Chasing Truth™: Read the Bible Cover to CoverSample

Trained for Battle

The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manassah are described in this passage as mighty warriors, skilled for war using shield, sword, and bow. The Bible says that they “were trained for battle” (1 Chronicles 5:18, NIV). 

These tribes were prepared for battle and actively engaged in waging war against their enemies. Just because we aren’t in an actual army doesn’t mean that we don’t need to be trained for war, ready to fight. The battle we wage is not a physical battle but a spiritual one. We may wish to be left alone by the enemy of our souls, living an undisturbed life filled with peace and ease. But, as much as we may hope for that, spiritual battle is a reality for us today.

The good news for us is that, just like these three tribes, we don’t fight our battles alone. As we see from their example, we need to train and prepare for battle. Training and preparing is our responsibility. We don’t prepare through physical training, but through the study of the Word, through prayer and praise, and through exercising spiritual discernment. When we walk in this way, we are prepared for battle whenever it may come our way.

First Chronicles 20 reveals a truth that encourages us today. In the heat of the battle, when the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manassah needed God’s help, they cried out to Him and “He answered their prayers, because they trusted in Him” (verse 20, NIV). They did what they could to prepare, but they recognized that God was their answer, their strength, and their victory over the enemy. And so, He is for us. Let’s faithfully prepare, but trust God for the victory.