Topical Bible: War: The Whole, is Required

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Definition and Context:
War, in the biblical context, is often depicted as a significant and sometimes divinely sanctioned event involving nations, peoples, and spiritual realms. It is portrayed as a means through which God executes judgment, delivers His people, or fulfills His divine purposes. The Bible presents war as both a physical and spiritual reality, requiring the full engagement of those involved.

Old Testament Perspectives:
In the Old Testament, war is frequently seen as an instrument of divine justice and a means of fulfilling God's promises to His people. The Israelites, under God's command, engaged in wars to conquer the Promised Land. For instance, in the book of Joshua, God commands the Israelites to take possession of Canaan, emphasizing the necessity of complete obedience and reliance on divine guidance. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you to 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 concept of "holy war" is evident, where God Himself is portrayed as a warrior fighting on behalf of Israel. Exodus 15:3 declares, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." This divine involvement underscores the belief that war, when commanded by God, requires the total commitment of the people, as they are instruments in His hands.

New Testament Perspectives:
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual warfare. Believers are called to engage in a battle against spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12 explains, "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."

The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to put on the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against these spiritual adversaries. This metaphorical armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, indicating that the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—is required in this spiritual battle.

Theological Implications:
Theologically, war in the Bible is often seen as a reflection of the cosmic struggle between good and evil. It serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the ongoing conflict between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. The requirement of the whole—whether in physical or spiritual warfare—emphasizes the need for complete dedication to God's will and purposes.

Ethical Considerations:
From an ethical standpoint, the Bible presents a complex view of war. While it acknowledges the reality and sometimes necessity of war, it also calls for justice, mercy, and peace. The prophets often spoke against the injustices and excesses of war, urging repentance and a return to God's ways. Isaiah 2:4 envisions a future where "He will judge between the nations and settle disputes for many peoples. 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."

Conclusion:
The biblical narrative of war, both physical and spiritual, underscores the necessity of total commitment to God's commands and purposes. Whether in the conquest of Canaan or the spiritual battles faced by believers, the whole person is required to engage fully in the struggle, trusting in God's sovereignty and ultimate victory.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 6:13
Why take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Whole Church Affected by what Has Occurred.
... the perpetrators of this iniquity were destroyed in war, and became ... but now the members
of the whole Church are ... which has been committed to us required at our ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 1 the whole church.htm

Vespasian is Sent into Syria by Nero in Order to Make War with the ...
... the great burden of so mighty a war, seeing he ... Upon the whole, he sent this man to
take upon ... and flattering compellations, such as necessity required, and such ...
/.../chapter 1 vespasian is sent.htm

Disestablishment
... be continued after the close of the war allowed European ... convention, as to what majority
should be required for ratification ... "Two-thirds of the whole number of ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... hindered him from completing the victory, and required him to ... 549] Josephus, who
went through the war himself from ... By their madness the whole nation came to be ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

War! War! War!
... Peace with error is war with man: but war with error is ... has enlisted him, the next
thing he is required to do ... his comrades, and he is led to love the whole army ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm

The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ...
... It is not required in the law of Moses relating to ... limits of the same Roman empire,
Of the War, B. III. ... I mean, where the words "all" or "whole multitude," etc ...
/.../chapter 22 the jews make.htm

Concerning the Embassage of the Jews to Caius; and How Caius Sent ...
... and that while the season of the year required them to ... of the sky, of any rain; nay,
the whole year had ... whom, if he should slay, [for without war they would by ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 concerning the embassage.htm

Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
... we can estimate the effort which that required, and the ... The whole history of Israel
and Judah was one long ... says the chronicler, 'and he had no war in those ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/asas reformation and consequent peace.htm

After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress...
... only, for which no such labour was required, and for ... shewing that hunger had almost
blinded the whole army, and ... dared to engage in the fight, and war was with ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiv after the whole.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... armed themselves, and had gone to the war along with ... omitted any thing which Moses
beforehand required of you ... authority one by one, and the whole multitude in ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm