About…
the ancient Israelite army

The Israelites marched out of Egypt in military order. Each tribe formed a battalion, with its own banner and leader (Numbers 2:2; 10:14).

Divisions

In war, the army was divided into thousands and hundreds under their various captains (Numbers 31:14), and also into families (Numbers 2:34; 2 Chronicles 25:5; 26:12).

From the time they entered the land of Canaan until the time of the kings, the Israelites made little progress in military affairs, although they were often engaged in warfare.

Numbers

At the Exodus, the number of males above 20 years old, capable of bearing arms, was 600,000 (Exodus 12:37). In David’s time, it increased to 1,300,000 (2 Samuel 24:9).

The Gibborim

The kings introduced the custom of maintaining a bodyguard (the Gibborim; i.e., “heroes”), and thus the nucleus of a standing army was formed.

King Saul’s select warriors

Saul had an army of 3,000 select warriors (1 Samuel 13:2; 14:52; 24:2). David also had a band of soldiers around him (1 Samuel 23:13; 25:13). To this band, he later added the Cherethites and the Pelethites (2 Samuel 15:18; 20:7).

Infantry and cavalry

At first, the army consisted only of infantry (1 Samuel 4:10; 15:4), since the use of horses was prohibited (Deuteronomy 17:16); but chariots and horses were later added (2 Samuel 8:4; 1 Kings 10:26, 28-29; 1 Kings 9:19).

Ranks

In 1 Kings 9:22, a list of the various military ranks is provided.

Expense

The equipment and maintenance of the army were at the public expense (2 Samuel 17:28-29; 1 Kings 4:27; 10:16-17; Judges 20:10).

Military details

Article Version: February 16, 2025