War: Killed In, Neglected
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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.
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Isaiah 14:19
But 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.
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Isaiah 18:6
They shall be left together to the fowls of the mountains, and to the beasts of the earth: and the fowls shall summer on them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter on them.
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Library

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... These kings which made war with, and were ready to ... when there wanted men to be killed,
Joshua slew ... very solicitous that nothing should be neglected which Moses ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The Holy War,
... His pride and fall"Revenge meditated"A council of war held to ... Eye-gate"His
oration"Captain Resistance slain"My Lord Innocence killed"The town taken ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Letter Written by the Emperor Constantine to Sapor , the King of ...
... admitted to the sacerdotal dignity not only neglected to edify ... Alexander Severus,
Maximinus, Gordianus, murdered; Decius, killed in war; Gallus, ??milianus ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxiv letter written by the.htm

Of the Fourth Seal.
... Gallienus was admitted into Byzantium, he killed all the ... kind, that tillage should
not be neglected, and that ... are treating, as having succeeded war and famine. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the fourth seal.htm

The Death of Joseph [Herod's Brother] which had Been Signified to ...
... was at a very great distance, he neglected the charge ... difficult to pass, he was both
killed himself, as ... might have supported those that were unskillful in war. ...
/.../chapter 17 the death of.htm

Heresies
... At the same time the local clergy neglected their duties, the ... and finally in 1218
Simon de Montfort was killed while besieging ... [Sidenote: A war of aggression.]. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xii heresies.htm

Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ...
... can any one be afraid of a war abroad, and ... become still greater by being still longer
neglected; for their ... and these impious wretches will be killed by their ...
/.../chapter 3 concerning john of.htm

San Josef
... shout their war-song, and howl their war- notes; they ... Dixon was killed, and several
of the old African ... Nothing seemed to have been neglected which could render ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

How the Philistines Made Another Expedition against the Hebrews ...
... called him to consult with him about the war and the ... the out-guards of the camp were
neglected, because of ... great deal of prey and cattle, and killed them, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how the philistines.htm

The Mother of Xerxes.
... in all ages of the world, wholly neglected by his ... Smerdis was killed; his imprisoned
queens were set free, and ... for Darius, in the prosecution of a war in which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter i the mother of.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.org

Does 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

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War with Endurance of Hardness

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War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side

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War: Forbidden

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War: Frequently Sore and Bloody

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War: God Sends Panic In

War: God Uses, As a Judgment

War: God: Causes to Cease

War: God: Frequently Ordered

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 God As Their God

War: Have Power Over the Nations

War: Have the Morning Star

War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ

War: Helped by God In

War: Inflicts Defeat In

War: Inherit all Things

War: Killed In, Neglected

War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In

War: Mere Professors do not Maintain

War: Mighty Through God

War: Must be Put on

War: Must Stand Firm In

War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death

War: Not Carnal

War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life

War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives

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War: Often Attended by Famine

War: Often Attended by Pestilence

War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin

War: Originates in the Lusts of Men

War: Our Contest With Death

War: Over all That Exalts Itself

War: Over Death and the Grave

War: Over the Devil

War: Over the Flesh

War: Over the World

War: Preceded by Consultation

War: Preceded by Great Preparation

War: Preceded by Rumors

War: Protected by God In

War: Records often Kept of

War: Repugnant to God

War: Saints are all Engaged In

War: Sit With Christ on his Throne

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War: Symbolized by a Red Horse

War: Thank God for Victory In

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War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church

War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation

War: The Devil

War: The Flesh

War: The Helmet of Salvation

War: The Jews were Expert In

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: The Shield of Faith

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War: The Whole, is Required

War: The World

War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna

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War: Through Christ

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War: To Cease

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War: Tumult of

War: Under Christ, As Our Captain

War: Under the Lord's Banner

War: Victory In, is from God

War: Wars and Rumors of

War: Weapons Used In

War: Wisdom Required In

Related Terms

War-carriage (11 Occurrences)

War-dress (6 Occurrences)

War-cry (5 Occurrences)

War-horses (6 Occurrences)

War-horn (3 Occurrences)

War-club (1 Occurrence)

War-cries (1 Occurrence)

War-dresses (1 Occurrence)

War-horse (1 Occurrence)

War-carriages (76 Occurrences)

Body-covers (25 Occurrences)

Besiege (17 Occurrences)

Alarm (26 Occurrences)

Booty (32 Occurrences)

Body-cover (11 Occurrences)

Carriages (34 Occurrences)

Zobah (15 Occurrences)

Brave (15 Occurrences)

Apt (7 Occurrences)

Antiochus

Shutting (43 Occurrences)

Attackers (41 Occurrences)

Valor (45 Occurrences)

Slavery (31 Occurrences)

44760 (2 Occurrences)

Chios (1 Occurrence)

Conquer (12 Occurrences)

Ama'sa (12 Occurrences)

Aretas (1 Occurrence)

Clans (120 Occurrences)

Arouse (24 Occurrences)

Slave (148 Occurrences)

Amaziah (41 Occurrences)

Phinehas (24 Occurrences)

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)

Athens (5 Occurrences)

Valiant (66 Occurrences)

Buckler (19 Occurrences)

Amasa (13 Occurrences)

Skilful (38 Occurrences)

Bows (28 Occurrences)

Perished (76 Occurrences)

Valour (66 Occurrences)

Shield (65 Occurrences)

Quick-footed (7 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Belt (32 Occurrences)

Bowmen (13 Occurrences)

Bulwark (29 Occurrences)

Carriage-towns (3 Occurrences)

Civil (4 Occurrences)

Advisers (22 Occurrences)

Alert (19 Occurrences)

Stirs (23 Occurrences)

Sands (9 Occurrences)

Sash (16 Occurrences)

Storm-wind (19 Occurrences)

Armies (361 Occurrences)

Bulwarks (22 Occurrences)

Charioteers (19 Occurrences)

Aramaeans (49 Occurrences)

Swords (50 Occurrences)

Skillful (42 Occurrences)

Spear (55 Occurrences)

Stone (290 Occurrences)

Astarte (2 Occurrences)

Spoil (140 Occurrences)

Spears (25 Occurrences)

Armed (147 Occurrences)

Axe (19 Occurrences)

Asmoneans

Answers (42 Occurrences)

Secretary (34 Occurrences)

Attack (221 Occurrences)

Quarrel (22 Occurrences)

Census (24 Occurrences)

Ai (32 Occurrences)

War: Inherit all Things
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