What Does the Bible Say About Soldiers?
The Bible has a rich history of interacting with soldiers, from the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan to the Roman Empire’s dominance of the Mediterranean world. As a result, the Bible has a significant amount to say about soldiers, their role in society, and their relationship with God. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about soldiers, highlighting key passages and themes.
The Biblical View of War
Before diving into specific passages, it’s essential to understand the biblical view of war. The Bible does not condone war or violence for its own sake. Instead, it presents war as a last resort, often justified by the need to protect the innocent, defend against aggression, or bring about justice.
Scriptural Examples of Soldiers
One of the most well-known examples of soldiers in the Bible is the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua. Joshua 6:1-27 describes the siege of Jericho, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, defeated the city’s inhabitants and took possession of the land.
Another significant example is the Roman centurion, Cornelius, who is commended for his faith in Acts 10:1-48. Cornelius, a Gentile, was a soldier who had been sent to take a census of the Roman Empire. Despite being a pagan, he was considered a just and fair man, and his faith in Jesus was recognized by Peter.
Biblical Principles for Soldiers
The Bible provides several principles for soldiers to follow, including:
- Honor and Respect: Hebrews 13:7 reminds soldiers to "remember those who are in prison, as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body." This principle emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and compassion, even in the midst of conflict.
- Justice and Mercy: Deuteronomy 20:10-18 commands soldiers to show mercy to the inhabitants of a city they are about to conquer, allowing them to leave and taking only the spoils of war. This principle highlights the importance of treating others with justice and mercy.
- Faith and Trust: Hebrews 11:32-34 mentions several soldiers who demonstrated faith and trust in God, including Gideon, Samson, and David. This principle emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s sovereignty and providence.
The Bible’s View of Military Service
The Bible does not condemn military service, but it does provide guidelines for those who serve. 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 advises believers to remain in their current state, whether married or single, and not to seek to change their circumstances. This principle can be applied to military service, suggesting that believers should not seek to avoid military service or change their circumstances, but rather trust in God’s sovereignty and providence.
The Role of Soldiers in Society
The Bible presents soldiers as an important part of society, with a critical role to play in maintaining order and defending the innocent. Romans 13:1-7 reminds believers that they are to submit to the authorities, including those in the military, as they are appointed by God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible has a significant amount to say about soldiers, their role in society, and their relationship with God. While the Bible does not condone war or violence for its own sake, it presents war as a last resort, often justified by the need to protect the innocent, defend against aggression, or bring about justice.
The Bible provides several principles for soldiers to follow, including honor and respect, justice and mercy, and faith and trust. It also presents military service as an important part of society, with a critical role to play in maintaining order and defending the innocent.
Table: Biblical Principles for Soldiers
| Principle | Scripture |
|---|---|
| Honor and Respect | Hebrews 13:7 |
| Justice and Mercy | Deuteronomy 20:10-18 |
| Faith and Trust | Hebrews 11:32-34 |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• The Bible presents war as a last resort, often justified by the need to protect the innocent, defend against aggression, or bring about justice.
• The Bible provides several principles for soldiers to follow, including honor and respect, justice and mercy, and faith and trust.
• Military service is an important part of society, with a critical role to play in maintaining order and defending the innocent.
• Believers should not seek to avoid military service or change their circumstances, but rather trust in God’s sovereignty and providence.
Additional Resources
For further reading on this topic, consider the following resources:
- The Book of Joshua: This book provides a detailed account of the Israelites’ conquest of Canaan, including the role of soldiers in the process.
- The Book of Acts: This book describes the early Christian church and its interactions with the Roman Empire, including the conversion of Cornelius, a Roman centurion.
- 1 Corinthians 7:20-24: This passage provides guidance for believers on their current state, including those who are in the military.
- Romans 13:1-7: This passage reminds believers to submit to the authorities, including those in the military, as they are appointed by God.
