Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, war is a recurring theme that reflects the fallen nature of humanity and the consequences of sin. The Bible records numerous instances of war, detailing the lives lost and the impact on those who remain. The concept of being "killed in war" and the subsequent neglect of the fallen is addressed in various passages, highlighting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of warfare.Old Testament Context The Old Testament is replete with accounts of war, often involving the Israelites and their surrounding nations. In these narratives, the loss of life in battle is a stark reality. For instance, in 1 Samuel 31:1-6, the death of King Saul and his sons in battle against the Philistines is recounted. The text describes how the Israelites fled, and the Philistines subsequently neglected the bodies of Saul and his sons, leaving them exposed until they were retrieved by the men of Jabesh-gilead. The neglect of the dead in war is further illustrated in 2 Samuel 21:1-14, where the Gibeonites demand justice for Saul's previous actions against them. As a result, seven of Saul's descendants are killed and their bodies left exposed. Rizpah, the mother of two of the deceased, demonstrates a poignant act of devotion by protecting their bodies from scavengers until they are properly buried. Prophetic Warnings and Lamentations The prophets often warned of the consequences of war and the neglect of the fallen. In Ezekiel 39:11-16, a prophecy concerning the aftermath of a great battle describes the burial of the dead in the Valley of Hamon-gog. The passage emphasizes the importance of giving the dead a proper burial, reflecting a broader biblical principle of honoring the deceased. The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah, mourns the destruction of Jerusalem and the loss of life due to war. Lamentations 2:21 states, "Young and old lie together in the dust of the streets; my young men and maidens have fallen by the sword. You have slain them in the day of Your anger; You have slaughtered them without compassion." This verse captures the profound sorrow and neglect experienced by those killed in war. New Testament Reflections While the New Testament does not focus extensively on physical warfare, it addresses the spiritual battles faced by believers. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians, "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." This passage shifts the focus from physical warfare to the spiritual realm, where neglect can also occur if believers fail to engage in spiritual warfare. The New Testament also emphasizes the value of each individual life, as seen in Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 10:29-31 , Jesus assures His followers of God's care, stating, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." This teaching underscores the importance of recognizing the value of every life, even in the context of war. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the neglect of those killed in war serves as a reminder of the brokenness of the world and the need for redemption. The Bible calls believers to remember the fallen and to seek justice and peace. In Isaiah 2:4 , the prophet envisions a future where God will judge between nations and bring an end to war: "They 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." The biblical narrative, therefore, not only recounts the historical realities of war but also points to a future hope where neglect and death are no more, and peace reigns under the sovereignty of God. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 14:19But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 18:6 Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Holy War, Letter Written by the Emperor Constantine to Sapor , the King of ... Of the Fourth Seal. The Death of Joseph [Herod's Brother] which had Been Signified to ... Heresies Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ... San Josef How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ... The Mother of Xerxes. 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) |