Answers about the
military in the Bible
Every male Israelite from 20 to 50 years of age was bound by the law to bear arms when necessary (Num. 1:3; 26:2; 2 Chr. 25:5).
King Saul was the first to form a standing army (1 Sam. 13:2; 24:2). This example was followed by David (1 Chr. 27:1), and Solomon (1 Kings 4:26), and by the kings of Israel and Judah (2 Chr. 17:14; 26:11; 2 Kings 11:4, etc.).
Relevant issues and terms
- Answers about the ancient Israelite army
- numbering of the people
- What is a census in the Bible, the results and purpose?
- What military weapons are mentioned in the Bible
- Armor in the Bible
- Answers about armories in the Bible
- What does the Bible say about chariots?
- Answers about horses in the Bible
- horseman
- What is the Biblical perspective on war?
- Answers about war in the Bible
- About spies in the Bible
What are fenced cities in the Bible?- Answers about walls in the Bible
- Answers about gates in the Bible
- Towers of the Bible
- castles
- Amphipolis—a great Roman military station
- What does the Bible say about Angels?
- What else does the Bible teach about angels?
- What is an Archangel?
- banners
- colony—military settlement
- ensign
- Answers about executioners in the Bible
- captains
- About guards and bodyguards in the Bible
- What is a Centurion in the Bible?
- legions
- garrisons
- host
- jailer
- Who are the kings of the Bible?
- magistrates
- messengers
- post
- praetorium
- prince
- Answers about prisons in the Bible
- Tadmor—a military station
- What are watches in the Bible?
Article Version: February 19, 2026