Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, God is often depicted as a divine warrior who intervenes in human affairs, particularly in matters of war and conflict. One of the recurring themes in Scripture is God's opposition to those who delight in war and violence. This theme underscores the divine preference for peace and justice, and the ultimate futility of relying on military might against the will of God.Divine Displeasure with War-Mongers The Bible consistently portrays God as displeased with those who take pleasure in war. In Psalm 68:30 , the psalmist calls upon God to "rebuke the beast in the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations, until it submits, bringing bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war." This verse highlights God's active role in scattering and defeating those who revel in conflict, emphasizing His power to bring about peace by dismantling the forces of aggression. God as a Warrior for Righteousness Throughout the Old Testament, God is depicted as a warrior who fights on behalf of His people, not for the sake of war itself, but to establish justice and righteousness. In Exodus 15:3 , it is declared, "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name." This characterization of God as a warrior is not an endorsement of war for its own sake but rather a testament to His commitment to protect His covenant people and uphold His divine purposes. The Futility of Trusting in Military Power Scripture warns against placing trust in military strength and human power. In Psalm 33:16-17 , it is written, "No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save." These verses serve as a reminder that ultimate security and victory come from God, not from human military prowess. God's Sovereignty Over Nations God's sovereignty over the nations is a central theme in the Bible, and it is particularly evident in His ability to scatter those who delight in war. In Isaiah 40:15 , the prophet declares, "Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust." This imagery underscores God's supreme authority over all nations and His power to humble those who exalt themselves through warfare. The Call to Peace While God is depicted as a warrior, the ultimate biblical vision is one of peace. In Isaiah 2:4 , the prophet envisions a future where "He will judge between the nations and settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This prophetic vision reflects God's desire for a world where peace prevails and war is no more. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of God as one who scatters those who delight in war serves as a powerful reminder of His commitment to peace and justice. It challenges believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His ways of peace, rather than relying on human strength and military might. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:30Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter you the people that delight in war. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 2 Thessalonians Toleration The Exaltation of Christ The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows Beauty for Ashes Another Royal Procession Paragraphs from Notable Speeches A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | 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) |
    |