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SwordsThere are probably more references to military technology in the Bible than any other category. References to swords, shields, spears and arrows litter the Old and New Testaments, with the same sense of acceptance, though not always approval, as other types of technology. There is no comment or assumption that military technology is inherently bad.SpearsSiege rampsThe first mention of a weapon is the sword wielded by an angel to keep people away from the Tree of Life ([[Genesis 3:24]]). Many verses represent God as metaphorically wielding weapons, for instance:Bows * God is a shield to us ([[Psalm 3:3]] and half a dozen other Psalms)* God's arrowsdiscipline us ([[Psalm 38:2]]) and shoot down evil-doers ([[Psalm 64:7]])* God has tens of thousands of chariots ([[Psalm 68:17]]) ===Chariots=== Chariotswere advanced technology at the time and receive several notable mentions:* The wheel is first mentioned in conjunction with Egyptian chariots ([[Exodus 14:25]])* After the Israelites had moved into the Promised Land, they were unable to displace some groups "because they had iron chariots" ([[Judges 1:19]]) although shortly afterwards they routed an army with 900 iron chariots ([[Judges 4:13]] - [[Judges 4:16]])* God uses a chariot of fire to take Elijah away ([[2 Kings 2:11]])* Solomon had 1,400 chariots ([[2 Chronicles 1:14]]), at least some of which were imported from Egypt and resold to other nations ([[2 Chronicles 1:17]]).* Philip ministers to an Ethiopian eunuch in his chariot ([[Acts 8:26]] - [[Acts 8:40]]) ===Moral neutrality=== The same materials can have different technological applications. Indeed, the same technology can be used for both war and peace, for good and for evil. For example, the prophets Isaiah and Micah both looked to a future peace in which people will beat their swords into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks ([[Isaiah 2:4]], [[Micah 4:3]]). On the other hand Joel saw a time when the reverse would be needed ([[Joel 3:10]]). Paul refers to our bodies as weapons that can either be instruments of wickedness or of righteousness ([[Romans 6:13]], see Vine's ''Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words'' on the interpretation of "instruments" as weapons). We as people are like tools that, in the cosmic war, are used to advance one side or the other. Our bodies, as technology, are not neutral, nor mindlessly forced into service: Paul calls us choose to which purpose we will offer ourselves. The New Testament writers present a more non-violent attitude that undermines any concept of spreading God's kingdom by military force. * When Peter uses a sword to protect Jesus, Jesus rebukes him ([[Matthew 26:51]] - [[Matthew 26:53]], [[Luke 22:50]], [[John 18:10]]). (This seems a bit strange in Luke's account because he records Jesus as asking for two swords to be brought along -- [[Luke 22:36]] - [[Luke 22:38]].)* Paul is clear that the weapons used by Christians are not the weapons of the world ([[2 Corinthians 10:3]] - [[2 Corinthians 10:5]]). We are to put on the spiritual rather than physical armour of God, and that includes only one offensive weapon -- "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" ([[Ephesians 6:13]] - [[Ephesians 6:18]]) and that is "sharper than any double-edged sword" ([[Hebrews 4:12]]). ===Technological superiority=== [[1 Samuel 13]] describes how the Philistines don't allow the Israelites to have blacksmiths and charged the Israelites a fee to sharpen their garden tools. This is an example of restricting an enemy's technological abilities for military advantage. Dominant nations still benefit from technological superiority, creating a cycle in which technology provides a power advantage and that power allows the technological superiority to be maintained. Nevertheless, the Bible points out that military technology is not what decides a battle. Our trust in technology to save us is not always warranted.* David beat the more heavily equipped Goliath with a stone and slingshot ([[1 Samuel 17]])* "Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God"([[Psalm 20:7]]). Woe to those who do trust in chariots rather than seek God ([[Isaiah 31:1]]). ===Miscellaneous references=== Other references to weapons include:* A tent peg was used as an offensive weapon by Deborah ([[Judges 4:21]]).* Siege ramps are mentioned first in [[2 Samuel 20:15]], but also in [[2 Kings]], [[Job]], [[Isaiah]], [[Jeremiah]] and [[Ezekiel]]. It seems likely that these ramps were simply piles of dirt.* A mighty army is described as having arrows that are like skilled warriors -- an early form of intelligent weaponry! ([[Jeremiah 50:9]])
→Military technology
== Military technology ==
== Idolatry ==
