often commanded by a senior officer, and is a term more commonly used in modern military contexts. However, the Bible provides numerous examples of organized military units that resemble what we might consider a regiment today.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament frequently describes the military organization of the Israelites and their enemies. One of the earliest examples of organized military forces is found in the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites are instructed to arrange themselves by tribes and divisions for both encampment and battle.
Numbers 1:3-4 states, "You and Aaron are to register those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. And one man from each tribe, the head of each family, must be there with you."
The Israelites were organized into divisions, each led by a tribal leader, which can be seen as a precursor to the concept of a regiment. The divisions were further subdivided into smaller units, allowing for effective command and control during military campaigns.
King David's reign provides another example of military organization. David established a standing army, which was divided into units under the command of various officers. In
1 Chronicles 27, the military divisions are described, each consisting of 24,000 men who served on a rotating basis throughout the year. This structure ensured that Israel had a ready and organized military force at all times.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not focus heavily on military matters, it does provide some insight into the Roman military system, which was highly organized and regimented. Roman soldiers are mentioned in several passages, and their presence in Judea during the time of Jesus and the early church is well-documented.
One notable example is the centurion, a Roman officer in charge of approximately 100 soldiers, mentioned in the Gospels and Acts. In
Matthew 8:5-13 , a centurion approaches Jesus, demonstrating both the authority and the faith of a Roman officer. The centurion's understanding of authority and command reflects the structured nature of the Roman military, which was divided into legions, cohorts, and centuries, each with its own hierarchy and command structure.
Spiritual ApplicationThe concept of a regiment can also be applied metaphorically to the spiritual life of believers. The Apostle Paul frequently uses military imagery to describe the Christian life, emphasizing discipline, readiness, and the spiritual battle against evil forces. In
Ephesians 6:10-18 , Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. This passage highlights the need for spiritual organization and preparedness, akin to a well-ordered regiment, to effectively engage in spiritual warfare.
In summary, while the term "regiment" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is evident in the organized military structures of both the Israelites and the Romans. These examples provide valuable insights into the importance of order, leadership, and readiness, both in physical and spiritual contexts.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A body of troops, either horse, foot, or artillery, commanded by a colonel, and consisting of a number of companies, usually ten.
2. (n.) Government; mode of ruling; rule; authority; regimen.
3. (n.) A region or district governed.
4. (v. t.) To form into a regiment or into regiments.
Greek
3003. legion -- a legion... legion. Of Latin origin; a "legion", ie Roman
regiment (figuratively) -- legion.
(legion) -- 2 Occurrences. (legiona) -- 1 Occurrence. (legionas) -- 1 Occurrence
...Library
The First Blast of the Trumpet against the MonstrvovsRegiment of...
... THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTRVOVSregiment
of women. Veritas temporis filia, MD LVIII....
The Sunday School or Church School
... The Sunday school should be a kind of a religiousregiment, martial both in its
music and its virtues for its challenge to the adolescent boy....
The Outbreak at Benares.
... We had in Benares a Native Infantryregiment, which was believed to be tainted;
a Sikhregiment, the temper of which was little known; and, a few miles off, an...
Public Spirit
... but to something which has been going on in his heart; and ten to one, the first
thing that he begins to talk to you about, with honest pride, is hisregiment....
July 1559. John Knox's Declaration to Queen Elizabeth.
... I can not Deny the Writeing of a booke against the vsurped aucthoritie and Iniust
regiment of wemen, neyther yet am I mynded to retract or to call any...
Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
... The bestregiment in an army is that in which officers and privates take
an equal interest in the efficiency of the whole corps....
Lutherans in vibginia.
... Forestalling expulsion, the young man enlisted in a Germanregiment, in which he
was known as "Teufel Piet." After two years of military training he returned...
The Following Postscript Occurs at P. 78 of John Knox's...
... 2 No manifest idolater nor notoriouse transgressor of gods holie preceptes o[u]ght
to be promoted to any publikeregiment, honour or dignitie in any realme...
Aug. 1561. John Knox's Second Defence to Queen Elizabeth.
... that she myndeht to trauall with your grace, your graces counsell, and learned men
for Judgement against such a common enemy to women and to thairregiment....
January 14. "Unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fulness of...
... company waving the banner, and when the soldiers called him back he only waved it
higher, and cried, "Don't bring the standard back to theregiment, but bring...
Thesaurus
Regiment (3 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A region or district governed. 4. (vt) To form into a
regiment or into
regiments. Multi-Version Concordance
Regiment (3 Occurrences).
...Praetorian (2 Occurrences)
... own hired house to those soldiers to one of whom he was chained by the wrist day
and night, was that it became known in all the praetorianregiment that his...
Battalion (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A body of troops composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a
regiment; esp.... 2. (n.) Aregiment, or two or more companies of aregiment, esp....
Cohort (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion
of what was called the ItalianRegiment, (See NAS RSV)....
Guard (185 Occurrences)
... own hired house to those soldiers to one of whom he was chained by the wrist day
and night, was that it became known in all the praetorianregiment that his...
Quartered (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Quartered (1 Occurrence). Acts 10:1 Now a Captain of the
ItalianRegiment, named Cornelius, was quartered at Caesarea. (WEY)....
Quartermaster (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) An officer whose duty is to provide quarters, provisions, storage, clothing,
fuel, stationery, and transportation for aregiment or other body of troops...
Uproar (33 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer
of theregiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. (WEB KJV WBS NIV)....
Officer (70 Occurrences)
... Acts 21:31 As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officer
of theregiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. (WEB)....
Legion (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Aregiment of the Roman army, the number of men
composing which differed at different times. It originally...
Resources
Who was Cornelius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was D. L. Moody? | GotQuestions.orgRegiment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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