Topical Encyclopedia The concept of war is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a necessary aspect of human existence in a fallen world. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where war is portrayed as an instrument of divine judgment, a means of deliverance, or a test of faith and obedience.Ecclesiastes 3:8 · The Bible acknowledges that there is "a time for war and a time for peace." This verse, part of a larger passage that reflects on the seasons and times appointed by God, suggests that war, like other human experiences, has its place within God's sovereign plan. Divine Judgment and Warfare · In the Old Testament, God often uses war as a tool for executing judgment against nations that have turned away from His commandments. For example, the conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership was a divinely sanctioned campaign to fulfill God's promise to Israel and to judge the Canaanite nations for their iniquity (Joshua 6:21). The Israelites were commanded to carry out these wars with the understanding that they were instruments of God's justice. Deliverance and Protection · War is also depicted as a means of deliverance for God's people. In the book of Judges, God raises up leaders like Gideon and Samson to deliver Israel from the oppression of surrounding nations. These wars are portrayed as acts of divine intervention, where God empowers His chosen leaders to secure victory and peace for Israel (Judges 7:22). Faith and Obedience · The Bible often links success in warfare to the faith and obedience of God's people. In 1 Samuel 17, David's victory over Goliath is attributed to his unwavering faith in God rather than military prowess. David declares, "The battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:47). This narrative underscores the belief that reliance on God, rather than human strength, is the key to triumph in warfare. Moral and Ethical Considerations · While the Bible records numerous instances of war, it also emphasizes the importance of righteousness and justice in the conduct of war. Deuteronomy 20 provides guidelines for warfare, including the offering of peace before engaging in battle and the protection of non-combatants. These instructions reflect a concern for ethical conduct even in times of war. Prophetic Visions of Peace · Despite the acknowledgment of war's necessity, the Bible also looks forward to a future where war will be no more. Prophets like Isaiah envision a time when nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks" (Isaiah 2:4). This prophetic hope points to the ultimate peace that will be established under the reign of the Messiah. In summary, the Bible presents war as a complex and multifaceted reality, acknowledging its place within God's providential order while also pointing towards a future where peace will prevail. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ecclesiastes 3:8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Strong's Hebrew 6635. tsaba -- army, war, warfare... Organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship) -- appointed time, (+) army, (+) battle ... /hebrew/6635.htm - 6k 4421. milchamah -- a battle, war Library In Time of War. Morning Prayer in Time of War and Persecution. LM Aikin. In Time of War. May-Time in War. In Time of War. Psalm 20. Prayer and Hope of victory. For a Day of Prayer in Time ... That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon Made War with the Adjoining ... Morning Prayer in Time of Distress. For this Present Time is Filled with all Things that are Most ... The Triumph of Humility. Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | 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) |
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