Battles of the Bible

by Chaim Herzog, Mordechai Gichon

A revised edition of a study of the wars of ancient Israel, which ranges from the invasion of Canaan by the Israelites under Joshua's command to the Maccabees' successful rebellion against Seleucid domination, updated to take account of new research, with new maps and plans throughout.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Religion, Military History, Military Fiction, War

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1978

About the author

Major-General Chaim Herzog was an Israeli military officer, attorney, politician and writer who served as the sixth President of Israel between 1983 and 1993.

He was born in Belfast and raised predominantly in Dublin, where his father, Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, served as Ireland's Chief Rabbi. In 1935 he emigrated to Mandatory Palestine, then served in the Haganah during the 1936–39 Arab revolt. He volunteered for service in the British Army during World War II, and was commissioned as an officer of the Intelligence Corps in 1943. He left the British Army in 1947 as a major, and returned to Palestine. After the end of the British Mandate and Israel's Declaration of Independence, he served as an officer of the Israel Defence Forces during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. He retired from the IDF in 1962 with the rank of major-general.

After practising law for a few years, Major-General Herzog served as Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1975 to 1978. He was elected to the Knesset in the 1981 elections, and in March 1983 he was elected President of Israel. He served two terms in that position, and retired in 1993.

Reviews

[Luís · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main challenge in teaching undergraduate courses about the history of ancient Israel is that it has become challenging to know where to begin. Unless there is a prerequisite course, students often come in with little background on the basics of the Hebrew Bible itself, including what it is and how it is organized. Meanwhile, there is, in some ways, less consensus about which parts of the Bible are historically accurate and to what extent than ever before. Simply addressing what the Bible says about the Israelite past and the history of scholarly perceptions of it can easily take up the entire semester without getting into big topics like what the evidence is, where it comes from, how we should approach it, and how to build an argument from it – the issues that engage students and help them grow as critical thinkers. These problems will, naturally, be exacerbated in courses where the history of ancient Israel is only one topic among many.

Source: https://www.ancientjewreview.com/read...

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely fascinating work, I found this, and I recommend it to anyone interested in ancient Near Eastern history. It's not a theological work, although the role of Jewish religion is occasionally discussed. The battles and conflicts mentioned in the Bible are analyzed by the authors in terms of their likely political settings, and what probably happened due to the geographical and physical terrain they occurred in. The findings of modern archaeology are also used extensively in their analyses. Generally, they find the Bible is quite reliable as to the geography and implied military tactics. They also allude to similar battles fought in the same areas in later time, by Crusaders, Napoleon's French troops in 1799, the armies of World War I and others.

The authors begin with the conflicts described in Genesis, with Abraham's participating in wars against the five kings in chapter 12, and their likely geopolitical setting over against Egypt to the southwest and various Mesopotamian powers to the north. Joshua's campaigns in the book of Joshua, and the battles in the book of Judges are analyzed - the insecurities of the Israelite tribes led to the creation of the Israelite monarchy, first under Saul, and then of David and his successors. After Solomon's death, the northern tribes broke away and henceforth there were two kingdoms - Israel in the north and Judah in the south, both having conflicts off and on, with each other, with their neighbors and ultimately with the Assyrians and Babylonians. Israel fell to Assyria in 712 BC, and Judah to the Babylonians in 586 BC. The last two chapters deal with the revolt against the Seleucids led by Judah Maccabeus, set forth in 1st and 2nd Maccabees, which led to the first independent Jewish state in ca. 160 BC.

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really surprised to be awarding five stars to this book. My brain tends to switch off and go into snooze mode when warfare, battles or military exploits are mentioned. I found the first chapter or two hard to get into but, after that, either the book became more intrinsically interesting or else I realised the topic was more about strategy than who did what when and I became increasingly fascinated.

By the time the last chapter on the Maccabees rolled around, my appetite was truly whetted and I was at last disappointed: the book ended, just when I'd started to crave more.

There's an interesting statement in the book: Jewish lore has accorded him the epithet 'Ahuvya' (beloved of God or God's darling). It refers to King David. This I find interesting because the name David is almost always cited in books of name meanings as 'beloved', yet this is clearly a case of transfer from a epithet to the name itself.

Another interesting comment is that made about the remark of the Jebusites to David that they were so secure in their fortress of Jerusalem even the 'blind and the lame' could defend it. The authors reveal that this may not be derision on the part of the Jebusites but actually a magic spell - which because it was well understood by the Israelites made them hold back from attacking the Jebusite stronghold.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a treat, this little gem of a military history. Battles of the Bible: A Military History of Ancient Israel is the ultimate military historian’s “been there, done that” account of ancient battles. Herzog and Gichon, two WWII veterans of the British Army and later, the IDF, apply modern military principles and terminology to the accounts in the Bible, supplemented with other sources. We are introduced to war and peace in this crossroads of civilization from before Abraham until the battles of the Maccabees ending around 160 B.C. Along the way, they treat us to a seminar on battle tactics, grand strategy, political maneuvering, diplomatic endeavors, terrain analysis, logistics, offensive and defensive plans, multi-national expeditions, guerilla warfare, etc. Using information from the Bible and other contemporary sources, the authors explain how the forces operated and were influenced by the geography from Egypt to the Euphrates valley.

Gichon and Herzog overlay the bible’s accounts of events and participants, adjust or estimate time frames according to what is likely to have happened and then place the events on the actual terrain. What follows are clear explanations of moves and tactics by the Hebrews, their allies and their opponents. What is so interesting is they often give examples of modern day battles that occurred at the same places and how similar outcomes happened 2500 years ago. For example, Abraham apparently participates in the battle of the 4 Hyksos kings against the 5 kings of the Dead Sea. He sets up a successful night ambush near Damascus. Looking at the likely terrain, the authors then place ancient and modern battles in the same area:

It is tempting to suggest the Barada gorge northwest of Damascus, an ancient highway and scene of many an ambush, as the setting for Abraham's battle. It was here that, in a similar outflanking movement along the same direction Abraham must have taken, the Australian Mounted Division ambushed and annihilated the retreating Turkish Fourth Army on the night of 30 Sept 1918.

We see the next 1700 years of conflict placed in military context. For instance, the campaign to take the promised land by Joshua is discussed as, 1) gathering intelligence by sending the spies to Jericho and establishing a foothold there, west of the Jordan; 2) the next phase of establishing a base of operations in the central mountains at Ai; and 3) expanding the base by spreading along the central highlands. We get maps, tactical diagrams, illustrations and photos of the terrain for these discussions. This process continues throughout the various periods and conflicts.

This is not a religious book, per se, although religion is discussed as a motivating factor in morale building and steadfastness over the years. I heartily recommend this to any Mideast military history buff and anyone interested in bringing to life, the people behind the Bible stories. 5 Stars! Permanent place on the military shelf.

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Battles of the Bible" explains much that is taken for granted. Mordechai Gichon shows how the ancient Israelites used a mix of hilltops and fortresses create an easily defendable space that was difficult for invading armies to take by force.

Biblical Israel is what today we call "The West Bank," now heavily populated by Palestinian Arabs, while the Israelis of today populate the lowlands that was once home for the "Philistines." Gichon shows how ancient Israeli grand strategy avoided settlement in the lowlands for lack of defensible terrain, and also to skip the high cost of maintaining a navy to defend the coast. Armies of the day marched along the floors of valleys, thus making them vulnerable to attack by light forces perched on the hilltops. Fortresses added to biblical Israel's natural strength, as they had to be reduced by siege or masked by detachments to remove any possible threat to an invading army's line of communications. Hilltops and fortresses worked together as a defensive system that allowed Israel its own breathing space as foreign armies marched passed.

Gichon's chapters fleshed out the rather terse biblical verses that described ancient Israeli military prowess, using archaeological evidence and a sharp reading of terrain to deduce how the Hebrews managed to win. Having God on your side is good, but does not explain how to exploit the benefits of terrain and the weaknesses of your enemies. Gichon still relies on the Bible as a source, but looks to explain "the nuts and bolts" of military thinking and execution in his analysis. He leaves scripture to the Bible.

Chaim Herzog's contribution is limited to the Maccabee rebellion. I take him to task for the brevity of his share, not its substance. While providing a good explanation of how Judah fought, his writing can trend more towards hagiography as he describes the "soft factors" Judah brought to bear in his rebellion against the Seleucids. Political and religious factors should be accounted in any analysis of a guerilla conflict,for they provide the glue that holds a rebellion together. Judah had courage, yes, but does this outweigh his rote reliance on attack, no matter what the odds? In his last battle, Judah comes out the loser, and quite dead. It is hard to argue for virtue when examining a failure.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the major battles of the Bible in one book! Unfortunately I wasn’t fully educated on antient military history to follow very well. Still a good read!

[Danny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent book that even though they reject the existence of miracles and uphold a naturalistic philosophy in many cases still yield to their research that the biblical narratives could not have been forged. An interesting quote from within their book: "... our close familiarity with matters military and the actual sites of the biblical battles has convinced us that fashionable thinking is wrong in relegating an ever growing part of biblical history to the realm of sage, pragmatic inventions or aetiological interpretation by unknown creators of folklore, later scribes and authors who were used by the compilers of the Bible canon.
The tactical description of the battles of the Bible in their intricate topographical setting and the subsequent detailed and logical interactions between movement, maneuvers and ground features, shaping the course of the battles, cannot be explained by mere inventiveness.”
Battles of the Bible: A Military History of Ancient Israel by Chaim Herzog & Mordechai Gichon pg 22 2006 edition.

[Anibal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battles of the Bible is an intellectually rigorous military history that explores the numerous battles fought by the ancient Israelites, from the conquest of Canaan under Joshua to the victories of the Maccabees. Originally published in the 1970s and later revised in 1997, the book remains a cornerstone for anyone interested in the intersection of biblical narrative, military strategy, and the geopolitical realities of the ancient Near East.

A warning! Though it uses biblical accounts as its foundation, this is not a religious or theological work. Herzog and Gichon approach the subject as military historians: Herzog brings his experience as a former IDF general and President of Israel, while Gichon contributes deep archaeological and historical expertise. The result is a sober, secular analysis that strips away moral or mythic judgments to focus on how—and why—these battles unfolded as they did.

What sets this book apart is its careful reconstruction of each conflict using all available evidence: biblical texts, archaeological finds, historical geography, and military logic. Where gaps exist in the biblical record (and there are many), the authors don’t hesitate to extrapolate the most plausible course of action based on terrain, logistics, and known military practice of the time. In many cases, they adopt a principle of “the logical action or reaction,” showing how competent commanders—on either side—might reasonably have behaved under the circumstances.

A major throughline in the book is the vital role played by the central highlands of ancient Israel. This rugged spine of hills and mountains, running north to south, served as the natural bastion and strategic heart of both the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. While their enemies—be they Egyptians, Canaanites with their chariots, or later the Assyrians and Seleucids—often dominated the open plains, the highlands provided a defensive advantage that smaller, less technologically advanced forces could exploit with remarkable effectiveness.

These elevated regions allowed the Israelites to move swiftly between towns, observe enemy movements, and launch devastating ambushes. The authors repeatedly emphasize how terrain shaped tactics and outcomes—no battle is described without considering elevation, line of sight, or natural chokepoints.

Herzog and Gichon are particularly strong in their analysis of asymmetric warfare. The Israelites often found themselves outnumbered or technologically disadvantaged, especially during the early periods of settlement and the Maccabean revolt. But through guerrilla tactics, deep familiarity with the terrain, and high morale—often religiously inspired—they were able to mount surprisingly effective campaigns.

Battles led by figures like Gideon or Judas Maccabeus are rich case studies in how inferior forces, using speed, surprise, and local knowledge, could defeat or hold off better-equipped enemies. The book doesn't romanticize these efforts—it explains them with military clarity, detailing why a hit-and-run attack might succeed against a Seleucid phalanx, or how the fear of ambush could demoralize a larger invading force.


The book also covers siege warfare with clarity and nuance. Readers are introduced to the construction of defensive walls, the use of temporary wooden towers on ramparts to gain positional advantage, and methods of assaulting fortified cities. The authors note how both attackers and defenders evolved their tactics over time—developments that reflect not just technical change, but learning through experience.

One excellent example is the detailed breakdown of how Jerusalem was fortified under successive kings of Judah, and how those fortifications were tested in successive invasions—culminating in its eventual fall to Babylonian forces.


The text is richly supported by visual materials: line art, tactical diagrams, and maps with annotated troop movements help bring the battles to life. These aren't decorative—they are essential to understanding the authors' arguments. Movements are laid out clearly, helping the reader visualize flanking maneuvers, ambush positions, and siege layouts.

The inclusion of chronological charts and references to tribal specializations in weapons or tactics adds further depth, showing how different regions and clans contributed distinct military capabilities, such as slingers, skirmishers, or charioteers.

Though based on material thousands of years old and first published over 40 years ago, Battles of the Bible has aged remarkably well. The 1997 revision incorporated more recent archaeological and academic findings, though some points may still be dated. Nevertheless, its approach—combining military science with historical analysis and topographical insight—remains unmatched in its clarity and utility.

Herzog and Gichon treat even controversial biblical figures like Ahab with fairness, reframing them not as villains but as leaders navigating immensely complex political and military landscapes. Their choices are evaluated as strategies, not sermons.

Battles of the Bible is not just a book for historians or Bible scholars. It is a manual in military thought, a study in leadership under pressure, and a lesson in how geography shapes history. Its disciplined, non-theological approach makes it an excellent reference for understanding the military backbone of biblical narratives.

Whether you’re interested in how underdogs can defeat empires, or how ancient kingdoms secured their survival in a hostile world, this book is for you. And for those who love maps, tactics, and battlefield logic—this is a must-have classic.

[Cimuchowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author shows the military wisdom behind the battles and strategies that are recorded in the Bible (without regard to the miracles that he discredits). Additionally, the intertestamental (or the Battle described in the Catholic Bible) are also written about.

[Steve Groves · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dry. The final chapters on the Maccabean revolt were the most interesting, although some interesting terrain insights of the region and how this has influenced military campaigns up to the present day.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

really interesting wat to link the biblical passages, findings from archaeology and understanding from modern warfare

[Derek Weese · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent military history, relying heavily on archeology, of ancient Israel. The writers, both former military officers in the IDF themselves, bring enough real world experience to flesh out their opinions on what the ancient Kings and commanders were thinking on the battlefield and on campaign.
The geography of the land of Palestine, more than anything else, reflects the way in which wars are fought and won (or lost) in what the authors called 'the cockpit of the world'. Mountain ranges and valleys dominate the landscape and the wise commander learned to use the high ground to screen movement and to base fortifications on (thereby controlling the valleys below) or saw his army massacred. The level of siege warfare in the ancient Middle East was very advanced, at practically the same level as that of the Medieval Europeans (though the Chinese may have already been more advanced by this stage...). The Assyrians were especially the masters of seige warfare and the authors make great work in describing the eventual conquest of Israel (the northern Kingdom) following the break up of the united monarchy (Judah or Judea being the southern Kingdom) by the Assyrians.
The book is not bad, if a bit dry at times but it does its job though if you're looking for a detailed description of the biblical David's campaigns you won't find any as there are simply no records surviving from the period in enough detail to do so. The authors do a good job of utilizing their own command of Hebrew (they are Israeli after all) to debunk the translated numbers used in the Bible when accounting for the sizes of armies. Still, the ancient Middle East was a densely populated area and armies were, routinely, as large as Roman armies and larger than Medieval armies. Only the age of Frederick the Great and Marlborough would see the rise of armies that were larger on average than of those used in the biblical period.
All in all a good if not great book on a fascinating subject of military history. Recommended.

[Paul A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Battles of the Bible reflects the experiences of the authors in that much of the book's content focuses on geographical, logistical, and morale issues. It's clear that the authors have a great appreciation for how the ancient Israelites' mode of warfare and strategic vision was shaped by the environment that they lived in. Various political and economic factors played a role in the way that the Israelite's fought, whether with a chariot corps able to stand against any of those belonging to the great powers of the Bronze Age or with midnight raids against Seleucid forces. The writing is a bit dry, but I'm coming away with a much greater appreciation for the military exploits of the ancient Israelites.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written and researched military analysis of the many battles described in the Bible. The two authors examine the importance of the battles. This book gives a historic reference to the strategies and divine intervention in the numerous battles of the Old testament books. I found it an easy and extremely informative book. There are some references to the divine but most are historical. One gets a feel for the time, tactics and impact of each of the many battles/wars examined in detail.

[Jacob Lehman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slightly nationalistic/simplistic view of biblical warfare tactics, but interesting uses of terrain, deception, and ambush tactics to overcome deficiencies in armaments.

I read this as part of my project to read one book from every aisle of Olin Library at Cornell; you can read the full reaction to it here: https://jacobklehman.com/2020/03/25/h...

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although clearly written for a wide audience, the book contains a lot of analysis from many different sources. It is easy to understand even with the complex array of sources. The authors tyr to use archeological evidence when discussing the battles and sieges in the Bible.

[Curtiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting combination of scholarship, theological inquiry, and archeology, in which Chaim Herzog compares the biblical records of the various military campaigns of the ancient Hebrews/ Israelites with the latest archeological evidence.

[Marty · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book seemed to me to be more about pushing a godless world view than it was about actual history.

[Howard Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book clarifies much of the conflict mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, revealing a historical context for what many previously considered myth. An excellent study.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding work on an obscure subject.