Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "arming" refers to the preparation and equipping of individuals or groups for battle or defense. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where physical and spiritual readiness is emphasized. The act of arming often involves the provision of weapons, armor, and other necessary equipment for warfare. In a broader spiritual sense, it also encompasses the preparation of the heart and mind for spiritual battles.

Old Testament References:
The Old Testament contains numerous instances of arming for physical warfare. One notable example is found in the narrative of the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. In Numbers 32:17, the tribes of Reuben and Gad declare, "But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place." This demonstrates the commitment to collective defense and the importance of being prepared for conflict.

In 1 Samuel 17:38-39, King Saul attempts to arm David with his own armor before David's confrontation with Goliath: "Then Saul clothed David with his own tunic, put a bronze helmet on his head, and dressed him in armor. David strapped his sword over the tunic and tried to walk, but he was not used to them." This passage highlights the necessity of appropriate and familiar equipment for effective combat.

New Testament References:
The New Testament shifts the focus from physical arming to spiritual preparation. Ephesians 6:11-17 provides a detailed description of the "armor of God," urging believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This passage outlines the spiritual tools necessary for believers to withstand evil, including the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith.

In Romans 13:12, Paul exhorts the believers to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." This metaphorical use of arming emphasizes the need for moral and spiritual vigilance in the Christian life.

Theological Implications:
Arming in the biblical sense underscores the dual nature of preparation—both physical and spiritual. While the Old Testament often focuses on the physical aspect of warfare, the New Testament expands this concept to include spiritual readiness. This reflects the broader biblical theme of being prepared for the challenges and adversities that believers may face, whether in the form of physical threats or spiritual temptations.

The act of arming also signifies trust in God's provision and protection. In the Old Testament, victories in battle are often attributed to divine intervention rather than mere human strength or weaponry. Similarly, in the New Testament, the spiritual armor provided by God is essential for overcoming the forces of evil.

Practical Application:
For contemporary believers, the concept of arming serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared both physically and spiritually. This involves not only equipping oneself with knowledge and resources but also cultivating a strong faith and reliance on God. Engaging in regular prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in the life of the church are practical ways to "arm" oneself for the spiritual battles of life.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Arm.

2. (n.) The act of furnishing with, or taking, arms.

3. (n.) A piece of tallow placed in a cavity at the lower end of a sounding lead, to bring up the sand, shells, etc., of the sea bottom.

4. (n.) Red dress cloths formerly hung fore and aft outside of a ship's upper works on holidays.

Dilemma and Deliverance
... hast not forsaken them that seek thee;" and then, in the third place, I shall notice
man's precious privilege of seeking God, and so of arming himself against ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/dilemma and deliverance.htm

Heads of the Following Book.
... 1. Therefore, in exhorting and preparing our brethren, and in arming them with firmness
of virtue and faith for the heralding forth of the confession of the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/heads of the following book.htm

Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of ...
... Put you on, then, the desire of righteousness; and arming yourself with the fear
of the Lord, resist them. For the fear of the Lord dwells in good desire. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment twelfth on the twofold.htm

Appendix.
... unwise. Then shall the right-arming thunderbolts go abroad, and from the
clouds, as from a welldrawn bow, shall they fly to the mark. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the general menaion/appendix.htm

Epistle Lxxvi. Cyprian to Nemesianus and Other Martyrs in the ...
... of the prison, or in the mines and in chains, exhibiting by the very delays of their
punishments, greater examples for the strengthening and arming of the ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lxxvi cyprian to nemesianus.htm

'The Breastplate of Righteousness'
... context the Apostle has in mind the great passage in Isaiah 59.where the prophet,
in a figure of extreme boldness, describes the Lord as arming Himself to ...
/.../the breastplate of righteousness.htm

Ep. Lii. Nicobulus Asked Gregory to Publish a Collection of his ...
... You are asking flowers from an autumn meadow, and arming Nestor in his old age,
in demanding from me now something clever in the way of language, after I have ...
/.../select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep lii nicobulus asked gregory.htm

Ep. Xlviii. To Basil.
... I will not take up arms, nor will I learn tactics which I did not learn in former
times, when the occasion seemed more suitable, as every one was arming and in ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep xlviii to basil.htm

David's Hymn of victory
... The text begins with the closing words of a description of God's arming the singer
for his victories, and goes on to paint the tumult of battle and the rout of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids hymn of victory.htm

Ephesians vi. 14
... with spiritual soldiers. Or rather in their case, there is no such thing
as arming them without, but everything is within. He hath ...
/.../homily xxiii ephesians vi 14.htm

Arming (6 Occurrences)
...Arming (6 Occurrences). Romans 13:12 The night is far gone, and the day is near:
so let us put off the works of the dark, arming ourselves with light, (BBE). ...
/a/arming.htm - 8k

Armlet (1 Occurrence)

/a/armlet.htm - 8k

Earthwork (7 Occurrences)
... 26:8 He will put to the sword your daughters in the open country: he will make strong
walls against you and put up an earthwork against you, arming himself for ...
/e/earthwork.htm - 9k

Encircle (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 See, all you who make a fire, arming yourselves with burning branches:
go in the flame of your fire, and among the branches you have put a light to ...
/e/encircle.htm - 8k

Ablaze (19 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 See, all you who make a fire, arming yourselves with burning branches:
go in the flame of your fire, and among the branches you have put a light to ...
/a/ablaze.htm - 11k

Alight (3 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 See, all you who make a fire, arming yourselves with burning branches:
go in the flame of your fire, and among the branches you have put a light to ...
/a/alight.htm - 7k

Angle (19 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Chronicles 26:9 Uzziah made towers in Jerusalem, at the doorway in the
angle and at the doorway in the valley and at the turn of the wall, arming them. ...
/a/angle.htm - 14k

Torment (19 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 50:11 See, all you who make a fire, arming yourselves with burning branches:
go in the flame of your fire, and among the branches you have put a light to ...
/t/torment.htm - 13k

Attack (221 Occurrences)
... given us orders. And arming yourselves every one, you made ready to go up
without care into the hill-country. (BBE). Deuteronomy 1 ...
/a/attack.htm - 37k

Philistines (224 Occurrences)
... They raided from this center (1 Samuel 13:17-23) in all directions, and prevented
the Hebrews from arming themselves, till Jonathan drove them from Michmash (1 ...
/p/philistines.htm - 75k

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