Do a Google search on armor bearers, and you will get a long list of articles and blogs that spiritualize the concept. Here, I take a different approach because I am more interested in the role that armor bearers played in ancient history and how that can help contextualize the role of armor bearers in […]
While the Bible does not shy away from the brutality of war, God’s laws of exemption for military-aged men demonstrate compassion and prudence. They are by far more lenient than rules governing modern armies, including the United States. While the laws may reflect God’s love for his people, they also had practical and spiritual applications
David and Jonathan’s friendship often overshadows Jonathan’s accomplishments as a warrior and prince. He was a leader and warrior in his own right, what is most remarkable is his humility vis-a-vis his father Saul. His response to the young, charismatic warrior coming to the scene, David, starkly contrasts Saul’s. While Saul is overtaken by jealousy,
Uriah the Hittite is one of the least appreciated warriors in the Bible. He is known as the man King David murdered to cover up his affair with Bathsheba. Even though he is a central figure in the II Samuel 11 account, he is overshadowed by the renowned King David and the enormity of David’s
Absalom’s attempt to steal the throne from his father King David would end in a bloodbath. The battle raged in a place called the Wood of Ephraim also known as the Forest of Ephraim. This battle showcased David’s experience with irregular warfare leading to victory for his men and a disastrous defeat for Absalom. Absalom
Absalom, King David’s son who staged a coup against him, was a deeply disturbed and complicated character. While his grievances against his father were legitimate, his almost pathological response to his father’s injustice revealed his true nature. His ultimate desire was to supplant his father as king, but the search for true justice was never
Asahel in the Bible is better known for his swiftness on foot. However, there is more to this young military hero. He was considered an elite warrior and a leader of men. His bull-headed persistence cost him his life early in his military career, but he is named among some of King David’s mightiest men.
Abishai, the little-known warrior who saved David’s life, was an instrumental commander in David’s military. He is not as well known as his notorious brother, Joab, but he was just as capable and just as fearless. Abishai held two prominent positions within David’s military. He typically commanded a division in the army and was a
Three main branches made up King David’s military, the Army, the Militia, and the Royal Guard. The Thirty (David’s Mighty Men) was a smaller, but unique group within this military structure comprised of David’s most elite warriors. In the Biblical text, the existence of an army and royal guard during the Davidic Kingdom is abundantly
Cherethites and Pelethites made up King David’s royal guard and they had one very gruesome job, they were the nation’s chief executioners. These were not Israeli men, but mercenaries instrumental in helping David maintain his throne and establish Solomon’s. Who were these mercenaries and why would David use them instead of using his own people?
