Joshua 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. And the land had rest from war. I. REST FROM WAR IS ONE OF THE GREATEST EARTHLY BLESSINGS. Even if war be a necessity it is a fearful necessity. Rarely are the advantages of a successful war equal to the cost of it. Rest from war affords occasion (1) for the undisturbed enjoyment of the fruits of the earth and unbroken social and domestic life; (2) for the practice of peaceful works - the cultivation of science, art, and literature; (3) for progress in political institutions and the development of civilisation; (4) for the extension of benevolent efforts and of the missionary work of the Church. Therefore peace should be sought for in prayer and enjoyed with gratitude. II. UNIVERSAL REST FROM WAR WILL BE ONE OF THE CHIEF FRUITS OF THE TRIUMPH OF THE GOSPEL. Christ is the Prince of Peace. The Messianic age is prophetically described as an age of peace (Isaiah 11:6-9; Luke 2:14). We must look to Christianity for the means of abolishing war, because this only can conquer (1) the injustice, (2) the ambition, and (3) the unruly passions which are the causes of most wars. War can only cease when right and justice are respected by nations and the brotherhood of all mankind is universally recognised. These are moral conditions. Education, trade conventions, political schemes will not produce them. They are the highest fruits of Christian principle. III. SPIRITUAL REST FROM INWARD WARFARE IS SECURED TO THE CHRISTIAN BY CHRIST. (1) The Christian must first fight against indwelling sin, temptation, the evil of the world (1 Timothy 6:12). Earth is our battle-field; heaven our Canaan of rest. (2) The Christian will be aided by Christ fighting for him and in him. Jesus is the New Testament Joshua. He has conquered the great enemy. He is the source of His people's strength for that inward battle which all must fight. (3) By the grace of Christ the Christian will ultimately enjoy "rest from war." This is promise (a) for the individual Christian in heaven (Hebrews 4:9), (b) for the whole human family at the time of the complete triumph of Christ (Isaiah 2:4). - W.F.A. Parallel Verses KJV: And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. |
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