In the context of the Bible, a "fighting-man" refers to a warrior or soldier, often depicted as part of the armies of Israel or other nations. These individuals were typically responsible for engaging in battles and defending their people against enemies. The role of the fighting-man is significant throughout the biblical narrative, as warfare was a common aspect of life in ancient times.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous accounts of fighting-men, particularly within the narratives of the Israelites. One of the earliest mentions is found in the account of Abram, who led 318 trained men to rescue his nephew Lot (Genesis 14:14). This passage highlights the existence of organized groups of fighting-men even in the patriarchal period.

The most detailed descriptions of fighting-men appear during the time of the Israelite monarchy. King Saul, the first king of Israel, gathered an army of fighting-men to combat the Philistines (1 Samuel 13:2). David, who succeeded Saul, was renowned for his military prowess and surrounded himself with a group of elite warriors known as "David's Mighty Men" (2 Samuel 23:8-39). These men performed extraordinary feats of bravery and skill in battle, earning a place of honor in the biblical record.

The role of fighting-men was not limited to Israel. The Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and other neighboring nations also had their own warriors. The Philistine champion Goliath, whom David famously defeated, is a notable example of a non-Israelite fighting-man (1 Samuel 17:4-51).

Characteristics and Duties

Fighting-men were typically characterized by their physical strength, courage, and loyalty. They were often equipped with weapons such as swords, spears, and shields, and they wore armor for protection. The training and discipline of these warriors were crucial for the success of military campaigns.

In addition to their combat roles, fighting-men were sometimes involved in other duties, such as guarding important locations or serving as personal protectors for leaders. For instance, the Cherethites and Pelethites served as King David's personal bodyguards (2 Samuel 8:18).

Spiritual and Moral Dimensions

The Bible often portrays fighting-men within a spiritual and moral framework. The success of Israelite warriors was frequently attributed to their faithfulness to God and His divine intervention. For example, the victory of Gideon's small army over the Midianites is attributed to God's guidance and power (Judges 7:2-22).

Conversely, the failure of fighting-men is sometimes linked to disobedience or lack of faith. The defeat of Israel at Ai, following Achan's sin, serves as a reminder of the spiritual dimensions of warfare (Joshua 7:1-5).

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not focus on physical warfare, it uses the metaphor of a soldier to describe the spiritual battle faced by believers. The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:11). This passage draws a parallel between the physical fighting-men of the Old Testament and the spiritual warriors of the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of faith, righteousness, and the Word of God as spiritual weapons.

Conclusion

The concept of the fighting-man in the Bible encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms. While the Old Testament provides vivid accounts of warriors and battles, the New Testament shifts the focus to the spiritual warfare faced by believers. Throughout, the Bible underscores the importance of reliance on God for victory and protection.

The Way to the Sea
... Three horses with empty saddles nervously watched the fray. The single combatant
was a soldier in the uniform of a common fighting man. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

The Shame and Spitting
... It is pitiful for the Christian to refuse to suffer, and to become a fighting man,
crying, "We must stand up for our rights." Did you ever see Jesus in that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/the shame and spitting.htm

The First Discovery of America
... among the trees and ruins of the garden, kept trim by those who know the treasure
which they own, stood Harold's two standards of the fighting-man and the ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/the first discovery of america.htm

The First Discovery of America.
... among the trees and ruins of the garden, kept trim by those who know the treasure
which they own, stood Harold's two standards of the fighting man and the ...
/.../lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture iii the first discovery.htm

Fighting-man (5 Occurrences)
Fighting-man. Fighting, Fighting-man. Fighting-men . Multi-Version
Concordance Fighting-man (5 Occurrences). Exodus ...
/f/fighting-man.htm - 8k

Fighter (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a fightingman of Kabzeel, had done
great acts; he put to death the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down ...
/f/fighter.htm - 9k

Edged (4 Occurrences)
... 28:32 With a hole at the top, in the middle of it; the hole is to be edged with
a band to make it strong like the hole in the coat of a fighting-man, so that ...
/e/edged.htm - 7k

Fighting (201 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:4 A fightingman, when he is with the army, keeps himself free from
the business of this life so that he may be pleasing to him who has taken him ...
/f/fighting.htm - 37k

Fighting-men (30 Occurrences)
Fighting-men. Fighting-man, Fighting-men. Fightings . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Fighting-man, Fighting-men. Fightings . Reference Bible.
/f/fighting-men.htm - 16k

Hole (88 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a fightingman of Kabzeel, had done
great acts; he put to death the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down ...
/h/hole.htm - 33k

Controller (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 28:7 And Zichri, a great fighting-man of Ephraim, put to death Maaseiah,
the king's son, and Azrikam, the controller of his house, and Elkanah ...
/c/controller.htm - 10k

Ariels (2 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a fightingman of Kabzeel, had done
great acts; he put to death the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down ...
/a/ariels.htm - 7k

Arouse (24 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 42:13 The Lord will go out as a man of war, he will be moved to wrath like
a fighting-man: his voice will be strong, he will give a loud cry; he will go ...
/a/arouse.htm - 12k

Chariot (102 Occurrences)
... fatigue. The ordinary chariot was made of wood and leather, and had only
two occupants, the fightingman and his shield-bearer. ...
/c/chariot.htm - 55k

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