Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope: War, in the biblical context, refers to armed conflict and strife between nations, peoples, or spiritual entities. The Bible presents war as both a physical and spiritual reality, with implications for the world and its inhabitants. The concept of war encompasses battles fought on earth and the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Biblical Instances of War: Throughout the Old Testament, war is a recurring theme, often depicted as a means by which God executes judgment or delivers His people. The Israelites, under divine command, engaged in numerous battles to claim the Promised Land. For instance, the conquest of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the battles against the Philistines (1 Samuel 17) illustrate God's involvement in Israel's military endeavors. In the New Testament, while the focus shifts from physical to spiritual warfare, the concept of war remains significant. Jesus speaks of "wars and rumors of wars" as signs of the end times (Matthew 24:6). The Apostle Paul emphasizes the spiritual nature of warfare, urging believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand against the devil's schemes (Ephesians 6:11). Spiritual Warfare: The Bible portrays a cosmic battle between the forces of God and Satan. This spiritual warfare is described in passages such as Revelation 12, where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon. Believers are called to engage in this spiritual battle through prayer, faith, and righteousness, recognizing that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12). God's Sovereignty in War: Scripture affirms God's sovereignty over all nations and conflicts. In Deuteronomy 20:4, the Israelites are reminded, "For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory" . The Psalms frequently declare God's power over nations and His ability to bring peace or judgment through war (Psalm 46:9). Ethical Considerations: The Bible provides guidance on the ethics of war, emphasizing justice, mercy, and reliance on God. The Israelites were instructed to offer terms of peace before engaging in battle (Deuteronomy 20:10-12). Prophets like Isaiah envision a future where swords are beaten into plowshares, and nations no longer learn war (Isaiah 2:4). End Times and Final Battle: The Book of Revelation describes a climactic battle at the end of the age, known as Armageddon, where Christ will triumph over the forces of evil (Revelation 16:16, 19:11-21). This final conflict signifies the ultimate victory of God's kingdom and the establishment of eternal peace. Conclusion: War, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a means of divine judgment, a test of faith, and a metaphor for spiritual struggle. While physical wars are a reality of the fallen world, the ultimate hope lies in God's promise of a future where peace reigns supreme. Nave's Topical Index 1 John 5:4,5For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. Nave's Topical Index Library The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present Degradation ... The Thirty Years' War. AD 1618-1650. Stones Crying Out Cestius Sends Neopolitanus the Tribune to See in what Condition ... Putting on the Armour The Millennium in Relation to the World. What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ... Conclusion The Triumph of Humility. Ephesians vi. 8-May 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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