Topical Encyclopedia The concept of war in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical battles, spiritual warfare, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all that exalts itself against His divine authority. Throughout Scripture, war serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the struggle between good and evil, righteousness and sin, and the sovereignty of God over rebellious forces.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, war is often depicted as a means by which God executes judgment and fulfills His promises to His people. The Israelites, under divine command, engaged in battles to claim the Promised Land, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. The Lord's involvement in these wars is evident, as He is portrayed as a warrior fighting on behalf of His people. Exodus 15:3 declares, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." The narrative of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) exemplifies the theme of God’s power over those who exalt themselves. Goliath, a Philistine giant, defies the armies of Israel, but David, armed with faith in God, defeats him. This victory underscores the principle that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Prophetic Literature The prophetic books often speak of wars as instruments of divine judgment against nations that exalt themselves against God. Isaiah 2:12 warns, "For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled." The prophets consistently call for repentance and humility, emphasizing that human pride and rebellion will ultimately be brought low. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the focus shifts to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, "The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Here, the battle is against spiritual forces and ideologies that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Ephesians 6:12 further elaborates on this spiritual battle: "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." Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these forces. Eschatological Fulfillment The ultimate war over all that exalts itself is depicted in the eschatological visions of Revelation. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Christ as the rider on a white horse, leading the armies of heaven to defeat the beast and the kings of the earth who oppose Him. This final battle culminates in the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Throughout Scripture, the theme of war over all that exalts itself serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the eventual triumph of His righteousness. It calls believers to engage in spiritual warfare with faith and humility, trusting in God's ultimate victory over all forms of pride and rebellion. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 10:5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Nave's Topical Index Library 2 Cor. xi. 21 The Ark among the Flags I May Briefly Reduce the Chief Persuading Motive to this So ... Authenticity and Credibility of the Gospel Narratives. The Exaltation of Christ God's Providence Index. The Papacy not the Antichrist 2 Cor. Iv. 1, 2 Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv. Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about 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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