Warfare in the Old Testament: The Organization, Weapons, and Tactics of Ancient Near Eastern Armies

by Boyd Seevers

Publisher:

Kregel

, 2013

Overview

Warfare in the Old Testament helps bridge the gap between the modern reader and the world of the Old Testament by using textual and physical evidence to describe ancient military practices. Seevers paints a realistic picture of how Israel and the surrounding nations did battle, adding depth and impact to the relevant biblical accounts. Filled with illustrations, this volume explores the archaeological evidence and early writings that shed light on biblical warfare between Israel and its neighbors: Egypt, Philistia, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. Of special interest are Seevers’ treatments of the role that religion played in these ancient warfare practices.

Key Features

• Describes the military practices of David, Joshua, and other Israelites
• Helps bridge the gap between the modern reader and the world of the Old Testament
• Uses textual and physical evidence to describe ancient military practices

Contents

• Israel: The Army of the Kingdom of God—Part 1
• Israel: The Army of the Kingdom of God—Part 2
• Egypt: Armies of the Pharaohs—Part 1
• Egypt: Armies of the Pharaohs—Part 2
• Philista: Israel’s Neighbor and Enemy
• Assyria: Brutal Masters of the Ancient Near East—Part 1
• Assyria: Brutal Masters of the Ancient Near East—Part 2
• Babylon: Heir to Assyrian Dominance
• Persia: Final Rulers from the East

Top Highlights

“By the end of David’s reign, he had reorganized the militia into twelve different divisions (1 Chron. 27:1–24) rather than along tribal lines. Each division consisted of 24,000 men (24 ’eleph אֶלֶף—see discussion under ‘Size of Army’), with each division serving one month every year.” (Page 48)

“But when battles—even significant battles—did not fit into the author’s theological purpose, they received little or no mention. For example, the major powers of the time fought a great battle at Carchemish on the Euphrates River in northern Syria in 605 BC. This battle changed the balance of power in the entire ancient Near East at that time, but it is only hinted at in 2 Kings 23:28. This brief mention appears to serve more as an explanation of why King Josiah’s religious reform ended (with the king’s death), rather than recording how the battle of Carchemish was changing the face of contemporary political realities.” (Page 20)

“The Babylonians seem to have been motivated by the desire for wealth and power, much like other militaries of the time. They went on raids to capture plunder, noting that they took ‘vast booty’ from conquered regions and ‘plundered them extensively.’²⁷ They also used their power to depose and impose kings of their choice in conquered lands²⁸ to better help retain control.” (Page 270)

“Ancient bows were made of either a long, single piece of wood, or else a composite of multiple pieces of wood, sinew, horn, and strips of bone, glued together to provide maximum strength (see also discussion of Egyptian bows in chap. 4).” (Page 63)

Praise for the Print Edition

The introductory historical narrative at the beginning of each part of the book provides an accessible and engaging introduction into the story, weapons, and tactics of the armies of Israel, Egypt, Philistia, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia. Moving beyond mere data, helpful graphics and thoughtful insights draw the reader into the world of ancient warriors and armies!

—Carl Rasmussen, professor, Bethel University

Dr. Seevers understands warfare and the humanity of those who partake in it. He connects biblical text, geography, archaeological evidence, and historical documentation in a manner that brings the Old Testament to life—vibrantly. Soldier and civilian alike stand to benefit from reading this book.

—Joshua Draveling, United States Marine Corps

Product Details

• Title: Warfare in the Old Testament
• Author: Boyd Seevers
• Publisher: Kregel
• Print Publication Date: 2013
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 320
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: War › Biblical teaching; War › Religious aspects--Christianity
• ISBNs: 9780825436550, 0825436559
• Resource ID: LLS:WRFRLDTSSTRNRMS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:53:11Z

About Boyd Seevers

Boyd Seevers (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is an expert on ancient warfare and has participated in numerous archaeological excavations in Israel. He lived in Israel for eight years, during which time he was a visiting professor at Jerusalem University College. He is currently professor of Old Testament studies at University of Northwestern-St. Paul, where he was named teacher of the year in 2006 and 2012.