Topical Encyclopedia Panic in armies is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a divine intervention where God instills fear and confusion among enemy forces to deliver His people. This phenomenon underscores the sovereignty of God over human affairs and His ability to protect and deliver His chosen people through supernatural means.One of the earliest instances of panic in armies is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7, God reduces Gideon's army to a mere 300 men to ensure that Israel recognizes His hand in their victory over the Midianites. During the night, Gideon's men surround the Midianite camp, blowing trumpets and breaking jars. The Lord causes panic among the Midianites, who turn on each other with their swords. Judges 7:22 states, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one against another throughout the camp, and the army fled." Another significant example is the defeat of the Philistines in 1 Samuel 14. Jonathan and his armor-bearer attack a Philistine outpost, and the Lord sends panic throughout the Philistine camp. 1 Samuel 14:15 describes the scene: "Then panic struck the whole Philistine army—the camp and the field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God." This divine-induced panic leads to a great victory for Israel. In 2 Kings 7, the Aramean army besieging Samaria experiences a similar panic. The Lord causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to believe that the Israelites have hired foreign kings to attack them. In their fear, they abandon their camp and flee, leaving behind supplies that provide for the starving city of Samaria. 2 Kings 7:6-7 explains, "For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, 'Look, the king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.' So they got up and fled at dusk and abandoned their tents and horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives." The theme of panic in armies is not limited to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Revelation 19:19-21 describes the final battle where the beast and the kings of the earth gather to wage war against the Rider on the white horse, symbolizing Christ. The ensuing defeat of these forces is marked by divine intervention, illustrating the ultimate victory of God over His enemies. Throughout these accounts, panic in armies serves as a testament to God's power and His ability to protect and deliver His people against overwhelming odds. It highlights the futility of relying solely on human strength and the importance of faith in God's providence and sovereignty. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 26:17And I will set my face against you, and you shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and you shall flee when none pursues you. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 32:30 Joshua 23:10 Psalm 35:5 Library So the Two Armies Drew Nigh; the Trumpets Gave the Signal... 'Fit, Though Few' A Retreat, or a Rout? A Battle Without a Sword The victory of Unarmed Faith A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great ... The Burning of Athens. A Song of Deliverance The Conquest of Lydia. What Shall we Say Then? was Hannibal, that Famous Carthaginian... Resources What does the Bible say about terrorism? | GotQuestions.orgMental Illness ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the story of Elisha and Naaman? | GotQuestions.org Panic: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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