What Does the Bible Say About Israel’s Wars?
The state of Israel has been involved in numerous conflicts throughout its history, from the wars of independence in the 1940s and 1950s to the ongoing conflicts with its neighbors in the Middle East. As a result, many people have questioned whether the Bible condones or supports Israel’s wars. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about Israel’s wars and provide a biblical perspective on this complex issue.
The Biblical Context
Before we dive into the specific biblical passages, it’s essential to understand the biblical context. The Bible is a collection of sacred writings that were written over a period of several centuries. The Old Testament, which contains the majority of the biblical narrative, was written primarily in Hebrew, while the New Testament was written in Greek.
The Bible is a book of history, prophecy, wisdom, and poetry, and its authors were inspired by God to write about the relationship between God and humanity. The Bible is not a manual for warfare or a guide for modern-day military strategy, but rather a book that reveals God’s character, His plans for humanity, and His relationship with His people.
The Concept of War in the Bible
In the Bible, war is not glorified or romanticized. Instead, it is often depicted as a necessary evil, a means of defending oneself against aggression or protecting one’s people from harm. The Bible recognizes that war is a reality, but it also emphasizes the importance of living according to God’s principles and seeking peace whenever possible.
The Right to Defend Oneself
The Bible teaches that individuals and nations have the right to defend themselves against aggression. Deuteronomy 20:10-11 states, "When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. But if they refuse to make peace and instead choose war, you shall besiege that city; and when the Lord your God gives it into your hand, you shall put all its males to the sword." This passage emphasizes the importance of offering peace to one’s enemies before resorting to war.
The Command to Destroy the Canaanites
One of the most controversial passages in the Bible is the command to destroy the Canaanites, which is found in Deuteronomy 7:1-5 and 20:16-18. According to these passages, God commanded the Israelites to destroy the Canaanites because of their idolatry and immorality. This command has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, and some have argued that it is a justification for genocide.
However, it’s essential to understand the historical context of this command. The Canaanites were a pagan people who worshiped false gods and engaged in immoral practices. God’s command to destroy them was not a random act of violence, but rather a means of fulfilling His promise to Abraham to bless all nations through his descendants (Genesis 12:3). The destruction of the Canaanites was a necessary step in God’s plan to establish Israel as a holy nation and to demonstrate His power and authority.
The Principles of War
The Bible provides several principles that guide the conduct of war. Deuteronomy 20:10-15 states, "When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it accepts your terms of peace and opens its gates to you, then all the people who are found in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. But if it makes no peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. And when the Lord your God gives it into your hand, you shall put all its males to the sword; you shall devote to destruction all that is in the city, both men and women, young and old; but you shall save alive none of them, but you shall devote them to destruction. Only the animals you shall save alive, and you shall take as spoil for yourself."
This passage emphasizes the importance of offering peace to one’s enemies before resorting to war, and it provides guidelines for the conduct of war, including the treatment of civilians and the destruction of enemy cities.
The Prohibition of Genocide
The Bible prohibits genocide and the slaughter of innocent civilians. Deuteronomy 20:19-20 states, "When you besiege a city for a long time, making war against it in order to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an axe against them, for you may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. For is the tree of the field a man that it should be besieged by you?"
This passage prohibits the destruction of trees and other natural resources during times of war, and it emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural environment.
The New Testament Perspective
The New Testament provides a different perspective on war and violence. Matthew 5:38-42 states, "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give him your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who asks you, and do not refuse him who wants to borrow from you."
This passage emphasizes the importance of turning the other cheek and loving one’s enemies, rather than resorting to violence or retaliation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides a complex and nuanced perspective on war and violence. While it recognizes the right to defend oneself against aggression, it also emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and living according to God’s principles. The Bible prohibits genocide and the slaughter of innocent civilians, and it provides guidelines for the conduct of war, including the treatment of civilians and the destruction of enemy cities.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that war is a necessary evil, but it also emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and living according to God’s principles. As Christians, we are called to love our enemies and to turn the other cheek, rather than resorting to violence or retaliation.
Table: Biblical Principles for War
| Principle | Scripture |
|---|---|
| Offer peace to one’s enemies before resorting to war | Deuteronomy 20:10-11 |
| Destroy enemy cities and populations | Deuteronomy 20:16-18 |
| Preserve natural resources during times of war | Deuteronomy 20:19-20 |
| Prohibit genocide and the slaughter of innocent civilians | Deuteronomy 20:19-20 |
| Seek peace and live according to God’s principles | Matthew 5:38-42 |
Bullets List: Key Points
• The Bible recognizes the right to defend oneself against aggression.
• The Bible emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and living according to God’s principles.
• The Bible prohibits genocide and the slaughter of innocent civilians.
• The Bible provides guidelines for the conduct of war, including the treatment of civilians and the destruction of enemy cities.
• The Bible teaches that war is a necessary evil, but it also emphasizes the importance of seeking peace and living according to God’s principles.
