In biblical symbolism, armies often represent both the might of divine intervention and the reality of spiritual conflict. Armies can be instruments of God's judgment (as in the fall of Jericho, Joshua 6) or embodiments of divine protection, such as the angelic hosts revealed to Elisha (2 Kings 6:17). Dreaming of an army may signal that one is engaged in spiritual warfare, facing overwhelming obstacles, or being called to steadfastness and faith, as urged in Ephesians 6:10-18, where believers are told to 'put on the whole armor of God.' The dream could also indicate a need to trust in God's sovereignty amidst adversity.

In Buddhist symbolism, armies often represent the 'armies of Mara'—the obstacles, temptations, and fears that hinder the path to enlightenment, as exemplified by the Buddha's confrontation with Mara under the Bodhi tree. Dreaming of an army may thus signify the arising of internal hindrances or desires that must be recognized and overcome through mindfulness and right effort. Alternatively, it may reflect the disciplined aspect of spiritual practice and the supportive power of the Sangha (community).

Culturally, armies in dreams can symbolize collective identity, national pride, or the experience of conflict and upheaval. Depending on the dreamer's background, such imagery may evoke feelings of security, threat, or the pressure to conform to group expectations. In times of social unrest, dreaming of armies may mirror anxieties about safety, authority, or one's place within society.

In Hindu tradition, armies are central to epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, where they symbolize the cosmic struggle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness). Dreaming of an army may reflect inner battles between higher and lower impulses, the necessity to uphold one's duty (svadharma), or the support of divine forces. It can also indicate preparation for significant life changes, echoing Arjuna's moral and existential crisis on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.

In Islamic dream interpretation, armies can signify both support and tribulation. According to classical sources like Ibn Sirin, seeing an army may represent the forces of truth or falsehood, depending on the dream's context. It can also symbolize collective struggle, spiritual helpers (such as angels), or the need to prepare for significant challenges. The dream may serve as a warning of impending conflict or as an encouragement to uphold justice and righteousness, reflecting the Quranic principle of striving (jihad) in the path of Allah.

Psychologically, an army in dreams often embodies the forces of order, discipline, and conformity within the psyche. It may represent the pressure to conform to external expectations, the mobilization of inner resources to confront threats, or the presence of internalized authority figures. From a Jungian perspective, the army can symbolize the collective unconscious or the need to balance individual will with group dynamics, especially when feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.

Spiritually, the image of an army in a dream can symbolize collective energy, protection, and the ongoing struggle between opposing forces within the self. It may indicate the need to align one's will with a higher purpose, to gather spiritual strength, or to recognize the presence of spiritual guides and protectors. Alternatively, it can point to internal conflict and the necessity of unifying disparate aspects of the self for spiritual growth.