Topical Encyclopedia War, a recurring theme throughout the Bible, is depicted as a grievous and bloody affair, often serving as a backdrop for divine judgment, human sin, and the unfolding of God's sovereign plans. The Bible presents war as both a physical and spiritual reality, with battles fought on earthly fields and in the heavenly realms.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, war is frequently portrayed as a tool used by God to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment against sinful nations or in the defense and establishment of Israel. The Israelites, under divine command, engaged in numerous battles to claim the Promised Land. The conquest of Canaan, as described in the Book of Joshua, is a prime example where war is depicted as a divinely sanctioned act. Joshua 6:21 recounts the fall of Jericho: "At the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys." The period of the Judges further illustrates the cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance, with war serving as a means of liberation. Judges 3:10 states, "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." King David, a central figure in Israel's history, was a warrior king whose reign was marked by numerous military campaigns. His psalms often reflect the harsh realities of war and his reliance on God for victory. Psalm 144:1 declares, "Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." Prophetic and Poetic Reflections The prophets frequently spoke of war as a consequence of Israel's disobedience and as a harbinger of divine judgment. Isaiah 13:4-5 describes the gathering of nations for battle as an act of God's wrath: "Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mustering an army for war. They are coming from faraway lands, from the ends of the heavens—the LORD and the weapons of His wrath—to destroy the whole country." The poetic books, such as Psalms and Proverbs, often reflect on the nature of war and its impact on humanity. Proverbs 20:18 advises, "Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual warfare. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, taught His followers to love their enemies and turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). However, the concept of spiritual warfare is prominent, as believers are called to stand firm against the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12 emphasizes this battle: "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." The Book of Revelation presents apocalyptic visions of war, symbolizing the ultimate conflict between good and evil. Revelation 19:11-15 depicts Christ as a warrior king: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war." Theological Implications War in the Bible is often a reflection of the fallen state of humanity and the consequences of sin. It serves as a reminder of the need for divine intervention and the hope of ultimate peace through Christ. While the Bible acknowledges the reality of war, it also points to a future where swords will be beaten into plowshares and nations will no longer learn war (Isaiah 2:4). Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 14:22Likewise all the men of Israel which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 5:22 2 Chronicles 14:13 2 Chronicles 28:6 Library Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) The Life of Mr. John Welch. Meditation on God Looking unto Jesus The Hymns of Isaac Watts That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... The Persecutions of the Church. 'Other Sheep' The Best Friend Jacob's Waking Exclamation 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) |
    |