In biblical times, garrisons were military outposts or fortified positions established to maintain control over a particular area, often in conquered territories. These garrisons were strategically placed to ensure the security of a region, to exert influence, and to protect against enemy incursions. The presence of garrisons is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting their importance in the military and political strategies of ancient Israel and its neighboring nations.

Old Testament References

1. Philistine Garrisons: The Philistines, a perennial adversary of Israel, established garrisons in Israelite territory to maintain dominance and control. One notable instance is found in 1 Samuel 13:3, where Jonathan, the son of King Saul, attacked a Philistine garrison at Geba. This act of defiance against Philistine control was a catalyst for further conflict: "Jonathan attacked the Philistine outpost at Geba, and the Philistines heard about it. So Saul blew the trumpet throughout the land, saying, 'Let the Hebrews hear!'"

2. David's Garrisons: King David, during his reign, established garrisons in territories he conquered to secure his kingdom and ensure peace. In 2 Samuel 8:6, it is recorded that David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus: "Then David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This strategic move not only expanded David's influence but also brought wealth and stability to Israel.

3. Garrisons in Edom: Similarly, David established garrisons in Edom after defeating the Edomites, as noted in 2 Samuel 8:14: "He placed garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. So the LORD gave David victory wherever he went." This ensured that the Edomites would not pose a threat to Israel and that the region would remain under Israelite control.

Purpose and Function

Garrisons served multiple purposes in the ancient Near East. They acted as:

· Military Strongholds: Garrisons were fortified positions that housed soldiers ready to defend the territory or launch attacks against enemies. They were essential for maintaining military readiness and control over strategic locations.

· Centers of Administration: In addition to their military function, garrisons often served as administrative centers where the ruling power could exert its influence over the local population. They facilitated the collection of tribute and the enforcement of laws.

· Symbols of Power: The presence of a garrison was a visible sign of a nation's power and dominance over a region. It reminded the local inhabitants of the authority and reach of the ruling kingdom.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the establishment and success of garrisons in the biblical narrative often reflect God's providence and favor towards Israel. The victories and expansions under leaders like David are seen as manifestations of divine blessing and fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The strategic placement of garrisons, therefore, is not merely a military tactic but also a part of the unfolding of God's plan for Israel.

In summary, garrisons in the Bible were crucial for maintaining control, exerting influence, and ensuring the security of a region. They played a significant role in the military and political strategies of ancient Israel and its neighbors, serving as both military outposts and symbols of power.5333. netsib -- a pillar, prefect, garrison, post
... netsib or netsib. 5334 . a pillar, prefect, garrison, post. Transliteration: netsib
or netsib Phonetic Spelling: (nets-eeb') Short Definition: garrisons. ...
/hebrew/5333.htm - 6k

How Alexander [Bala] in his War with Demetrius, Granted Jonathan ...
... And when those that kept the garrisons that were in Judea saw this, they all left
them, and fled to Antioch, excepting those that were in the city Bethsura ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how alexander bala.htm

Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ...
... began; for Titus went from Gischala to Cesates, and Vespasian from Cesarea to Jamnia
and Azotus, and took them both; and when he had put garrisons into them ...
/.../chapter 3 concerning john of.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... But I now return to Jehoshaphat, the king of Jerusalem, who, when he had augmented
his kingdom, had set garrisons in the cities of the countries belonging to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ...
... He also built other large cities in the tribe of Benjamin, and walled them about,
and put garrisons in them all, and captains, and a great deal of corn, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning rehoboam and.htm

Titus Thought Fit to Encompass the City Round with a Wall; after ...
... When Titus had therefore encompassed the city with this wall, and put garrisons
into proper places, he went round the wall, at the first watch of the night ...
/.../chapter 12 titus thought fit.htm

How David Brought under the Philistines, and the Moabites, and the ...
... Now when David had made an expedition against Damascus, and the other parts of Syria,
and had brought it all into subjection, and had placed garrisons in the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how david brought.htm

How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And
... Tecoa, and Gazara, and built towers in every one of these cities, and encompassed
them with strong walls, that were very large also, and put garrisons into them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how jonathan took.htm

How Herod Sailed Out of Italy to Judea, and Fought with Antigonus ...
... his other relations there, for they were already gone out of Masada, and went into
Galilee, to take certain places which were held by the garrisons of Antigonus ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how herod sailed.htm

Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ...
... Marion also marched into Galilee, which lay in his neighborhood, and took three
of his fortresses, and put garrisons into them to keep them. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 herod ejects antigonus.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... 1. And now Vespasian had fortified all the places round about Jerusalem, and erected
citadels at Jericho and Adida, and placed garrisons in them both, partly ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

Garrisons (6 Occurrences)
...Garrisons (6 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus;
and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. ...
/g/garrisons.htm - 8k

Preserved (27 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of
Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. ...
/p/preserved.htm - 14k

Whithersoever (32 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus:
and the Syrians became servants to David, and brought gifts. ...
/w/whithersoever.htm - 17k

Saveth (36 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:6 and David putteth garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and Aram is to David
for a servant, bearing a present; and Jehovah saveth David whithersoever he ...
/s/saveth.htm - 16k

Victory (71 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians
became servants to David, and brought tribute. Yahweh ...
/v/victory.htm - 27k

Helped (64 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and
the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. ...
/h/helped.htm - 26k

E'domites (13 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). 2 Samuel 8:14 He put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put
he garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to David. ...
/e/e'domites.htm - 9k

Garrison (15 Occurrences)
... (3.) Hebrews matstsebah, properly a monumental column; improperly rendered pl.
"garrisons" in Ezek. 26:11; correctly in Revised Version "pillars," marg. ...
/g/garrison.htm - 13k

Presents (38 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and
the Syrians became servants to David, and brought tribute. ...
/p/presents.htm - 18k

Aramean (17 Occurrences)
... (DBY JPS NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 8:6 Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus;
and the Arameans became servants to David, and brought presents. ...
/a/aramean.htm - 12k

Who were the Edomites? | GotQuestions.org

Spiritual strongholds - what is the biblical view? | GotQuestions.org

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