Topical Bible: War: Preceded by Consultation

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In the biblical narrative, the concept of war is often depicted as a significant and serious undertaking, frequently preceded by consultation with God or wise counsel. This practice underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom before engaging in conflict, reflecting a deep reliance on God's will and direction.

Consultation with God

One of the most prominent examples of seeking divine consultation before war is found in the life of King David. Before engaging in battle, David consistently inquired of the Lord. In 1 Samuel 23:2, David asks, "Shall I go and attack these Philistines?" The Lord responds affirmatively, guiding David's actions. This pattern is repeated in 2 Samuel 5:19, where David again seeks the Lord's counsel before fighting the Philistines, demonstrating his dependence on God's guidance for military success.

Similarly, in Judges 20:18, the Israelites seek the Lord's direction before going to battle against the tribe of Benjamin. They ask, "Who of us shall go first to fight against the Benjamites?" The Lord answers, "Judah shall go first." This instance highlights the practice of consulting God to determine the order and strategy of engagement in warfare.

Consultation with Prophets and Priests

In addition to direct consultation with God, biblical leaders often sought the counsel of prophets and priests. In 1 Kings 22, King Jehoshaphat of Judah and King Ahab of Israel consult the prophet Micaiah before going to war against Ramoth-gilead. Despite the false assurances of other prophets, Micaiah delivers a true message from the Lord, emphasizing the importance of seeking genuine prophetic insight.

The role of the priesthood in consultation is also evident in Numbers 27:21, where Eleazar the priest is instructed to use the Urim to obtain decisions from the Lord for Joshua. This method of divine consultation was crucial for making strategic decisions, including those related to warfare.

Consultation with Wise Counselors

The Bible also records instances where leaders sought the advice of wise counselors before engaging in war. In 2 Samuel 16:20-23, Absalom consults Ahithophel, whose counsel was highly regarded, "as if one inquired of the word of God." Although Absalom's rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful, the narrative illustrates the value placed on wise counsel in military matters.

In Proverbs 20:18, the importance of seeking advice is encapsulated in the wisdom literature: "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war." This proverb underscores the necessity of strategic planning and the role of wise advisors in the preparation for conflict.

Conclusion

The biblical approach to war, as seen through the lens of consultation, reflects a profound recognition of the need for divine guidance and wise counsel. Whether through direct inquiry of the Lord, the mediation of prophets and priests, or the advice of trusted counselors, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance before engaging in warfare. This practice not only demonstrates a reliance on God's sovereignty but also highlights the value of wisdom and discernment in the pursuit of just and righteous outcomes in conflict.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:31
Or what king, going to make war against another king, sits not down first, and consults whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that comes against him with twenty thousand?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 24:6
For by wise counsel you shall make your war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Holy War,
... In the 'Holy War,' Bunyan has not been, nor can he ever be, charged with
copying from any author who preceded him. Erasmus, Gouge ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

The End
... drawn-out misery and daily increasing famine preceded the fall ... feeble king and his
'men of war' who had ... which, no doubt, there was much consultation at Riblah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the end.htm

Faithlessness and Defeat
... significance, and so led to a precipitate rebellion, preceded by no ... Neither had part
in this war. ... the leaders was as heathen as the consultation which resulted ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/faithlessness and defeat.htm

The Morning of Good Friday.
... at, as did the Tetrarch and his men of war. ... presently they were again deep in
conversation or consultation. ... burst into the cry, which preceded Pilate's final ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv the morning of.htm

The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ...
... the whole church took part, was preceded and accompanied ... But the consultation must
have come to a result ... Verletzung des Gesetzes nicht m??glich war); auf dieser ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 34 the synod of.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... At the close of the Revolutionary War, some members of ... Mr. Willis preceded the others,
and gave out their ... Mr. Asbury entered into a consultation respecting the ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... Pinney, a Presbyterian minister, who had preceded him in ... called the brethren together
for mutual consultation and prayer ... in the year 1776, while war was raging ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Latitudinarian Churchmanship.
... of the drain upon the population which had resulted from the late war; it was ... But
neither in the plan of 1689, nor in any of those which preceded or followed ...
/.../chapter v latitudinarian churchmanship.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... wherefore the Medes assembled from all quarters and held a consultation on the ... fields
and woods, loutish and slow of understanding, unskilled in war, and not ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and include letters exchanged with provincial governors, augural predictions,
consultation of oracles ... those which had suffered most during the war, such as Uru ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm