In biblical times, spearmen were an integral part of ancient military forces, serving as both offensive and defensive units in warfare. The spear, a long pole weapon with a pointed end, was one of the most common and versatile weapons used by soldiers throughout the ancient Near East, including the Israelites and their adversaries.

Biblical References

The term "spearmen" is not frequently used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept and presence of spear-wielding soldiers are evident throughout the Scriptures. The Berean Standard Bible provides insight into the role and significance of spearmen in various biblical narratives.

One of the earliest references to spears in the Bible is found in the context of the Israelites' military organization. In 1 Samuel 13:19-22, the text describes a time when the Philistines had restricted the Israelites' access to blacksmiths, preventing them from making weapons such as swords and spears. This passage highlights the importance of spears in the armament of Israelite warriors.

In 2 Samuel 23:8-39, the account of David's mighty men includes several references to spears. For instance, Josheb-Basshebeth, one of the chief warriors, is noted for wielding his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed in a single encounter (2 Samuel 23:8). This passage underscores the prowess and valor associated with skilled spearmen in Israel's military history.

The role of spearmen is also evident in the defensive strategies of ancient cities. In Nehemiah 4:13, as the Israelites worked to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah stationed people by families with their swords, spears, and bows to protect against potential attacks. This illustrates the use of spearmen as a protective force in safeguarding the community.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

In addition to their practical military function, spears and spearmen carry symbolic and spiritual significance in the biblical narrative. The spear is often associated with power, authority, and divine judgment. For example, in Numbers 25:7-8, Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, uses a spear to execute judgment on an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, an act that turns away God's wrath from the Israelites.

The imagery of spears is also used metaphorically in prophetic literature. In Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3, the prophets envision a future time of peace when nations will "beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks" . This transformation of weapons into tools for agriculture symbolizes the coming of God's kingdom, where war and violence will be replaced by peace and prosperity.

Historical Context

Historically, spearmen were a crucial component of ancient armies, often forming the backbone of infantry units. The spear's design allowed for both thrusting and throwing, making it a versatile weapon in battle. Spearmen could engage enemies at a distance or in close combat, providing flexibility in various military tactics.

In the context of Israel and its neighboring nations, spearmen were part of a broader military structure that included archers, charioteers, and cavalry. The effectiveness of spearmen depended on their training, discipline, and coordination with other military units.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about the specific tactics and formations of spearmen, their presence in the biblical narrative highlights their importance in the ancient world. Spearmen served not only as warriors in physical battles but also as symbols of divine authority and instruments of God's will in the unfolding account of His people.Spearmen

(Acts 23:23) These were probably troops so lightly armed as to be able to keep pace on the march with mounted soldiers.

(n.) Plural of Spearman.SPEAR; SPEARMEN

sper, sper'-men.

See ARMOR, III, 4; ARMY, 7.

1187. dexiolabos -- probably a spearman or slinger
... man. Word Origin from dexios and lambano Definition probably a spearman
or slinger NASB Word Usage spearmen (1). spearman. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1187.htm - 6k

Acts XXIII
... (23) "And he called to him two of the centurions, and said, Make ready two hundred
soldiers, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, to go to C??sarea ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiii.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... [Illustration: 311.jpg A PLATOON (TROOP) OF EGYPTIAN SPEARMEN AT DEIR EL-BAHARI].
Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a photograph taken by Naville. ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Jesus, Pilate and Herod.
... Then came Pilate out with his attendants upon the balcony of the house; two spearmen
on either side advanced to the foot of the steps of the balcony, and stood ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter vii jesus pilate and.htm

Constantine Commands the Sign of the Cross to be Carried Before ...
... of his own troops, and was, at the command of the emperor, carried among the phalanxes
in the thickest of the fight by an illustrious band of spearmen, of whom ...
/.../chapter iv constantine commands the sign.htm

Lamentations of the Soldiery and their Officers.
... Immediately the assembled spearmen and body-guard rent their garments, and prostrated
themselves on the ground, striking their heads, and uttering lamentations ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxv lamentations of the soldiery.htm

His Burial by his Son Constantius at Constantinople.
... was preceded by detachments of soldiers in military array, and followed by vast
multitudes, the body itself being surrounded by companies of spearmen and heavy ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxx his burial by his.htm

That Constantine Divided the Empire Between his Three Sons, whom ...
... To each moreover was granted a truly royal retinue, consisting of infantry, spearmen,
and body guards, with every other kind of military force; commanded ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter li that constantine divided the.htm

The Signal Given.
... for a great crowd awaits you, packed together in the court; and in the midst of
them stands Simon, like a war-chieftain attended by his spearmen." And Peter ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxix the signal given.htm

Psalm 68
... 29For thy house at Jerusalem. kings shall thee gifts afford. ^30The spearmen's
host, the multitude. of bulls, which fiercely look,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 68.htm

Crossing the Hellespont.
... Then, after a considerable interval, came a body of a thousand horse, splendidly
caparisoned, and followed by a thousand spearmen, who marched trailing their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter v crossing the hellespont.htm

Spearmen (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SPEAR; SPEARMEN. sper, sper'-men. See ARMOR, III,
4; ARMY, 7. Multi-Version Concordance Spearmen (4 Occurrences). ...
/s/spearmen.htm - 8k

Spears (25 Occurrences)

/s/spears.htm - 14k

Threescore (87 Occurrences)
... 23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers
to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred ...
/t/threescore.htm - 33k

Cesarea (17 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:23 And he called to him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers
to go to Cesarea, and seventy horsemen, and spearmen two hundred, at ...
/c/cesarea.htm - 13k

Caesare'a (17 Occurrences)
... a certain two of the centurions, he said, 'Make ready soldiers two hundred, that
they may go on unto Caesarea, and horsemen seventy, and spearmen two hundred ...
/c/caesare'a.htm - 10k

Cane (11 Occurrences)
... It is rendered "reed" in 1 Kings 14:15; Job 40:21; Isaiah 19:6; 35:7. In Psalm
68:30 the expression "company of spearmen" is in the margin and the Revised ...
/c/cane.htm - 11k

Spear (55 Occurrences)
... See Spire. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SPEAR; SPEARMEN. sper, sper'-men. See
ARMOR, III, 4; ARMY, 7. Multi-Version Concordance Spear (55 Occurrences). ...
/s/spear.htm - 26k

Spearhead (1 Occurrence)

/s/spearhead.htm - 6k

Army (401 Occurrences)
... by sound of a trumpet (Numbers 10:9 2 Samuel 2:28; 2 Samuel 18:16; 1 Maccabees
16:8). The order of battle was simple, the heavy-armed spearmen forming the van ...
/a/army.htm - 76k

Submit (36 Occurrences)
... Psalms 68:30 Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the
calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver ...
/s/submit.htm - 17k

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