Topical Encyclopedia The concept of victory in war being attributed to divine intervention is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This belief underscores the sovereignty and omnipotence of God, who is seen as the ultimate source of strength and success in battle. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where victory is ascribed to God's direct involvement, emphasizing that human efforts alone are insufficient without His blessing.Old Testament Examples 1. Exodus and the Amalekites: In Exodus 17:8-16, the Israelites face the Amalekites in battle. As Moses holds up his hands, Israel prevails, but when he lowers them, Amalek gains the upper hand. This narrative illustrates that the victory was not due to military might but to God's power working through Moses' obedience. Exodus 17:15-16 states, "And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner. 'Indeed,' he said, 'a hand was lifted up toward the throne of the LORD. The LORD will war against Amalek from generation to generation.'" 2. Joshua and the Battle of Jericho: In Joshua 6, the fall of Jericho is a testament to divine intervention. The Israelites, following God's specific instructions, march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls collapse after the priests blow their trumpets and the people shout. Joshua 6:16 records, "After the seventh time around, the priests blew the trumpets, and Joshua commanded the people, 'Shout! For the LORD has given you the city!'" 3. Gideon and the Midianites: Judges 7 recounts how God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that Israel would recognize that their victory over the Midianites was from Him. Judges 7:2 states, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands. Israel might boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’" 4. David and Goliath: In 1 Samuel 17, David's victory over Goliath is attributed to his faith in God rather than his own strength or skill. David declares in 1 Samuel 17:47 , "And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands." New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not focus on physical warfare, the theme of spiritual victory through God is prevalent. Believers are encouraged to rely on God's power to overcome spiritual battles. 1. Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:10-18 emphasizes the need for the "armor of God" to stand against spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:10 exhorts, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." 2. Victory through Christ: The ultimate victory over sin and death is achieved through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 proclaims, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Theological Implications The belief that victory in war is from God highlights several theological principles: · Divine Sovereignty: God is in control of all events, including the outcomes of battles. His purposes are accomplished through His divine will. · Human Dependence: Human strength and strategy are secondary to God's power. Success is contingent upon reliance on Him. · Faith and Obedience: Victory is often linked to the faith and obedience of God's people. Trusting in God's promises and following His commands are crucial for experiencing His deliverance. Throughout the Bible, the message is clear: true victory, whether in physical or spiritual battles, is a gift from God, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His people. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 15:57But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 2:14 Library The victory of the God-Beloved Emperors. Psalm 20. Prayer and Hope of victory. For a Day of Prayer in Time ... Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory The victory of Constantine, and the Blessings which under Him ... The War of Truth How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ... St. Ambrose Assures Gratian of victory, Declaring that it Has Been ... The victory of the King David's Song of victory Saul's War with the Amalekites, and Conquest of Them. Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | 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) |
    |