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◄ Time for War►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of a "time for war" is rooted in the biblical understanding of the seasons and purposes ordained by God. This idea is most explicitly articulated in the book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher reflects on the various times and seasons appointed by God for every activity under heaven.Ecclesiastes 3:8 states, "a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." This passage suggests that war, like other human experiences, falls within the divine order and timing established by God.

Biblical Context and Examples

Throughout the Old Testament, war is often depicted as a necessary action in the unfolding of God's plan for His people. The Israelites, under divine command, engaged in battles to claim the Promised Land, as seen in the book of Joshua.Joshua 1:6 records God's command to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people the inheritance of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them." Here, war is portrayed as a means to fulfill God's promises.

The wars of Israel are frequently described as acts of divine judgment against nations whose iniquity had reached its fullness. InDeuteronomy 20, God provides specific instructions for warfare, emphasizing that the Israelites should rely on Him for victory.Deuteronomy 20:4 assures them, "For the LORD your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory."

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible acknowledges the harsh realities of war but also sets forth moral and ethical guidelines for conduct during warfare. The Israelites were instructed to offer terms of peace before engaging in battle (Deuteronomy 20:10-12) and to spare non-combatants and those who surrendered. These regulations highlight a concern for justice and mercy even in times of conflict.

The prophetic literature often reflects on the consequences of war and the hope for a future peace.Isaiah 2:4 envisions a time when nations "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer take up the sword against nation, nor will they train anymore for war." This prophetic vision underscores the temporary nature of war in God's ultimate plan for peace.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual warfare.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." Believers are called to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

While the New Testament emphasizes peace and reconciliation, it does not negate the reality of conflict in a fallen world. Jesus Himself acknowledged the presence of wars and rumors of wars as part of the signs of the times (Matthew 24:6). However, He also taught His followers to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Conclusion

The biblical concept of a "time for war" recognizes the complex interplay between divine sovereignty, human agency, and the moral imperatives that guide believers. While war is sometimes depicted as a necessary part of God's plan, the ultimate biblical vision is one of peace and reconciliation, both in the present spiritual realm and in the future consummation of God's kingdom.

Topical Bible Verses

Ecclesiastes 3:8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:6
And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Topicalbible.org

Strong's Hebrew

4421. milchamah -- a battle,war
... battle,war NASB Word Usage attacked (1), battle (148), battle* (1), battles (6),
fight (2), military (1), onslaught (1), soldiers* (3),time ofwar (1), wage...

6635. tsaba -- army,war, warfare
... literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship) -- appointedtime, (+)
army, (+) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon,war(-fare...

Library

InTime ofWar.
... THE SEASONS, ANNUAL OCCASIONS, ETC. 875. " Intime ofWar. 875. LM Aikin.
Intime ofWar. 1 While sounds ofwar are heard around...

Morning Prayer inTime ofWar and Persecution.
... Morning Prayer InTime ofWar and Persecution. Ill. InTime ofWar and Persecution.
8,8,8,8. Es geht daher des Tages Schein. [157]Bohemian Brethren....

LM Aikin. InTime ofWar.
... SUPPLEMENT. 580. LM Aikin. InTime ofWar. 1 While sounds ofwar are heard
around, And death and ruin strew the ground, To Thee...

May-Time inWar.
... MAY-TIME INWAR. Der Meister ist ja lobenswerth. Worthy of praise the Master-hand.
That hath created all,. And Father-like, by sea and land,....

InTime ofWar.
... VIII. VARIOUS OCCASIONS. 420. 10 & 6s. M. * InTime ofWar. 1 Lord, once our
faith in man no fear could move; Now save it from despair!...

Psalm 20. Prayer and Hope of victory. For a Day of Prayer inTime...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 20. Prayer and hope of victory. For
a day of prayer intime ofwar. 1 Now may the God of power...

That the Judges who Succeeded Gideon MadeWar with the Adjoining...
... From The Death Of Moses To The Death Of Eli. CHAPTER 7. That The Judges Who Succeeded
Gideon MadeWar With The Adjoining Nations For A LongTime....

How Wilbrord, Preaching in Frisand, Converted Many to Christ; and...
...war is on the point of breaking out, they cast lots indifferently, and on whomsoever
the lot falls, him they all follow and obey during thetime ofwar; but as...

Morning Prayer inTime of Distress.
... IV. InTime of Distress. WRITTEN DURING THE THIRTY YEARS'WAR. 12,14,6,14.
Wenn ich in Angst und Noth. [159]MA von L??wenstern. When...

Christian Singers of Germany
... Hymn Writers. PRAISE. Martin Rinkart. The K??nigsberg Circle. Heinrich Albert. Simon
Dach. HEAVEN. Robert Roberthin. MAY-TIME INWAR. Johann von Rist. EASTER EVE...