Topical Encyclopedia War, as a concept and practice, is deeply rooted in the history of humanity and is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. The antiquity of war is evident from the earliest chapters of the Scriptures, reflecting the fallen nature of mankind and the resulting conflicts that arise from sin.The first explicit mention of war in the Bible occurs in Genesis 14, where a coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer wages war against the cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. This passage illustrates the organized nature of warfare even in ancient times, as well as the involvement of notable biblical figures such as Abram (later Abraham), who intervenes to rescue his nephew Lot. Genesis 14:14-16 states, "When Abram heard that his relative had been captured, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household, and they set out in pursuit as far as Dan. During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. He recovered all the goods, as well as his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the rest of the people." The Bible also records the wars of the Israelites as they journeyed to the Promised Land. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a significant example, where the Israelites, under divine command, engaged in battles to claim the land promised to them by God. Joshua 6:20 describes the fall of Jericho: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it." Throughout the period of the Judges, Israel experienced cycles of oppression and deliverance, often involving warfare. Judges 3:10 highlights the role of the Spirit of the Lord in empowering leaders for battle: "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into his hand, so that Othniel overpowered him." The reigns of King Saul, David, and Solomon further illustrate the prevalence of war in ancient Israel. David, in particular, is renowned for his military exploits, which established Israel as a dominant power in the region. 1 Samuel 18:7 recounts the popular acclaim for David's victories: "And as the women danced, they sang out: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.'" The Bible also addresses the moral and spiritual dimensions of war. While warfare is often depicted as a means of divine judgment or deliverance, the Scriptures also emphasize the importance of seeking God's guidance and maintaining righteousness. In 2 Chronicles 20:15 , during the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the prophet Jahaziel declares, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." The antiquity of war in the biblical narrative underscores the persistent reality of conflict in a fallen world, while also pointing to the hope of ultimate peace through divine intervention and the establishment of God's kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 14:2That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 3196. melos -- a member or limb (of the body) ... [3196 () was used in antiquity of instruments of war and implements ("working parts") of a ship. Paul used it in relation to the various functions of .]. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3196.htm - 7k Library Antiquity of Christianity. Testimony of the Chaldeans to the Antiquity of Moses. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ... The Example Set us by the Martyrs, whom no Force could Hinder from ... Josephus and the Works which He Has Left. The Philosophy of the Christians More Ancient than that of the ... That Rome Made Its Founder Romulus a God Because it Loved Him; but ... Preface Resources What does the Bible say about killing in war? Is killing in war a sin? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Bible prophecy predict that there will be a World War 3 (III, three) before the end times? | GotQuestions.org Does the Bible say anything about holy 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) |