Is killing in war a sin in the bible?

Is Killing in War a Sin in the Bible?

The question of whether killing in war is a sin in the Bible is a complex and controversial topic. On one hand, many biblical scholars argue that war and violence are unacceptable in the eyes of God. On the other hand, others argue that in certain circumstances, killing in war can be justified.

Direct Answer: No, Killing in War is Not Always a Sin

While the Bible does condemn killing and violence in certain situations, it also presents an exception for wars that are fought for just causes. In the book of Leviticus, the Lord commands the Israelites to go to war and to kill their enemies. In Leviticus 20:13, it says, "Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal shall be put to death." And in Leviticus 25:43-44, it says, "You shall not seek vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself."

However, when the Israelites went to war, they were to do so with a pure heart and a right conscience. In Deuteronomy 20:10-20, it says that when the Israelites came into a city and "the Lord your God has given it to you," they were to destroy all the people, animals, and even plants, "for an entire city must be dedicated to destruction." In Numbers 31:16-18, it says that when the Israelites fought against the Midianites, they were to kill all the males, including children, and only keep the women and children alive.

The Rules of War in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, there are specific rules and regulations governing warfare. These rules were given to the Israelites through the prophets and the Law of Moses. Some of these rules include:

• The prohibition of excessive brutality: In Deuteronomy 20:11, it says that before the Israelites went into battle, they were to approach the enemy and "say to them, ‘If they accept a peaceful settlement and open the gates to us, then all the people inside will be subject to your law.’"
• The prohibition of attacking non-combatants: In Leviticus 27:29, it says that a city that "makes a tree near it as a sacred pole," is to be left intact, and only the "tree" itself is to be destroyed. In Deuteronomy 20:19, it says that when the Israelites besiege a city, they were to spare the trees, especially those that "people use for food."
• The requirement to make a distinction between soldiers and non-combatants: In Leviticus 24:17-23, it says that an "eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" rule applies to soldiers, but not to non-combatants. In Deuteronomy 20:20-21, it says that the Israelites were not to destroy the "trees that are people," but rather only destroy those that are used for military purposes.

The Prophets’ Views on War

The prophets in the Old Testament also weighed in on the issue of war. Some of their views include:

• Isaiah: In Isaiah 2:2-4, it says that in the future, nations will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. In Isaiah 9:5, it says that God has brought peace to the nation and has "on the throne of David."
• Jeremiah: In Jeremiah 31:15-22, it says that the days will come when God will no longer "have regard for the persons" of the people and that mothers will no longer worry about their children, as the Lord will comfort the grieving and restore the earth. In Jeremiah 36:30-32, it says that God is going to bring destruction and war upon the nations because they have refused to obey the Lord.
• Hosea: In Hosea 13:12-15, it says that the Lord has long been "accused of being a harsh judge" and has used war to discipline his people. In Hosea 14:2, it says that God desires that his people will come back to him and be at peace.

Jesus’ Views on War

In the New Testament, Jesus also spoke about war and violence. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-42, "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well."

Jesus’ teaching on war is quite different from that of the Old Testament. In Matthew 26:52-54, Jesus told his disciples that if anyone hits them on the right cheek, they should "turn the other also". This means that Jesus is calling for non-violent resistance, not violent retaliation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, killing in war is not always a sin in the Bible. While the Old Testament presents an exception for wars that are fought for just causes, the prophets and Jesus taught that God is opposed to war and violence. The New Testament calls for non-violent resistance and love of one’s enemies. Ultimately, Christians must strive to be peacemakers, seeking to resolve conflicts peacefully and to promote understanding and cooperation between nations.

Table: Summary of Biblical Rules of War

Bullet Points:

• In the Old Testament, killing in war is presented as an exception to the general rule against killing and violence.
• The prophets taught that God is opposed to war and violence, but also recognized the necessity of war in certain situations.
• Jesus taught that non-violent resistance is the best way to deal with evil, rather than violence and retaliation.
• The New Testament calls for love of one’s enemies and peacemaking.
• Christians must strive to be peacemakers, seeking to resolve conflicts peacefully and to promote understanding and cooperation between nations.