Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: War campaigns in the Bible are significant events that often reflect the spiritual and moral state of the people involved. These campaigns are not only historical accounts but also serve as allegories for spiritual battles and divine intervention. The Bible presents war as a means through which God executes judgment, delivers His people, and fulfills His promises. Old Testament War Campaigns: 1. The Conquest of Canaan: The Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua is one of the most detailed war campaigns in the Bible. God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, promising victory over the Canaanite nations. The campaign began with the miraculous fall of Jericho (Joshua 6:20: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it.") and continued with a series of battles that demonstrated God's power and faithfulness. 2. The Battles of King David: King David was a warrior king whose campaigns expanded Israel's territory and established it as a dominant power in the region. His military exploits are recorded in 1 and 2 Samuel. David's reliance on God for victory is exemplified in his battle against the Philistines, where he famously defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:50: "Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; he struck the Philistine and killed him, though David had no sword in his hand."). 3. The Assyrian and Babylonian Campaigns: The Assyrian and Babylonian campaigns against Israel and Judah were acts of divine judgment due to the nations' persistent idolatry and disobedience. The fall of Samaria to the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:6) and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians (2 Kings 25:9-10) are pivotal events that underscore the consequences of turning away from God. New Testament Context: 1. Spiritual Warfare: While the New Testament does not focus on physical war campaigns, it emphasizes spiritual warfare. Believers are called to put on the "full armor of God" to stand against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes."). This metaphorical language highlights the ongoing battle between good and evil, urging Christians to remain vigilant and faithful. 2. The Battle of Armageddon: The Book of Revelation describes a future war campaign known as the Battle of Armageddon, where the forces of evil will be defeated by Christ at His second coming (Revelation 16:16: "And they assembled the kings in the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon."). This prophetic event symbolizes the ultimate victory of God over sin and evil. Theological Implications: War campaigns in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for God's sovereignty and justice. They illustrate the consequences of sin, the importance of obedience, and the assurance of divine deliverance. The narratives encourage believers to trust in God's plan and to engage in spiritual battles with faith and perseverance. 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 |