Topical Encyclopedia Strife, a term often associated with conflict, discord, and contention, is a recurring theme in the Bible, illustrating the destructive path it paves towards violence. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings that highlight the dangers of strife and its potential to escalate into violent actions, disrupting peace and harmony among individuals and communities.Biblical Instances of Strife Leading to Violence 1. Cain and Abel: One of the earliest examples of strife leading to violence is found in the account of Cain and Abel. In Genesis 4:8 , "Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him." The strife between the brothers, fueled by jealousy and anger, culminated in the first murder recorded in the Bible. 2. Absalom's Rebellion: The account of Absalom, King David's son, is another illustration of strife escalating into violence. Absalom's discontent with his father led to a rebellion, resulting in a civil war within Israel. 2 Samuel 15:10 states, "Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: 'When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’" This act of strife against his father led to widespread violence and bloodshed. 3. The Conflict between Saul and David: The relationship between King Saul and David is marked by strife, primarily stemming from Saul's jealousy and fear of losing his throne. In 1 Samuel 18:11 , "And Saul hurled the spear, thinking, 'I will pin David to the wall.' But David eluded him twice." Saul's internal strife and envy led him to repeatedly attempt to kill David, resulting in a prolonged period of violence and pursuit. Teachings on Strife and Violence The Bible provides clear teachings on the dangers of strife and its potential to lead to violence. Proverbs 17:14 warns, "To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out." This proverb emphasizes the importance of avoiding strife to prevent the unleashing of destructive forces akin to a flood. James 4:1-2 further explores the origins of strife and its violent outcomes: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight." This passage highlights the internal desires and passions that give rise to strife, ultimately leading to violent actions. The Call to Peace In contrast to strife, the Bible calls believers to pursue peace and unity. Romans 12:18 instructs, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This call to peace is a recurring theme, urging individuals to seek reconciliation and harmony rather than allowing strife to fester and lead to violence. The teachings of Jesus further underscore the importance of peace. In Matthew 5:9 , Jesus declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the value placed on those who actively work to resolve strife and prevent violence, aligning themselves with God's desire for peace among His people. Through these accounts and teachings, the Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of the destructive nature of strife and its propensity to lead to violence, while simultaneously offering guidance on the pursuit of peace and reconciliation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 21:18,22And if men strive together, and one smite another with a stone, or with his fist, and he die not, but keeps his bed: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... Peace in the Soul Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ... The Saint Ceases not to Pray. Prayer the Way to Recover what is ... A Bundle of Proverbs The Impending Conflict The Impending Conflict. Progress of Reform in Germany. Progress of Reform in Germany Preliminary Remarks on the Feast of Easter: and How The Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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