Topical Bible: War: Inflicts Defeat In

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War, as depicted in the Bible, is a significant theme that illustrates the consequences of disobedience, the sovereignty of God, and the fulfillment of divine justice. Throughout the Scriptures, war is often portrayed as a tool through which God enacts His will, whether in judgment against nations or in the deliverance of His people. The Bible provides numerous accounts where war results in the defeat of individuals, cities, and entire nations, serving as a testament to the power and authority of God over human affairs.

Defeat of Nations and Cities

One of the earliest examples of war inflicting defeat is found in the account of the conquest of Canaan. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were commanded by God to take possession of the Promised Land. The fall of Jericho is a notable instance where divine intervention led to the defeat of a fortified city. As recorded in Joshua 6:20 , "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."

Similarly, the defeat of Ai, after an initial setback due to Achan's sin, demonstrates the importance of obedience to God in achieving victory. Once the sin was addressed, God assured Joshua of success, as seen in Joshua 8:1 : "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.'"

Divine Judgment Through War

War is also depicted as a means of divine judgment against nations that oppose God's purposes or engage in wickedness. The Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel is a poignant example. Due to Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience, God allowed the Assyrians to defeat them, as prophesied by the prophets. In 2 Kings 17:6 , it is recorded, "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria."

The Babylonian conquest of Judah serves a similar purpose. Despite numerous warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, Judah's continued rebellion led to their defeat and exile. Jeremiah 25:9 states, "behold, I will send for all the families of the north,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land and against its residents and against all the surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and scorn, an everlasting desolation."

God's Sovereignty in War

The Bible consistently emphasizes that God is sovereign over all nations and their conflicts. In Proverbs 21:31 , it is written, "A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD." This underscores the belief that while human preparations and strategies are necessary, ultimate victory is determined by God.

The account of Gideon and the Midianites further illustrates this principle. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Gideon's army achieved victory because God orchestrated the defeat of the Midianites. Judges 7:22 recounts, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of each man against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled."

Conclusion

The biblical narrative of war and defeat serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, the necessity of obedience to God, and the assurance that God is in control of all events. Through these accounts, the Bible teaches that while human efforts are significant, it is ultimately God's will that prevails in the affairs of nations.

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Joshua 7:12,13
Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed: neither will I be with you any more, except you destroy the accursed from among you.
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2 Chronicles 12:5-8
Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, Thus said the LORD, You have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.
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2 Chronicles 24:23,24
And it came to pass at the end of the year, that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them to the king of Damascus.
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Psalm 76:3
There broke he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
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Psalm 78:66
And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach.
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Psalm 79:10
Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of your servants which is shed.
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Isaiah 5:25
Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he has stretched forth his hand against them, and has smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the middle of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
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Jeremiah 46:15,16
Why are your valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them.
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Library

The Close of the Theban Empire
... their souls,* collections of hymns, romances, war and love songs ... Apopi, they shout
aloud as he inflicts each fresh ... wherein he celebrates the defeat of hordes of ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Synoptic Gospels
... suggests that it is not a final defeat, but has ... the whole wrong which the world's
sin inflicts upon God ... and on the other side O. Holtzmann, War Jesus Ekstatiker ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 1 the synoptic gospels.htm