What Does the Bible Say about Israel and War (KJV)?
The question of what the Bible says about Israel and war is a complex and contentious one. The Bible is full of accounts of war, conquest, and military activity involving the nation of Israel. However, these accounts have been interpreted and understood in different ways throughout history. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about Israel and war, using the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.
Background
Before we delve into the specific scriptures, it is important to understand the historical context of Israel and war. The nation of Israel was established as a theocratic state, with God as its ruler. The Israelites were given the land of Canaan as an inheritance by God, and they were tasked with conquering and inhabiting it. However, this conquest was not meant to be a mere geographical expansion, but rather a spiritual one, with the goal of spreading the worship of the one true God.
The Principle of Holy War
The Bible teaches that war can be a holy and justified endeavor when it is carried out in accordance with God’s commands and principles. In Deuteronomy 20:10-14, God commands the Israelites to utterly destroy certain cities and their inhabitants, reserving only the livestock for their use. This is because these cities were inhabited by idolaters and were a threat to the Israelites’ faith.
Types of Wars
The Bible recognizes that there are different types of wars, and that not all wars are equal in terms of their justification. In Psalm 82:3-4, God commands the righteous judges of Israel to uphold His justice and defend the oppressed, indicating that some wars may be fought in order to protect the weak and defend the innocent.
The Use of Violence
The Bible also teaches that violence is not always sinful. In Genesis 9:6, God says, "Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed," indicating that violence may be used to punish those who commit murder. In Exodus 22:2-3, the Bible commands that an assailant who intends to take a life must be killed, indicating that the right to self-defense is legitimate.
The Laws of War
The Bible outlines specific laws for warfare in Deuteronomy 20:10-15 and Deuteronomy 23:9-14. These laws include the requirement that cities be spared unless they refuse to surrender, that the spoil of war be divided equally among the troops, and that certain activities, such as killing, be prohibited.
Israel’s Wars
The Bible records many wars and conquests carried out by Israel, including the conquest of Canaan, the wars against the Philistines, and the wars against the Assyrians and Babylonians. In Judges 7:1-8:60, the Bible tells the story of the Israelites’ victory over the Midianites, in which the Israelites used tactics such as hiding and attacking the enemy at night to outmaneuver and defeat them.
Christian Attitudes towards War
Throughout history, Christians have debated the issue of war, with some arguing that war is always sinful and others arguing that it may be justified in certain circumstances. In Romans 13:1-7, the apostle Paul teaches that government has been ordained by God, and that Christians are obligated to submit to the authority of the government. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus teaches that governments have the right to wage war, saying, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible says that Israel and war are complex and multifaceted topics. The Bible teaches that war can be a holy and justified endeavor when it is carried out in accordance with God’s commands and principles. The Bible also recognizes that there are different types of wars, and that not all wars are equal in terms of their justification. Furthermore, the Bible outlines specific laws for warfare and records many wars and conquests carried out by Israel.
Table: Biblical Commands for Warfare
| Biblical Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Deuteronomy 20:10-15 | Cities must be spared unless they refuse to surrender |
| Deuteronomy 23:9-14 | Soldiers must not wear out or destroy their shoes |
| Exodus 22:2-3 | An assailant who intends to take a life must be killed |
| Genesis 9:6 | Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed |
| Romans 13:1-7 | Christians are obligated to submit to the authority of the government |
Biblical Verses on War
- Deuteronomy 20:10-14 – Utterly destroy certain cities and their inhabitants
- Psalm 82:3-4 – Uphold His justice and defend the oppressed
- Exodus 22:2-3 – An assailant who intends to take a life must be killed
- Genesis 9:6 – Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed
- Matthew 22:21 – Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s
- Romans 13:1-7 – Government has been ordained by God
- Judges 7:1-8:60 – Israelites’ victory over the Midianites
