In biblical times, a garrison referred to a military post or fortification where troops were stationed to defend a city, region, or strategic location. The concept of a garrison is mentioned several times throughout the Bible, primarily in the context of Israel's military engagements and territorial expansions.

Old Testament References

1. Philistine Garrisons: One of the earliest mentions of garrisons in the Bible is in the context of the Philistines, who were a constant threat to the Israelites during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. In 1 Samuel 13:3, Jonathan, the son of King Saul, attacked a Philistine garrison at Geba, which provoked a larger conflict with the Philistines: "Jonathan attacked the Philistine garrison that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. So Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, 'Let the Hebrews hear!'" .

2. David's Campaigns: King David, known for his military prowess, established garrisons in territories he conquered to maintain control and ensure peace. In 2 Samuel 8:6, it is recorded: "Then David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" . This strategic placement of garrisons helped secure Israel's borders and facilitated the collection of tribute from subjugated peoples.

3. Solomon's Reign: During the reign of Solomon, the establishment of garrisons continued as part of the broader effort to maintain the security and prosperity of the kingdom. Although specific references to garrisons during Solomon's reign are less frequent, his extensive building projects and fortified cities imply the presence of military installations to protect his realm.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention garrisons in the same military sense as the Old Testament, the concept of Roman military presence is evident. The Roman Empire maintained garrisons throughout its provinces to enforce order and collect taxes. This backdrop is crucial for understanding the political and social climate during the time of Jesus and the early church.

Theological Significance

The presence of garrisons in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of military strength and strategic defense in the history of Israel. It reflects the reality of living in a fallen world where conflict and warfare are prevalent. The establishment of garrisons by Israelite leaders like David and Solomon highlights their role as protectors of God's chosen people and stewards of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Moreover, the biblical accounts of garrisons serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and provision. Despite the military might of surrounding nations, it was ultimately the LORD who granted victory and security to Israel. This theme is echoed in the Psalms and prophetic writings, where trust in God's protection is emphasized over reliance on human strength and fortifications.

In summary, garrisons in the Bible represent both a practical military necessity and a theological symbol of God's providential care for His people. They illustrate the tension between human efforts and divine intervention in the unfolding account of redemption.

(1.) Hebrews matstsab, a station; a place where one stands (1 Samuel 14:12); a military or fortified post (1 Samuel 13:23; 14:1, 4, 6, etc.).

(2.) Hebrews netsib, a prefect, superintendent; hence a military post (1 Samuel 10:5; 13:3, 4; 2 Samuel 8:6). This word has also been explained to denote a pillar set up to Mark the Philistine conquest, or an officer appointed to collect taxes; but the idea of a military post seems to be the correct one.

(3.) Hebrews matstsebah, properly a monumental column; improperly rendered pl. "garrisons" in Ezek. 26:11; correctly in Revised Version "pillars," marg. "obelisks," probably an idolatrous image.

1. (n.) A body of troops stationed in a fort or fortified town.

2. (n.) A fortified place, in which troops are quartered for its security.

3. (v. t.) To place troops in, as a fortification, for its defense; to furnish with soldiers; as, to garrison a fort or town.

4. (v. t.) To secure or defend by fortresses manned with troops; as, to garrison a conquered territory.

GARRISON

gar'-i-s'-n.

See WAR.

2862. kolonia -- a colony (a city settlement of soldiers disbanded ...
... the Roman army). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kolonia Phonetic
Spelling: (kol-o-nee'-ah) Short Definition: a colony, garrison city Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2862.htm - 6k

5432. phroureo -- to guard
... of pro and horao; to be a watcher in advance, ie To mount guard as a sentinel (post
spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect -- keep (with a garrison ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5432.htm - 7k

4673. matstsab -- standing place, station, garrison
... 4672, 4673. matstsab. 4674 . standing place, station, garrison. Transliteration:
matstsab Phonetic Spelling: (mats-tsawb') Short Definition: garrison. ...
/hebrew/4673.htm - 6k

5333. netsib -- a pillar, prefect, garrison, post
... a pillar, prefect, garrison, post. Transliteration: netsib or netsib Phonetic Spelling:
(nets-eeb') Short Definition: garrisons. ... garrison, officer, pillar. ...
/hebrew/5333.htm - 6k

4676. matstsebah -- a pillar, stump
... Word Origin from natsab Definition a pillar, stump NASB Word Usage obelisks (1),
pillar (19), pillars (16), stump (2). garrison, standing image, pillar. ...
/hebrew/4676.htm - 6k

4675. mitstsabah -- perhaps a guard, watch
... army, garrison. Or mitstsabah {mits-tsaw-baw'}; feminine of matstsab; a military
guard -- army, garrison. see HEBREW matstsab. 4674, 4675. mitstsabah. 4676 > ...
/hebrew/4675.htm - 6k

Model Speeches
... John Stuart Mill. Read the following speech delivered by John Stuart Mill, in his
tribute to Garrison. Note the clear-cut English of the speaker. ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/study of model speeches.htm

Knox in St. Andrews Castle: the Galleys: 1547-1549
... He then returns to history, and avers that, about June 21, 1547, the papal absolution
was presented to the garrison merely as a veil for a treasonable attack ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iii knox in st.htm

Concerning the Death of Antiochus Epiphane. How Antiochus Eupator ...
... 3. At this time it was that the garrison in the citadel of Jerusalem, with the Jewish
runagates, did a great deal of harm to the Jews; for the soldiers that ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the death.htm

Unexpected Orders
... under the eye of her doctor, she was promoted to the rank of Staff-Captain and saw
two brief periods of service at the International Training Garrison in London ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/xvi unexpected orders.htm

Choosing Her Course
... which caused tears to sting Lucy's face as, on a snowy New Year's day, she said
good-bye to mother and sister and left home for the Training Garrison; but in ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ii choosing her course.htm

Hyrcanus Receives the High Priesthood, and Ejects Ptolemy Out of ...
... that if the besieged would deliver up their arms, and pay tribute for Joppa, and
the other cities which bordered upon Judea, and admit a garrison of his, on ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hyrcanus receives the.htm

Letter G
... Received 1776, Died 1827 * Garrettson, Richard "Received 1779, Located 1783 * Garrick,
Heman "Received 1810, Located 1815 * Garrison, David "Received ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter g.htm

Constantine Having Settled all Things at Rome, Went to Milan About ...
... gates of Byzantium. There was a garrison in the city, established by Licinius
to check any invasion that Daia might make. At first ...
/.../chap xlv constantine having settled.htm

By, Through, Unto
... For instance, we read that the governor of Damascus 'kept the city with a garrison,'
which is the same word, and in its purely metaphorical usage Paul employs ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/by through unto.htm

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... did not at all know what to do, now their commanders were taken from them, he had
them watched, and secured the walls by a more numerous garrison, Yet could ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

Garrison (15 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To place troops in, as a fortification, for its defense; to furnish with
soldiers; as, to garrison a fort or town. ...GARRISON. gar'-is'-n. See WAR. ...
/g/garrison.htm - 13k

Outpost (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 13:4 All Israel heard that Saul had struck the garrison of the Philistines,
and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. ...
/o/outpost.htm - 9k

Praetorium (8 Occurrences)
... traditionally located in the neighborhood of the present Turkish barracks where
once stood the Antonia and where was stationed a large garrison (compare Acts 21 ...
/p/praetorium.htm - 14k

Michmash (10 Occurrences)
... It first appears as occupied by Saul with 2,000 men, when Jonathan, advancing from
Gibeah, smote the Philistine garrison in Geba (1 Samuel 13:2). To avenge ...
/m/michmash.htm - 14k

Philistine (63 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 10:5 "After that you shall come to the hill of God, where is the garrison
of the Philistines: and it shall happen, when you have come there to the city ...
/p/philistine.htm - 29k

Jonathan (109 Occurrences)
... His attack upon the Philistine garrison at Geba (or Gibeah, if we adopt the reading
of the Septuagint and Targum of 1 Samuel 13:3; compare 10:5) was delivered ...
/j/jonathan.htm - 59k

Rhodes (2 Occurrences)
... again. A garrison was stationed at Rhodes by Alexander the Great. After
his death this garrison was driven out by the Rhodians. ...
/r/rhodes.htm - 13k

Police (10 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Military police, the body of soldiers detailed to preserve civil order
and attend to sanitary arrangements in a camp or garrison. ...
/p/police.htm - 10k

Cornelius (10 Occurrences)
... But it would not have been prudent for a garrison in Palestine to be composed
wholly of troops locally recruited. Therefore the ...
/c/cornelius.htm - 16k

Armor-bearer (15 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 14:6 And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armour: 'Come and
let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the ...
/a/armor-bearer.htm - 12k

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