What Does the Bible Say About War in Israel?
The topic of war in Israel is one that has been debated extensively throughout history, and has sparked numerous discussions and analyses among scholars, theologians, and laypeople. As we delve into this complex issue, it is essential to examine the biblical stance on war in Israel.
The Biblical Context of War
Before we venture into the specifics of Bible’s teachings on war in Israel, it is crucial to understand the biblical context within which war is addressed.
- The Creation accounts: In Genesis 2:15, God allows Adam to work the soil, indicating that human occupation of the land is intended.
- The calling of Abraham: In Genesis 12:1, God commands Abraham to "go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you". This begins the story of Israel, which is marked by battles and conflicts.
- The conquest of Canaan: In Deuteronomy 7:1, God commands the Israelites to "destroy [the Canaanites’, Hittites’, Gergashites’, etc.] and make no covenants with them". This conquest is meant to fulfill God’s judgment on the Canaanite nations for their idolatry and immorality.
The Principles Governing War in Israel
The Bible outlines several key principles that govern war in Israel:
- First and foremost, war should be a last resort. In Deuteronomy 20:1, Moses instructs the people to "when thou goest forth to battel against thine enemy, and seest horsemen and charioteers among them, rejoice not over them, and say not, ‘Am I not a deliverance to thee?’ lest He that is pleased with thine enemy hath destroyed Thee". War should only be sought when all other avenues are exhausted.
- War should be waged with the intention of honoring God. 1 Samuel 14:6 states that "[Jonathan] said, “Behold, the [Philistines] comes out to meet us? Shall we not flee upon them? But the one who is with you who is in the field this day, and I my servants, will not pass over to the Philistine army, for the eternal God is with us… Who is all this vast multitude that I see…? Is it not worth while to deliver them who are with us?”. The Israelites had to "test those who were with", i.e., "test those who were faithful" to God, ensuring that they were warriors who were with Thee, and were united with Thee”.
- War should be conducted with a sense of humanitarian concern. In Joshua 6:18 and 20, God tells the Israelites to devote the city of Jericho to destruction, while sparing the lives of human beings. This contrast between the destruction of all living things and the retention of human life underscores God’s concern for the humans.
- War must be waged in accordance with God’s commands. In Deuteronomy 20:10-19, Moses outlines the provisions for war, emphasizing God’s role in giving His people victory. For example, the Israelites were not to worship the gods of conquered nations (Deut. 12:28-30).
The Types of War
The Bible distinguishes between two types of war:
- Holy War or Divine War: In battles where God is the sovereign, and His people participate in His judgment against Canaanite nations (such as the conquest of Jericho). Examples are Joshua 6, Jericho; Joshua 24:11-12 and the Conquest of Joshua.
- Legitimate War or Just War: In battles where, as a last resort, God’s people are striving to protect themselves and secure their land. Deuteronomy 20: provides guidance for these contexts.
The Aftermath and Treatment of Captives and Spoils
- Captives: In biblical times, captives were often incorporated into the household of the conqueror (Exodus 1:22; 10:11; Numbers 31:15-25; Deuteronomy 20:14;Joshua 6: 21-24;25-27). Similarly, in Deuteronomy 20:10, God commands the Israelites to "only thou shalt not make merchandise of them, because thou valuest them, but serve them, and serve thine enemies, their children, and their fields, and their vine yards, and their cities thereof, and the ground unto them"**.
- Spoils: In accordance with God’s commands and the principles of justice (Deuteronomy 22:1-4 and 23:15; 1 Samuel 2:29-30), the Israelites were instructed not to "devou[r] the spoils of war", but rather to leave some for the enemy for their sustenance to prevent them from slipping away and going thither, and so fortifying the city for Israel (Deuteronomy 20:14c).
Conclusion
Examining the biblical stance on war in Israel, several key principles emerge:
War should be a last resort
War must be waged with the intention of honoring God
War should be conducted with a sense of humanitarian concern
War must be waged in accordance with God’s commands
Distinctions are made between Holy and Legitimate Wars
Regarding the aftermath of war and the treatment of captives and spoils:
- Captives were frequently incorporated into the household and became part of the land
- Spoils were not to be ‘devoured’ but given to the enemy for survival
By understanding these concepts, we can better see the biblical perspective on the complex issue of war.
