Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, war is often depicted as a significant aspect of the human experience, reflecting both physical and spiritual dimensions. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where diligence in warfare is exhorted, emphasizing the importance of preparation, courage, and reliance on God.Old Testament Context The Old Testament frequently records instances where the Israelites were exhorted to diligence in warfare. This diligence was not merely a call to physical readiness but also a spiritual preparedness, recognizing that victory ultimately depended on the Lord. 1. Preparation and Strategy: In the conquest of Canaan, God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous, emphasizing the need for diligence in following God's commands as a prerequisite for success in battle. Joshua 1:7 states, "Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go." 2. Reliance on God: The account of Gideon in Judges 7 illustrates the principle of relying on God rather than sheer numbers or human strength. God reduced Gideon's army to 300 men to demonstrate that victory comes from the Lord. Judges 7:2 says, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’" 3. Spiritual Warfare: The battles of the Old Testament often symbolize the spiritual warfare believers face. The exhortation to diligence in these battles is a call to faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, as seen in the repeated calls to "be strong and courageous" (Deuteronomy 31:6). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of war takes on a more spiritual dimension, with believers exhorted to diligence in the spiritual battles they face. 1. The Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18 provides a vivid metaphor for spiritual warfare, urging believers to put on the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:11 states, "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage emphasizes the need for spiritual diligence, equipping oneself with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. 2. Vigilance and Prayer: Believers are called to be vigilant and prayerful, recognizing the spiritual nature of their struggles. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This exhortation to diligence is a reminder of the constant spiritual vigilance required in the Christian life. 3. Endurance and Faithfulness: The New Testament encourages believers to endure hardships as good soldiers of Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 states, "Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him." This passage highlights the need for focus and dedication in the spiritual battle. Conclusion The biblical exhortation to diligence in war, both physical and spiritual, underscores the importance of preparation, reliance on God, and steadfastness in faith. Whether in the historical battles of Israel or the spiritual battles faced by believers today, the call to diligence remains a central theme, urging believers to trust in God's strength and guidance. Nave's Topical Index 1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. Nave's Topical Index Jude 1:3 Library From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776 How to Keep the Heart From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey. Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... Acts xi. 19 Concerning the Insurrection of Absalom against David and ... 1 Thessalonians ii. 12-Sep The Life of Mr. John Nevay. Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ... Circumstances Related of Origen. 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) |
    |