Topical Bible: War: Triumphant

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of triumphant war is prevalent, illustrating God's sovereignty, justice, and the fulfillment of His divine purposes. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as a warrior who leads His people to victory, often against overwhelming odds, to establish His covenant and demonstrate His power.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament is replete with accounts of triumphant warfare, where God intervenes on behalf of Israel. One of the earliest examples is the Exodus, where God delivers the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. In Exodus 15:3, Moses declares, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." This victory is celebrated as a divine triumph over the forces of oppression.

The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is another significant example. God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous, promising victory over the inhabitants of the land (Joshua 1:6). The fall of Jericho, as described in Joshua 6, is a miraculous triumph where the walls collapse after the Israelites march around the city in obedience to God's instructions.

The account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is a classic narrative of triumphant war. David, a young shepherd, defeats the Philistine giant Goliath with a sling and a stone, proclaiming, "The battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47). This victory underscores the theme that triumph in war is not by human might but by divine intervention.

Divine Justice and Judgment

Triumphant war in the Bible often serves as an instrument of divine justice. The destruction of the Canaanite nations is portrayed as God's judgment against their wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). Similarly, the victories of the judges, such as Gideon and Samson, are seen as deliverance from oppression and a return to covenant faithfulness.

In the prophetic literature, triumphant war is depicted as part of God's eschatological plan. Isaiah 42:13 describes the LORD as a mighty warrior who will prevail against His enemies, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament shifts focus from physical warfare to spiritual battles, the theme of triumph remains. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate victor over sin and death. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" . This victory is spiritual, yet it echoes the Old Testament theme of God as a triumphant warrior.

The Book of Revelation presents a vivid picture of Christ as a conquering King. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Jesus as riding a white horse, leading the armies of heaven to defeat the forces of evil. This imagery reinforces the idea of divine triumph and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Spiritual Warfare

In the Christian life, the concept of triumphant war is applied to spiritual warfare. Believers are called to "put on the full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. The victory is assured through faith in Christ, who empowers His followers to overcome spiritual adversaries.

Conclusion

The theme of triumphant war in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfill His promises. Whether through physical battles in the Old Testament or spiritual victories in the New Testament, the ultimate triumph belongs to the Lord, who leads His people to victory for His glory and their good.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 8:37
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
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2 Corinthians 10:5
Casting 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;
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Library

That Constantine Prepared Himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius ...
... They replied with one voice, that he would unquestionably be victorious over his
enemies, and triumphant in the war: and the oracles everywhere held out to him ...
/.../the life of constantine/chapter iv that constantine prepared himself.htm

The Triumphant Entry
... Mark CHAPTER 11:1-11 THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY. ... The monarchs of the East and the captains
of the West might ride upon horses as for war, but the King of Sion would ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 11 1-11 the triumphant entry.htm

St. Stephen 85. The Son of God Goes Forth to War
... goes forth to war,. A kingly crown to gain; His blood-red banner streams afar: Who
follows in his train? Who best can drink his cup of woe,. Triumphant over pain ...
/.../st stephen 85 the son.htm

The End of the War
... tribes, whose departure was the signal that the war was ended (xxii.1- 8). We may
consider the lessons from these two separately. I. The triumphant record of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm

A Nation's Duty in a War for Freedom.
... had we heard this glorious call when our ear was greeted by the triumphant shout
of a ... our attention at this hour, so that for us also this holy war may begin ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/iii a nations duty in.htm

Christ Triumphant
... Ye war against a king who hath lost his crown; ye fight against an enemy ... of his bleeding,
his wounds, and his pains, actually being a triumphant victor, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

And Now we May Well Compare the Present with Former Things...
... the august and pious reign of our victorious emperor, or his triumphant conquests
everywhere ... I ask, are those who once maintained the strife of war, yet now ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter ix and now we.htm

How to Speak in Public
... of the men who proved themselves equal to the mighty days, let us the children of
the men who carried the great Civil War to a triumphant conclusion, praise ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/how to speak in public.htm

"And Watch unto Prayer. "
... a warfare to accomplish in this world, and therefore the church here is militant,
and in heaven triumphant, 1 Timothy 1:18. Every Christian should war a good ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxi and watch unto.htm

Second Five Years.
... Constantine, found it in a pretended desire to avenge his father (Zos.2.14), and
prepared for war. ... [313] c.7) he continued his triumphant march, defeating the ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 4 second five years.htm