Tag Archives: battle

Spiritual Phalanx

In the Greco-Roman era, warfare was up-close, sanguinary, and lethal. The Greeks and Romans, who were the masters of warfare, often employed the phalanx—a military formation consisting of rows of heavily armored soldiers with full-body shield and spear. A single soldier who was not in this formation was very vulnerable in battle; the chances of him deserting the battlefield were very high. The phalanx, therefore, was a reassuring source of protection and courage. It was a very simple formation–one simply lined up, with comrades to the left and right–but it proved to be overwhelmingly effective, as this formation allowed Alexander the Great to defeat armies that were over twice their size, taking over the known world. 

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Upholding the Banner of Victory

You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. (Ps 60:4)

In ancient and modern warfare, banners and flags symbolize unity and strength of purpose. As Christian soldiers, we need to march on and uphold the banner that the Lord has bestowed upon us. In the battlefield, the banner supports the fighting morale and gives the hope of triumph. In our ministry, our Lord Jesus Christ is the banner which sustains our faith.

After the Israelites fought their very first battle against the Amalekites at Rephidim after they had crossed the Red Sea, Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner (Ex 17:15). The name Moses gave the altar reminded the people that the Lord was responsible for their victories. The word “banner” means “sign”. Put together, we may understand this victory as a sign for the Israelites that God was truly with them. Continue reading