Topical Bible: The Theocracy: or Immediate Government by God: Consisted in His: Proclaiming War

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In the context of ancient Israel, the theocracy represented a unique form of governance where God Himself was recognized as the supreme ruler. This divine rule was characterized by direct communication and intervention in the affairs of the nation, including the proclamation of war. The concept of theocracy is deeply rooted in the understanding that God’s will was to be executed on earth through His chosen people, and this included the conduct of warfare under His direct command.

Divine Command for War

Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous instances where God directly commands the Israelites to engage in warfare. These divine proclamations were not merely for territorial expansion but were often acts of judgment against nations whose iniquities had reached their fullness. In Deuteronomy 20:1-4 , God provides instructions for warfare, emphasizing His presence and support: "When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you."

Examples of God Proclaiming War

1. The Conquest of Canaan: One of the most significant examples of God proclaiming war is the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 1:2-6 , God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, assuring him of victory: "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses." This divine mandate was not only a fulfillment of the promise to the patriarchs but also an act of divine judgment against the Canaanite nations.

2. The Battle of Jericho: In Joshua 6, God provides specific instructions for the battle of Jericho, demonstrating His direct involvement in military strategy. The Israelites were to march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls would collapse at the sound of the trumpets, as God had decreed.

3. Gideon’s Victory over the Midianites: In Judges 7, God calls Gideon to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. The Lord reduces Gideon’s army to 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Judges 7:7 states, "The LORD said to Gideon, 'With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand.'"

The Role of Prophets and Leaders

In the theocratic system, prophets and leaders served as intermediaries through whom God communicated His will, including the proclamation of war. For instance, the prophet Samuel conveyed God’s command to King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15. The failure to fully execute God’s command led to Saul’s rejection as king, highlighting the importance of obedience in theocratic warfare.

The Purpose of Divine Warfare

The wars proclaimed by God served multiple purposes: they were acts of divine judgment, means of fulfilling covenant promises, and methods of purifying the land from idolatry and corruption. In Deuteronomy 9:4-5 , God clarifies that the conquest of Canaan was not due to Israel’s righteousness but because of the wickedness of the nations: "It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD your God is driving them out before you."

Conclusion

The theocracy of ancient Israel, with God as the direct ruler, included His sovereign right to proclaim war. These divine proclamations were integral to the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. Through these acts, God demonstrated His justice, faithfulness, and power, setting a precedent for understanding divine sovereignty and human obedience in the context of warfare.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 17:14-16
And the LORD said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 31:1,2
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Joshua 6:2,3
And the LORD said to Joshua, See, I have given into your hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor.
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Joshua 8:1
And the LORD said to Joshua, Fear not, neither be you dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
Torrey's Topical Textbook