The first example of military service is found in the Old Testament (Genesis 14), when Abraham's nephew Lot was kidnapped by Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. Abraham rallied to Lot's aid by gathering 318 trained men of his household and defeating the Elamites. Here we see armed forces engaged in a noble task—rescuing and protecting the innocent.
Mfano wa kwanza wa huduma ya jeshi unapatikana katika Agano La Kale (Mwanzo 14), wakati Loti mpwa Abrahamu alitekwa nyara na mfalme Kedorlaoma wa Elamu, na walioshirikiana nao. Abrahamu aliungana na Loti kusaidia kwa kuwaweka pamoja wanaume 318 wa nyumba yake walijifunza vita na wakawashinda Waalamu. Hapa tunaona jeshi ambalo limejiami na kujuhuzisha katika jukumu muimu-kuokoa na kulinda wasio na hatia.