The term "warred" in the context of the Bible refers to engaging in warfare or battle. Throughout the Scriptures, warfare is depicted as both a physical and spiritual reality, often reflecting the struggles between nations, peoples, and spiritual forces. The concept of war is woven into the narrative of the Bible, illustrating the consequences of sin, the justice of God, and the faithfulness of His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently engaged in warfare as they sought to claim and defend the land promised to them by God. The conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a prominent example, where the Israelites "warred" against the inhabitants of the land as commanded by God. Joshua 11:18 states, "Joshua waged war against all these kings for a long period of time." This period of warfare was seen as a fulfillment of God's promise and a means of establishing His chosen people in the land.

The judges of Israel also led the people in warfare against their oppressors. For instance, Judges 3:10 describes how the Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, enabling him to "war" against the king of Mesopotamia and deliver Israel. These acts of war were often seen as divinely sanctioned, with God Himself fighting on behalf of Israel.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of warfare takes on a more spiritual dimension. While physical battles are less emphasized, the idea of spiritual warfare becomes prominent. Believers are called to "war" against spiritual forces of evil. 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."

The Apostle Paul frequently uses military imagery to describe the Christian life, urging believers to put on the "full armor of God" (Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against the devil's schemes. This spiritual warfare requires faith, righteousness, and the Word of God as weapons.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of "warred" in the Bible underscores the reality of conflict in a fallen world. It highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, as well as the ultimate victory of God over evil. The wars in the Old Testament often serve as a backdrop for God's redemptive plan, pointing to the need for a Savior who would bring peace.

Moreover, the spiritual warfare described in the New Testament emphasizes the believer's role in resisting sin and standing firm in faith. It calls Christians to be vigilant, prayerful, and reliant on God's strength in the face of spiritual opposition.

Conclusion

The term "warred" in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual battles, reflecting the broader narrative of conflict and redemption. Whether through the historical accounts of Israel's battles or the spiritual struggles faced by believers, the concept of warfare in the Bible ultimately points to God's justice, faithfulness, and the hope of ultimate peace through Jesus Christ.(imp. & p. p.) of War.3898a. lacham -- to fight, do battle
... 1), fight (77), fighting (15), fights (2), fought (59), made war (1), make war
(5), making war (1), overcome (1), waging war (1), war (1), warred (2), warring ...
/hebrew/3898a.htm - 5k

1 Thessalonians i. 3-Jan
... Did not they that warred against the Preaching go to Paul's host, and not
having found him, drag Jason before the rulers of the city? ...
/.../homily i 1 thessalonians i.htm

John iii. 22
... But he desires to strike them for a while with awe and terror, and to show them
that they warred against none other than God Himself, when they warred against ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxix john iii 22.htm

The Jewish Rebellions
... Therefore they were to give up fleshly lusts, which warred against the soul, and
would only bring them to destruction; therefore they were to be holy, even as ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xv the jewish rebellions.htm

section second.
... But while they did not suffer themselves to be terrified by those who warred with
weapons of the flesh, this was a proof that they were in the service of a ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

The History of Saul
... After this it was so that the Philistines warred against the children of Israel,
against whom there was a battle, and the children of Israel overthrown and put ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Absolute Surrender
... all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses,
and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/absolute surrender.htm

section 3
... and we see bit by bit as we can bear it, how we have made provision for the flesh,
given occasion to the flesh, had confidence in the flesh, warred after the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 3.htm

The Holy Spirit Setting the Believer Free from the Power of ...
... this holy and just and good law without him which Paul himself approved after the
inward man, and this other law in his members which warred against the law of ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xi the holy spirit.htm

Concerning Military Service.
... 316] and Aaron wore a buckle, [317] and John (Baptist) is girt with leather [318]
and Joshua the son of Nun leads a line of march; and the People warred: if it ...
/.../tertullian/on idolatry/chapter xix concerning military service.htm

The Expedition against Elisha
... Now the king of Syria warred against Israel: and he took counsel with his
servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/v the expedition against elisha.htm

Warred (13 Occurrences)
... & pp) of War. Multi-Version Concordance Warred (13 Occurrences). ... Numbers 31:7 They
warred against Midian, as Yahweh commanded Moses; and they killed every male. ...
/w/warred.htm - 10k

Annals (41 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 14:19 The rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned,
behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel ...
/a/annals.htm - 18k

Jeroboam's (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 14:19 And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned,
behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of ...
/j/jeroboam's.htm - 9k

Medes (15 Occurrences)
... Esar-haddon in his 2nd year (679-678 BC) and Assurbani-pal warred with certain
Median tribes, whose power was now growing formidable. ...
/m/medes.htm - 18k

Military (44 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed,
and how he warred, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of ...
/m/military.htm - 21k

Jerobo'am (92 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 14:19 And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned,
behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of ...
/j/jerobo'am.htm - 32k

Aren't (102 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed,
and how he warred, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of ...
/a/aren't.htm - 35k

Yaudi (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Kings 14:28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his
might, how he warred, and how he recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which had ...
/y/yaudi.htm - 6k

Jehoshaphat's (2 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed,
and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of ...
/j/jehoshaphat's.htm - 7k

Jabneh (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Chronicles 26:6 He went forth and warred against the Philistines, and broke down
the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and he ...
/j/jabneh.htm - 10k

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