Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of war and enemies is a recurring theme that reflects the spiritual and physical struggles faced by the people of God. The Bible presents a multifaceted view of enemies, encompassing both human adversaries and spiritual forces.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently encountered enemies as they journeyed to the Promised Land and established their nation. These adversaries often represented both physical threats and spiritual challenges. The Philistines, Amalekites, Moabites, and Canaanites are among the notable enemies of Israel. The Bible records numerous battles where God intervened on behalf of His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands. For instance, in Exodus 17:8-16, the Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses, with the help of Aaron and Hur, held up his hands, and as long as his hands were raised, Israel prevailed. This event underscores the belief that victory in battle is attributed to divine intervention rather than mere human strength. The Psalms often reflect the cry for deliverance from enemies, as seen in Psalm 18:3, "I called upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I was saved from my enemies." This highlights the reliance on God for protection and victory. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual battles. Jesus teaches about loving one's enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This radical teaching emphasizes the transformation of the heart and the call to reflect God's love and mercy. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the spiritual nature of warfare in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Here, the enemy is identified as spiritual forces rather than human adversaries, and believers are encouraged to put on the full armor of God to stand firm. Theological Implications The biblical portrayal of enemies serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflict between good and evil. It calls believers to trust in God's power and righteousness while engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer, faith, and the Word of God. The ultimate victory over enemies is assured through Christ, who has overcome the world (John 16:33). Practical Application Believers are encouraged to approach conflicts with a spirit of love and forgiveness, recognizing that the true enemy is not flesh and blood. The call to love one's enemies and pray for them is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which seeks reconciliation and peace. In summary, the Bible's treatment of war and enemies encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms, urging believers to rely on God's strength and to embody His love in the face of adversity. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 38:19But my enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 56:2 Psalm 59:3 Library Justice Should be Observed Even in War and with Enemies. ... Of Three Enemies to be Overcome by Righteousness The War of Truth The End of the War That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ... Elisha's Way of Treating Enemies And Now a Civil War Broke Out Between Constantine and Maxentius. . ... Abgar Returns from the East; He Gives Help to Aretas in a War ... The Thirty Years' War. AD 1618-1650. How Antony at the Persuasion of Cleopatra Sent Herod to Fight ... Resources What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about holy war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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