Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of war is addressed with various nuances, including instances where war is explicitly forbidden by God. This entry explores the scriptural contexts in which war is prohibited, highlighting the divine instructions and the theological implications of such prohibitions.Divine Prohibition of War 1. The Exodus and the Promised Land: One of the earliest instances of war being forbidden occurs during the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. In Exodus 14:13-14, as the Israelites face the Egyptian army at the Red Sea, Moses instructs them, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Here, God commands the Israelites to refrain from engaging in battle, emphasizing His role as their deliverer. 2. The Wilderness Wanderings: During the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness, God occasionally forbids them from engaging in war with certain nations. In Deuteronomy 2:4-5, God instructs, "You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers, the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, so be very careful. Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even a foot of it, because I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own." This directive underscores God's sovereignty over the nations and His specific plans for Israel. 3. The Role of Prophets: Prophets in the Old Testament often conveyed God's will regarding war. In 1 Kings 20:13-14, a prophet approaches Ahab, king of Israel, and delivers God's message that He will give the Arameans into Ahab's hand, indicating that the battle is sanctioned by God. Conversely, prophets also warned against unauthorized wars. In 2 Chronicles 18:18-22, the prophet Micaiah warns King Ahab against going to war at Ramoth-gilead, revealing a vision of God's disapproval. Theological Implications 1. Trust in Divine Providence: The prohibition of war in certain contexts serves as a reminder of the need to trust in God's providence and timing. The Israelites' experiences illustrate that victory and deliverance come from God, not merely through human effort or military might. 2. Peace and Obedience: The biblical injunctions against war often align with a broader call to peace and obedience to God's commands. In Isaiah 2:4, a prophetic vision of the Messianic age describes a time when nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This vision reflects God's ultimate desire for peace and harmony among His creation. 3. Moral and Ethical Considerations: The prohibition of war in certain situations also raises moral and ethical considerations. It challenges believers to discern God's will carefully and to consider the righteousness of their actions. The biblical narrative encourages a posture of humility and submission to God's authority, recognizing that His ways are higher than human understanding. In summary, the biblical instances where war is forbidden highlight God's sovereignty, the importance of obedience, and the call to trust in His divine plan. These themes resonate throughout Scripture, offering guidance for believers in navigating the complexities of conflict and peace. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 11:4Thus said the LORD, You shall not go up, nor fight against your brothers: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam. Nave's Topical Index Library Whether it is Always Sinful to Wage War? What are the Sins Forbidden in the Sixth Commandment? Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight? Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her ... Concerning the Embassage of the Jews to Caius; and How Caius Sent ... The War of Truth Whether a Religious Order Can be Directed to Soldiering? The Holy War, Whether the Other Six Precepts of the Decalogue are Fittingly ... How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ... Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | 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." 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