What Age Does The Torah Specify For Military Service?

What Age Does The Torah Specify For Military Service?

What Age Does The Torah Specify For Military Service?

Question:

I'm a Jewish woman and my Jewish brother just sent my 18 year old nephew to join the Israel Defense Forces. I don't agree with this decision since I think it's too young for my Nephew to be joining the army. What does Torah Law say about age-requirements for joining the army? Thank you very much. 

Answer: In the Torah, the age requirement for military service is clearly outlined in the Book of Numbers. The minimum age specified for those eligible to serve in the army is 20 years old.

In Numbers 1:2-3, God commands Moses:

"Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of names, every male, head by head; from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies."

This command is repeated again later in Numbers 26:2:

"Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all who are able to go to war in Israel."

Based on these verses, it is clear that according to Torah law, military service was designated for males starting at the age of 20, not younger. Therefore, an 18-year-old would not have been required to join the army under Torah law.