Topical Bible: War: Averted

◄ War: Averted ►

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of war being averted is a significant demonstration of God's sovereignty, wisdom, and the power of righteous intervention. Throughout Scripture, there are instances where potential conflicts are avoided through divine intervention, wise counsel, or the actions of faithful individuals. These events underscore the importance of seeking God's guidance and the value of peacemaking.

1. Abigail and David (1 Samuel 25): One of the most notable examples of war being averted is the account of Abigail and David. David, who would later become king, was on the verge of attacking Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man who had insulted him. Abigail, Nabal's wise and discerning wife, intervened by bringing provisions to David and his men and pleading for peace. Her actions prevented bloodshed and demonstrated the power of wisdom and humility. David recognized God's hand in her intervention, saying, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day!" (1 Samuel 25:32).

2. Jehoshaphat and Ahab (1 Kings 22): King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahab of Israel considered going to war against Ramoth-gilead. Jehoshaphat insisted on seeking the counsel of the LORD before proceeding. The prophet Micaiah, despite pressure to conform, delivered a true prophecy from God, warning of disaster. Although Ahab disregarded the warning, Jehoshaphat's initial insistence on seeking divine guidance highlights the importance of consulting God to avert unnecessary conflict.

3. Hezekiah and the Assyrian Threat (2 Kings 19): When King Hezekiah of Judah faced the threat of the Assyrian army under Sennacherib, he sought the LORD in prayer and consulted the prophet Isaiah. God responded by sending an angel to destroy the Assyrian forces, thus averting war and delivering Judah from destruction. This event illustrates the power of prayer and reliance on God in times of impending conflict. The LORD declared, "I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David" (2 Kings 19:34).

4. The Gibeonite Deception (Joshua 9): The Gibeonites, fearing the Israelites, resorted to deception to make a peace treaty with Joshua. Although the Israelites were initially deceived, the treaty prevented war between the two groups. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of human interactions and the need for discernment. Despite the deception, the Israelites honored the treaty, demonstrating the importance of keeping one's word and the potential for peace even in challenging circumstances.

5. Solomon's Reign (1 Kings 4:24-25): King Solomon's reign is characterized by peace and prosperity, largely due to his wisdom and the alliances he formed. The Bible notes that "he had peace on all sides around him" (1 Kings 4:24). Solomon's ability to maintain peace through diplomacy and wise governance is a testament to the effectiveness of seeking wisdom and understanding in leadership to avert war.

These biblical accounts of war being averted highlight the importance of seeking God's guidance, the role of wise and courageous individuals, and the power of prayer and discernment. They serve as enduring lessons on the value of peace and the divine providence that can prevent conflict.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 22:11-34
And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Thunderbolt Averted
... BOOK I. ANTIOCH CHAPTER VIII THE THUNDERBOLT AVERTED. ... Nay,' said Theodosius, I cannot
send him, but offer up all your prayers for me, that my war with Maximus ...
/.../chapter viii the thunderbolt averted.htm

After the War.
... The education of nurses is a sequel of the war and one of the beneficent ... Doubtless
jealousy of its influence was thus in some measure forestalled and averted. ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

Mr. Beecher in England
... very closely with the English actions that had brought on the War of 1812 ... friendship
for the North of the Queen's husband, Prince Albert, averted what would ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/mr beecher in england.htm

The Counter-Reformation
... war was averted between Spain and Austria on the one side and France, Venice, and
Savoy on the other regarding the possession of the Valtelline, while in ...
/.../chapter iv the counter-reformation.htm

Matt. xii. 25, 26
... For tell me, if thou must go to war with any one, he that is not willing to fight ...
Wherefore your punishment can be averted by no prayers, neither here nor there ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xli matt xii 25.htm

Reconstruction.
... of the State had become deprived of their clergy during the war, either by ... arising
from the double derivation of the episcopate were happily averted by the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xiii reconstruction.htm

Kingo's Childhood and Youth
... the university were disturbed by a new war with Sweden that for a while threatened
the independent existence of the country, a threat which was averted only by ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter three kingos childhood and.htm

It is Proved that the Psalm, "The Lord Said to My Lord," Etc. ...
... Isaiah said took place; that the king of Assyria desisted from waging war against
Jerusalem ... the midst of his enemies; but that it was God who averted from him ...
/.../chapter lxxxiii it is proved that.htm

The Government Then Passed to his Son Josia. ...
... sacrilege, by his pious supplications to God, and constant tears, he averted the
impending ... to battle against Nechao, king of Egypt, who was making war upon the ...
/.../life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter lii the government then.htm

But Perhaps, as You Say, the Goddesses Took the Greatest Pleasure ...
... against the temples of Apollo on the coasts and islands of the ??gean, made at the
time of the piratical war. ... [4742] Lit., "suspicion being averted.". ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/23 but perhaps as you.htm