What does the bible say about military?

What Does the Bible Say About Military?

The Bible has a significant amount to say about the military, covering topics such as the role of military service, the conduct of warfare, and the treatment of soldiers. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about military service and its relevance to modern-day society.

The Old Testament

The Old Testament contains many accounts of military conflicts and battles, including the wars between Israel and its neighbors, as well as the wars of conquest under King David. However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of peaceful coexistence and the rejection of violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

• The Command to Go Out and Conquer: In Deuteronomy 20:1-20, God commands the Israelites to go out and conquer the land of Canaan, but with certain conditions: they must first give the enemy a chance to surrender, and they must spare the lives of civilians and animals.
• The Prohibition of Idolatry: In Deuteronomy 17:14-17, the Bible prohibits the Israelites from making idols or worshipping other gods, and emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s commands.
• The Importance of Peace and Justice: In Psalm 72:1-14, King David prays for peace and justice to reign throughout the land, and for the nations to recognize God’s sovereignty.

The New Testament

The New Testament also contains teachings on the military and its role in society. While Jesus and the apostles did not directly address the topic of military service, they did emphasize the importance of following God’s commands and loving one’s neighbors.

• The Command to Love One’s Neighbors: In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches that the second greatest commandment is to love one’s neighbors as oneself, and that this includes loving one’s enemies.
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• The Warning Against Violence: In Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus warns against violence and teaches that his followers should not resist evil, but rather turn the other cheek and pray for those who persecute them.
• The Importance of Obedience: In 1 Peter 2:13-17, the apostle Peter teaches that Christians are to obey the authorities, including the military, as long as they do not contradict God’s commands.

Modern-Day Applications

While the Bible does not provide a comprehensive framework for modern-day military service, it does offer several principles that can guide our understanding of the role of the military in society.

• The Importance of Discernment: In 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, the apostle Paul teaches that Christians must use their discernment when engaging in activities that may not be clearly prohibited by God’s commands.
• The Priority of Loving One’s Enemies: In Romans 12:14, Paul teaches that Christians are to bless those who persecute them, rather than seeking revenge.
• The Need for Compassion and Mercy: In Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches that his followers are to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible has a significant amount to say about the military and its role in society. While it does not provide a comprehensive framework for modern-day military service, it does offer several principles that can guide our understanding of the role of the military in society. These principles include the importance of discernment, the priority of loving one’s enemies, and the need for compassion and mercy.

Table: The Bible’s Teachings on Military Service

Note: The table above highlights the key teachings on military service in the Old and New Testaments, with references to specific Bible passages.