Topical Bible: War: Frequently Long Continued

◄ War: Frequently Long Continued ►

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War, as depicted in the Bible, is often a prolonged and enduring conflict, reflecting both the physical and spiritual battles faced by the people of God. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts of wars that extended over long periods, serving as both historical records and spiritual allegories.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Conquest of Canaan: The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, engaged in a protracted campaign to conquer the Promised Land. This series of battles, as described in the Book of Joshua, was not a swift conquest but rather a drawn-out process. Joshua 11:18 states, "Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long time." The extended nature of this conflict underscores the perseverance required to fulfill God's promises.

2. The Philistine Wars: The Israelites frequently clashed with the Philistines, a conflict that spanned several generations. Notable figures such as Samson, Saul, and David were involved in these ongoing battles. The struggle against the Philistines is emblematic of the persistent challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal identity and territory. 1 Samuel 14:52 notes, "There was fierce war with the Philistines all the days of Saul."

3. The Assyrian and Babylonian Sieges: The protracted sieges of Samaria and Jerusalem by the Assyrians and Babylonians, respectively, were significant events in Israel's history. These sieges were not only military confrontations but also divine judgments upon the nation for its disobedience. 2 Kings 17:5 records, "Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on physical warfare to the same extent as the Old Testament, it does address the concept of spiritual warfare, which is often depicted as a continuous and enduring struggle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Theological Implications

The Bible's portrayal of long-continued wars serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of the battle between good and evil. These accounts encourage believers to remain steadfast and faithful, trusting in God's ultimate victory. The protracted nature of these conflicts also highlights the importance of reliance on divine guidance and strength, as human efforts alone are insufficient to achieve lasting peace and righteousness.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, the Bible's depiction of war raises questions about justice, righteousness, and the human condition. The prolonged nature of these conflicts often reflects the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the necessity of divine intervention for resolution. Believers are called to seek peace and pursue justice, recognizing that true and lasting peace comes from adherence to God's will and commandments.

Conclusion

The theme of long-continued war in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual battles faced by believers. It underscores the need for perseverance, faith, and reliance on God in the face of enduring challenges. Through these accounts, the Scriptures provide both historical insight and spiritual guidance for navigating the complexities of conflict in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 3:1
Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book 1 Footnotes:
... or Governor of mankind, and who frequently in those ... Tournefort had, not very long
since, a mind to see ... neglected, with regard to that Ethiopic war which Moses ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm

Providential Guidance
... connection with my Society, it being frequently in debt ... British, and the commencement
of our second Chinese war. ... The first of these two long continued to preach ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter xiv providential guidance.htm

History of the Mt. Byrd Church. When Established. Where. Charter ...
... Much of the long-continued prosperity of the Mt. ... to them than political interests;
that the war would end ... Though soldiers of both armies were frequently in the ...
/.../chapter xiii history of the.htm

On Redeeming the Time
... Other causes may frequently concur; but the chief is, we ... sleeping too long, or lying
too long in bed ... renounce other pleasures and tempers that war against the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 93 on redeeming the.htm

The Waldenses.
... War, intrigue, and deception were employed against these ... the treasures of truth so
long concealed by ... institutions of learning, and frequently its principles ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm

The Waldenses
... War, intrigue, and deception were employed against these ... the treasures of truth so
long concealed by ... institutions of learning, and frequently its principles ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm

After the War.
... of immediate results in bringing the long-depressed race ... When the convulsion of the
Civil War came on ... Great gifts like these were frequently directed to objects ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xx after the war.htm

Called to Swatow
... little room, however, and not easily shall I forget the long hot summer ... thousand
people of the same clan and surname, who were frequently at war with the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xii called to swatow.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... when thou seizest thy arms, in thy war-chariot ... a certain Aziru, or vice versa, so
long as both ... the difficulties into which their calling frequently brought them ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Whether it was Desirable that the Roman Empire Should be Increased ...
... neighbors round about, and only so long as they ... give peace or the victories of war,
which almost ... out through some human emotion, and frequently in opposition ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 10 whether it was desirable.htm