5608 warfare, strategies in

Scripture describes the strategies employed by Israel in warfare. Although recognising the importance of military preparation, Scripture stresses that Israel’s trust is to be in God, rather than military might or prowess.

Preparations for warfare

Holding a council of war Pr 20:18 See also Pr 11:14; Pr 24:6; Lk 14:31-32

Assembling an army 2Sa 18:1 See also Nu 1:2-3; 1Sa 11:6-8; 2Ch 25:5-6; 2Ch 26:11-14; Da 11:10-13

Reconnaissance Nu 21:32 See also Dt 1:22; Jos 2:1; Jos 7:2-3; Jdg 7:9-11; Jdg 18:2,5-10

Avoiding warfare

Making a treaty Jos 9:15 See also Ge 26:28-29; Jos 10:1; 1Sa 11:1; 1Ki 5:12

Representative combat 1Sa 17:8-10 See also 2Sa 2:12-17

Strategies employed in warfare

Dividing into groups Jdg 9:43-44 See also Ge 14:14-15; Ge 32:7-8; Jdg 7:16-21; 1Sa 11:11; 2Sa 18:1-2

Attacking by night Jdg 7:19 The Hebrews divided the night into three watches. See also Ge 14:14-15; 1Sa 14:36; Jer 6:5

Setting an ambush 2Ch 13:13-14 See also Jos 8:4-7; Jdg 9:34,42-44; Jdg 20:29-44

Swiftness of action Jos 8:19 See also Jos 10:6-9; Jos 11:7; 2Sa 5:22-25

Trusting in God in warfare

Of greater importance than military might or prowess Dt 20:1; Ps 20:7 See also 1Sa 17:45-47; Ps 33:16-17; Ps 147:10-11; Zec 4:6

Demonstrated by seeking God before a battle Jdg 1:1 See also Jdg 20:27-28; 2Sa 5:18-19,22-25

Strengthened by seeing God fighting for Israel Ex 14:29-31; Jos 10:10-14; 2Ki 19:35

See also