Topical Bible: Man of War

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Man of War" is a biblical expression that primarily refers to God as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of His people. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God is depicted as a powerful and victorious leader in battles against the enemies of Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 15:3 · "The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name." This verse is part of the Song of Moses, sung by the Israelites after their miraculous deliverance from the Egyptians at the Red Sea. Here, God is celebrated as a warrior who triumphs over the forces of evil and oppression, demonstrating His might and sovereignty.

2. Isaiah 42:13 · "The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war. He will shout, yes, He will raise a war cry. He will prevail against His enemies." This passage portrays God as a zealous warrior who actively engages in battle to achieve victory over His adversaries, emphasizing His commitment to justice and righteousness.

3. Psalm 24:8 · "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle." This psalm highlights God's strength and might in battle, reinforcing the image of God as a formidable warrior who commands respect and awe.

Theological Significance:

The depiction of God as a "Man of War" underscores His role as the protector and deliverer of His people. It reflects His active involvement in the affairs of the world, particularly in defending His covenant people against their enemies. This imagery is not merely about physical battles but also symbolizes the spiritual warfare that God wages against the forces of darkness.

In the context of the Old Testament, God's warrior aspect is often associated with His covenant promises to Israel. He fights not only to protect His people but also to fulfill His promises and establish His kingdom. The victories attributed to God as a "Man of War" serve as a testament to His faithfulness and power.

Christological Connection:

In the New Testament, the concept of God as a warrior is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. While Christ's mission on earth was characterized by peace and reconciliation, His ultimate victory over sin and death is depicted as a spiritual battle. Revelation 19:11-16 presents Christ as a warrior king who returns to judge and wage war against the forces of evil, thus completing the divine warrior motif.

Practical Implications:

For believers, the image of God as a "Man of War" provides assurance of His protection and deliverance in times of trouble. It encourages Christians to trust in God's power and sovereignty, knowing that He fights on their behalf. This understanding also calls believers to engage in spiritual warfare, relying on God's strength to overcome the challenges and temptations they face.

In summary, the "Man of War" is a powerful biblical image that reveals God's might, faithfulness, and commitment to His people. It serves as a reminder of His ultimate victory over evil and His ongoing presence in the lives of those who trust in Him.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Man of War

MAN OF WAR

See WAR.

Greek

4753. strateuma -- an expedition, an army, a company of soldiers
... army, soldier, man of war. From strateuomai; an armament, ie (by implication)
a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4753.htm - 6k

914. Barachias -- Barachiah, the father of a man killed in the ...
... father of the Zechariah killed by the Zealots in the last Jewish War. Word Origin
of Hebrew origin Berekyah Definition Barachiah, the father of a man killed in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/914.htm - 6k

Library

They all Hold Swords, Being Expert in War; Every Man Hath his ...
... CHAPTER III. 8. They all hold swords, being expert in war; every man hath
his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 they all hold swords.htm

Mr. Beecher in England
... Two Confederate envoys, sent to Europe to secure the recognition of the Confederacy,
were taken from the British steamship Trent by a United States man-of-war. ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/mr beecher in england.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... and they were afraid of being captured by the privateers of other nations, they
generally went in company under the convoy of a man-of-war to protect them, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

May-Time in War.
... MAY-TIME IN WAR. Der Meister ist ja lobenswerth. Worthy of praise the Master-hand. ...
Its heart's desire can still; Man only is distraught and sad. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/may-time in war.htm

Original Righteousness.
... When the captain of a man-of-war in a naval engagement betrays his king and raises
the enemy's flag, he does not first damage or sink his ship, but he keeps it ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/v original righteousness.htm

The Story of David
... "Thou art not able to go against this Philistine," he said; "for thou art but a
youth, and he a man of war from his youth.". But David answered eagerly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Man About whom the Apostle is Here Treating, do Far as He Is ...
... good; It is no longer himself that does evil; He truly delights in the law of God
after the inward man; According to the law of his mind he wages war with the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/the man about whom the.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... servant will go and fight with the Philistine." But Saul said, "Thou art not able
to go out against him; for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

A Sermon Made by M. Hugh Latimer, at the Time of the Insurrection ...
... shield of faith, to defend and bear off the darts of the devil, and in the other
hand a sword to strike with against the enemy: for a good man of war may not ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon made by m.htm

A Rich Man who was a Thief
... messenger: "If, after you have finished telling the ruler all about the war, he
is ... The rich man had many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing except ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a rich man who was.htm