All About The Bible

Biblical Warfare

Background on the military equipment, strategies, and key battles described in the Bible.

Warfare accounts in Scripture draw on the armour, vehicles, and weapons of the ancient world. These pages bring that equipment together with the people who used it — Deborah and Barak, Ehud, David and Goliath — and the conflicts they fought.

A wide desert view with a towering brown dust or sandstorm rolling toward tan mud-brick buildings and tents beneath a heavy grey sky, creating a tense, foreboding mood

Equipment and Weapons

Understanding a battle scene in the Bible often starts with the gear. The warfare section covers armour worn by soldiers, the chariots that carried commanders and their crews, and weapons such as the bow.

  • Armor — the protective gear described for soldiers and warriors.
  • Chariots — wheeled vehicles used in battle scenes and by opposing forces.
  • The bow — a ranged weapon featured in several conflicts.

Alongside the equipment, the section follows individual engagements and the decisions made within them, so that the physical details sit alongside the narrative of each conflict.

Using this material. Content from All About The Bible may be used in schools and churches when credit is given to the author.

Where to go next

For the everyday setting that surrounds these battles, read the Daily Life pages on family, food, money, and marriage. The Maps of Jerusalem and Nazareth give geographical context, and Meditation covers trust, hope, and tough decisions.

Figures and Battles

Deborah and Barak

The battle led by Deborah and Barak, and the context around their campaign.

Read the account

Ehud

Ehud's approach to the conflict in which he acted against Eglon.

Read the account

David and Goliath

The well-known encounter between David and Goliath, and the weapons involved.

Read the account

Murders and Conflicts

Not every episode of violence in the Bible is a battle in the field. Some are sudden acts against a named individual. The warfare section also covers murders and conflicts involving Eglon, following the story of how he was dealt with.

These entries keep the focus on what the text describes and on the situations the people involved found themselves in.

Related reading

Warfare is one of several themed sections on the site. You can also explore Bible People, the Daily Life topics, and the About the Author notes on how the material was put together.

Keep reading

Return to the main index of Bible People, Daily Life, Meditation, Land of Israel, Warfare, Bible Art, and Archaeology topics.

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