Topical Bible: War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives

◄ War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

War, a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, frequently emerges from the opposition of friends or relatives. This phenomenon underscores the complex nature of human relationships and the propensity for conflict even among those bound by familial or friendly ties.

Biblical Examples:

1. Cain and Abel: The first recorded instance of fraternal conflict is found in Genesis 4:8, where Cain, driven by jealousy and anger, rises against his brother Abel and kills him. This tragic event illustrates how personal grievances can escalate into violence, even among siblings.

2. Jacob and Esau: The account of Jacob and Esau, found in Genesis 25-33, highlights the tension between brothers that can lead to prolonged conflict. Their rivalry begins in the womb and is exacerbated by parental favoritism and deceit. Although they eventually reconcile, their account serves as a reminder of how familial discord can lead to strife.

3. Joseph and His Brothers: In Genesis 37, Joseph's brothers, envious of their father's favoritism and Joseph's dreams, conspire against him, ultimately selling him into slavery. This act of betrayal among brothers sets off a chain of events that leads to both personal and national consequences.

4. David and Saul: The relationship between David and King Saul, as detailed in 1 Samuel 18-31, is marked by Saul's growing jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity and God's favor upon him. Despite David's loyalty, Saul's animosity leads to a prolonged period of conflict, illustrating how envy and insecurity can turn allies into adversaries.

5. Absalom's Rebellion: In 2 Samuel 15-18, Absalom, the son of King David, leads a rebellion against his father. This internal conflict within the royal family results in a civil war, highlighting the devastating impact of familial ambition and betrayal.

6. Jephthah and the Ephraimites: Judges 12:1-6 recounts the conflict between Jephthah and the tribe of Ephraim. Despite being fellow Israelites, a misunderstanding and insult lead to a violent confrontation, demonstrating how pride and miscommunication can ignite war among kin.

Theological Reflections:

The Bible presents these narratives not only as historical accounts but also as moral and spiritual lessons. The conflicts arising from the opposition of friends or relatives often serve as cautionary tales about the destructive power of sin, such as jealousy, pride, and ambition. They remind believers of the importance of reconciliation, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace, as emphasized in passages like Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Furthermore, these accounts underscore the need for divine intervention and guidance in resolving conflicts. The Bible consistently points to God's sovereignty and justice, encouraging believers to seek His wisdom and strength in times of discord. As James 4:1-2 states, "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight."

In examining these biblical accounts, one is reminded of the fragile nature of human relationships and the ever-present potential for conflict, even among those who should be allies. The Bible calls believers to rise above these tendencies, striving for unity and peace through the transformative power of God's love and grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Micah 7:6
For the son dishonors the father, the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 10:35,36
For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Call of Abraham
... young soldiers, and teaching their hands to war and their ... and love Jesus, and the
question arises with them ... How often has this temptation happened to the rich. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... fair for harvest, perish when the sun arises with burning ... Mary's." "Then you may
go as often as you like." Presently he went also, and the war was over. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... in the just balances of God, as He arises to judge ... power over him, that, although
many have often suffered in ... a while, escaping during the time of war, to show ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Misery of Man Without God
... they expose themselves at court or in war, whence arise so many quarrels, passions,
bold and often bad ventures ... that all the unhappiness of men arises from one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ii the misery of.htm

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... yet he ought to avoid the suspicion which arises from such ... has been neither a partial
nor general war in the ... That, as is often stated, the birth of Constantine ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... be considered a pardonable one, as it arises principally from a ... that I have been
ready to proclaim war against them ... May such seasons of refreshing often return. ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Causes of the Reformation
... The Peasants' War in Hungary (1514), the revolt against ... Very often they were sprung
from the nobility, and were ... Hence arises the difficulty of arriving at any ...
/.../chapter i causes of the.htm

The Memphite Empire
... the "Castle of Snofrui" with the firmament, "when the sun arises in it ... The Pharaohs
often peopled their royal cities with prisoners of war, captured on ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... no money to lose, being pilgrims, as you see, and such, too, as live upon the charity
of our friends. ... But met you with no opposition before you set out of doors ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... of their native lands, and he had often whole regiments ... appear to have had a confirmed
taste for war. ... and offerings of their relatives and friends who remained ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm