Topical Encyclopedia
The term "conquests" in the biblical context primarily refers to the military campaigns and victories led by the Israelites under divine guidance, as recorded in the Old Testament. These conquests were often seen as the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, regarding the land of Canaan.
Conquest of CanaanThe most significant series of conquests in the Bible is the Israelites' conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. The Book of Joshua details these events, beginning with the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and the fall of Jericho.
Joshua 6:20 states, "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."
The conquest of Canaan was not merely a military endeavor but a divine mandate. God instructed the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of the land due to their idolatry and wickedness, as seen in
Deuteronomy 9:4-5 : "When the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say in your heart, 'The LORD has brought me in to possess this land because of my righteousness.' No, it is because of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is driving them out before you. It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land, but on account of the wickedness of these nations."
Divine Assistance and MiraclesThroughout the conquests, the Israelites experienced divine assistance and miraculous events that underscored God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The sun standing still at Gibeon (
Joshua 10:12-14) and the hailstones that defeated the Amorites (
Joshua 10:11) are examples of supernatural interventions that aided the Israelites in their campaigns.
Moral and Theological ImplicationsThe conquests raise significant moral and theological questions, particularly regarding the destruction of entire cities and peoples. From a conservative Christian perspective, these actions are understood within the context of divine judgment against sin and the establishment of a holy nation set apart for God's purposes. The conquests are seen as a necessary step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the coming of the Messiah.
Later Conquests and ConflictsBeyond the initial conquest of Canaan, the Bible records other conquests and conflicts involving the Israelites. The period of the Judges was marked by cycles of oppression and deliverance, where God raised up judges to lead the people to victory over their enemies. The reigns of King Saul, David, and Solomon also included military campaigns that expanded and secured the borders of Israel. David's conquest of Jerusalem and his victories over the Philistines, Moabites, and other neighboring nations are notable examples.
Spiritual ConquestIn the New Testament, the concept of conquest takes on a spiritual dimension. Believers are called to conquer sin and spiritual darkness through the power of Christ.
Romans 8:37 declares, "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." This spiritual conquest is achieved not through physical might but through faith, obedience, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
The theme of conquest in the Bible, therefore, encompasses both historical events and spiritual truths, reflecting God's justice, faithfulness, and ultimate victory over evil.
Library
The Suffering Servant --vi
... prophecy. It does not seem a worthy close simply to say that the Servant
is to be like a Cyrus or a Nebuchadnezzar in Hisconquests....
The Inroads of Mahometanism
... [Sidenote: andconquests of Mahomet.] He made himself master of the whole of Arabia...
Section 3. The Spread of Mahometanism. [Sidenote: Mahometanconquests]....
David's Hymn of victory
... reads 'trembling.'. Now this vision of extendedconquests, based as it is
on past smaller victories, carries valuable lessons. David...
Spanish Conquest-The Propagation, Decay, and Downfall of Spanish...
... to the Spaniards, and friars of the regular orders for mission work among the
Indians"at cost of the royal treasury or as a charge upon the newconquests....
The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon.
... The Athenian fugitive."He is murdered by the women."The Persian army."Its commander,
Datis."Sailing of the fleet."Variousconquests."Landing of the...
The Death of Cyrus.
... BC530 Progress of Cyrus'sconquests."The northern countries."The Scythians."Their
warlike character."Cyrus's sons."His queen."Selfish views of Cyrus...
England's Strength
... and boastfully he taunted the Jews with their weakness; how, like the Russian emperor
now, he called in religion as the excuse for hisconquests and robberies...
The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... heads"the great horn of the rough goat gave place to four horns; so when Alexander
was taken away so suddenly from the midst of hisconquests, leaving no one...
Cyrus, the Servant Of-The Lord {4}
... And to theconquests of Cyrus"so strangely are all great times and great movements
of the human family linked to each other"to hisconquests, humanly...
The Servant of the Lord.
... And to theconquests of Cyrus"so strangely are all great times and great movements
of the human family linked to each other"to hisconquests, humanly...
Thesaurus
Conquests (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Conquests (1 Occurrence). Colossians 2:15 And the
hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and
...Shishak (6 Occurrences)
... His reign was one of great national success, and a record of his wars andconquests
adorns the portico of what are called the "Bubastite kings" at Karnak, the...
Seleucus
... He took part in Alexander's Asiaticconquests, and on the division of these
on Alexander's death he obtained the satrapy of Babylonia....
Anem (1 Occurrence)
... of Jabin, king of Hazor, and allied kings at the waters of Merom (11:1-9); destruction
of Hazor (11:10-15); reiterated summary of Joshua'sconquests (11:16-23...
Armenia (2 Occurrences)
... (According to Jewish tradition this was one of the Kurdish mountains.) It is next
spoken of by Sargon I of Agade, circa 3800 BC, as among hisconquests....
Hittites (39 Occurrences)
... Theconquests of Aahmes were maintained by his successors Amenophis I and Thothmes
I and II; but when Thothmes III attained his majority (about 1580 BC), a...
Great (10383 Occurrences)
... 8. Close of His Life: Thus compelled to give up hopes ofconquests in the farther
East, he returned to Babylon, which he purposed to make the supreme capital...
Gaza (22 Occurrences)
... times (Genesis 10:19). Joshua reached it in hisconquests but did not take
it (Joshua 10:41; Joshua 11:22). Judah captured it (Judges...
Furniture (24 Occurrences)
... and is rendered "furniture." The prophet refers to the abundant, costly, luxurious
furniture and raiment, largely the results of theirconquests and plunder in...
Triumphed (8 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:15 And the hostile princes and rulers He shook off from Himself, and
boldly displayed them as Hisconquests, when by the Cross He triumphed over...
Resources
What is the significance of the Greek Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the four beasts in Daniel chapter 7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ or CCCI), and what are their beliefs? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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