Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of war in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical battles, spiritual warfare, and the ultimate triumph of God's sovereignty. The phrase "Mighty Through God" underscores the belief that true strength and victory in warfare, whether physical or spiritual, are achieved through divine power and guidance. This entry explores the biblical understanding of war, emphasizing the role of God as the ultimate source of might and victory. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, war is often depicted as a means by which God executes judgment, delivers His people, and fulfills His promises. The Israelites' conquest of Canaan is a prime example, where God commands and empowers His people to take possession of the Promised Land. In Joshua 1:9, God encourages Joshua, saying, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." The account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 illustrates the principle of being "Mighty Through God." David, a young shepherd, faces the giant Goliath not with conventional weapons but with faith in God's power. In 1 Samuel 17:45, David declares, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." Spiritual Warfare The New Testament shifts the focus from physical battles to spiritual warfare. Believers are called to recognize the spiritual nature of their struggles and to rely on God's might for victory. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-4, the Apostle Paul writes, "For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Ephesians 6:10-18 further elaborates on the armor of God, urging believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). The passage describes the spiritual armor that equips Christians to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, emphasizing reliance on God's strength rather than human ability. Divine Sovereignty and Ultimate Victory Throughout Scripture, the theme of God's sovereignty in warfare is evident. God is portrayed as the ultimate warrior who fights on behalf of His people. In Exodus 15:3, following the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, Moses and the Israelites sing, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." The Book of Revelation provides a prophetic vision of the ultimate victory of God over evil. Revelation 19:11-16 depicts Christ as a conquering King, riding a white horse and leading the armies of heaven. This imagery reinforces the belief that final victory belongs to God, who is "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16). Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently presents war as an arena where God's power and sovereignty are displayed. Whether in physical battles or spiritual conflicts, the principle of being "Mighty Through God" remains central. Believers are called to trust in God's strength, recognizing that true victory is achieved not by human might but through divine intervention and guidance. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 10:4,5(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Nave's Topical Index Library War! War! War! Concerning the War in which Radagaisus, King of the Goths, a ... 'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob' A Cloud of Witnesses. We are Careful not to Oppose Fair Arguments Even if they Proceed ... July 31 Morning The Meaning of Faith The War of Truth Monday in Whitsun-Week. Would God that all the Lord's People were ... The God of Peace 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) |
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