Topical Encyclopedia War, as depicted in the Bible, is a recurring theme that often involves large armies and significant battles. Throughout the biblical narrative, war serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the struggles between nations, peoples, and spiritual forces. The Bible provides numerous accounts of large armies engaged in warfare, reflecting the historical and spiritual realities of the times.Old Testament Accounts 1. The Battle of the Valley of Siddim: One of the earliest recorded large-scale battles is found in Genesis 14, where the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar) fought against the kings of Shinar, Ellasar, Elam, and Goiim. This coalition of kings and their armies engaged in battle in the Valley of Siddim, demonstrating the complex political and military alliances of the time. 2. The Exodus and the Conquest of Canaan: The Israelites, under the leadership of Moses and later Joshua, encountered numerous large armies as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land. In Exodus 14, the Egyptian army pursued the Israelites to the Red Sea, where God miraculously delivered His people. Later, in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua led the Israelites against formidable foes, including the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the coalition of kings in the battle of Gibeon (Joshua 10). 3. The Philistine Wars: The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. In 1 Samuel 17, the famous encounter between David and Goliath took place within the context of a larger conflict between the Israelite and Philistine armies. The Philistines' military prowess and frequent engagements with Israel are a recurring theme in the books of Samuel. 4. The Assyrian and Babylonian Invasions: The Assyrian and Babylonian empires were known for their large and powerful armies. The Assyrian invasion of the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and the Babylonian conquest of Judah in 586 BC are significant events in biblical history. These invasions, described in 2 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 25, respectively, resulted in the exile of the Israelites and the destruction of Jerusalem. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not focus on large-scale military engagements in the same way as the Old Testament, the theme of spiritual warfare is prominent. Ephesians 6:12 states, "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." This passage highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil, transcending physical warfare. Theological Implications The Bible's depiction of war and large armies often serves as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and power. In many instances, God intervenes on behalf of His people, delivering them from seemingly insurmountable odds. The narrative of war in the Bible also underscores the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. Throughout Scripture, war is portrayed as both a physical and spiritual reality, reflecting the broader cosmic struggle between God's kingdom and the forces of darkness. The accounts of large armies frequently engaged in battle serve as reminders of the ultimate victory that God promises to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 13:3And Abijah set the battle in array with an army of valiant men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men: Jeroboam also set the battle in array against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men of valor. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 14:9 Library History of the Mt. Byrd Church. When Established. Where. Charter ... The Government of India. The Holy War, Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) To the Rev. A. Brandram The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom Chapter xiv From the Commencement of the Revolution in 1776, to Its ... Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest 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) |
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