Article 1, Section 8, Paragraphs 11-13
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
Army Fund Limit of Two Years
There is not to be a standing army for this country.
This is an amazing clause! Armies could be put together for a limited purpose and then they were to be dismantled. Money could be provided for a two-year stint. This was considered more than enough to handle situations quite well.
This model is found in Scripture. Every eligible male would volunteer to fight for his country. There were a few exceptions. It was expected that citizens would pay their own way as much as possible in a war.
Wars on any level are the result of lusts.
James 4:1, "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?"
God gave the Israelites the rules of battle. Officers were to assemble the men, and challenge them not to be afraid. They were then to dismiss those who fell in certain categories, and then organize the men into companies and assignments. The country could be defended at any time by a citizen army.
Deuteronomy 20:9-10, "And it shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it."
Because the battle is the Lord’s there was not to be a standing army, nor expensive war machines and equipment. Israel was not to fear the fancy equipment that came against her. She was to trust that God would fight for her. David stated this so very clearly:
1 Samuel 17:47, "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands."
Also:
Zechariah 4:6, "Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."
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