Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, war is often depicted as an instrument used by God to fulfill His divine purposes. Throughout the Old Testament, God frequently commands His people, the Israelites, to engage in warfare as a means of judgment, deliverance, and the establishment of His covenant promises.
Divine Command and JudgmentOne of the earliest instances of God ordering war is found in the conquest of Canaan. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, are commanded to take possession of the Promised Land. In
Deuteronomy 7:1-2 , God instructs, "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations... you must devote them to complete destruction." This command serves as a divine judgment against the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and wickedness, as well as a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham.
War as DeliveranceGod also uses war as a means of delivering His people from oppression. In the book of Judges, God raises up leaders to deliver Israel from the hands of their enemies. For example, in
Judges 6:14 , the LORD says to Gideon, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?" Here, war is depicted as a divinely sanctioned act of liberation, with God empowering His chosen leaders to achieve victory.
Establishment of the KingdomThe establishment of the Israelite monarchy under King David further illustrates God's use of war to establish His kingdom. David, a man after God's own heart, is frequently engaged in battles to secure and expand the borders of Israel. In
2 Samuel 5:19 , David inquires of the LORD, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?" The LORD responds affirmatively, indicating divine approval and support for the military campaign.
Prophetic WarfareThe prophets also speak of wars ordained by God, often as instruments of His judgment against Israel and other nations. In
Isaiah 13:4-5 , the prophet declares, "Listen, a tumult on the mountains, like that of a great multitude! Listen, an uproar among the kingdoms, like nations gathered together! The LORD of Hosts is mustering an army for war." This passage highlights God's sovereignty over the nations and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine will.
Spiritual WarfareWhile the Old Testament frequently depicts physical warfare, the New Testament shifts the focus 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." Here, the concept of war is expanded to include the spiritual battles faced by believers, emphasizing the need for divine armor and reliance on God's strength.
Throughout the biblical narrative, war is portrayed as a tool used by God to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment, deliverance, or the establishment of His kingdom. The consistent theme is God's sovereignty and His active role in the affairs of nations and individuals, guiding history according to His divine plan.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 17:16For he said, Because the LORD has sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.
Torrey's Topical TextbookNumbers 31:1,2
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Deuteronomy 7:1,2
When the LORD your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, and has cast out many nations before you, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than you;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 15:1-3
Samuel also said to Saul, The LORD sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore listen you to the voice of the words of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed byGod, While He...
...God frequently exclaims, that by his hiss, by the clang of... authority and command,
the wicked are excited towar.... were not useful to be known,God never would...
His Name --The MightyGod
... Why has he not left on record awar cry for the... everlasting but one who is self-existent,
who isGod. Again: howfrequently do we repeat over to ourselves that...
Whether it is Lawful for Clerics and Bishops to Fight?
... Igitur): "As untoward tidings hadfrequently come from the... it is sometimes right
and meritorious to makewar, for it... or in defense of Christians,God will give...
The Knowledge ofGod Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual...
... power and wisdom is more refulgent in the firmament, it isfrequently designated
as... as a vantage-ground, from which to wage more audaciouswar withGod....
Dwight -- the Sovereignty ofGod
... in the army during the RevolutionaryWar and was... But howfrequently are expectations
raised only to be...God never designed that intelligent beings should be...
In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the TrueGod...
... of all the angels, they arefrequently so designated... With regard to the strife and
war which Satan is... to overlook the glorious perfections whichGod displays in...
City ofGod
... Chapter 14.--That Plato, Who Excluded Poets from a Well-Ordered City, Was Better...
Chapter 22.--The Durations and Issues ofWar Depend on the Will ofGod....
Book 4 Footnotes
... ie the constant remembrance and observation of the laws ofGod by Moses, befrequently
inculcated in... sect.38, of his Life, sect.14, and of theWar, B. II....
Concerning the Seditions at Jerusalem and what Terrible Miseries...
... that were above him, which happenedfrequently, from their... and their largeness; but
thewar coming on... constructed by his impiety; butGod himself demonstrated...
Of the Sixth Seal.
... v.31; and elsewherefrequently to be found; so that this passage... But when they who
were the authors of thewar undertaken againstGod, were brought...
Resources
What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.orgWar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
