What Does the Bible Say About the War in Israel?
The state of Israel is a polarizing topic, with much debate and controversy surrounding the country’s existence, borders, and relationships with its neighboring countries. The Bible is often cited as a source of authority and guidance on these issues, but what exactly does it say about the war in Israel?
An Overview of the Biblical Promises
Before diving into the specifics of the war, it’s essential to understand the biblical promises made to the nation of Israel. The Bible says that God chose the Israelites as His special people and entered into a covenant with them (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, 14:2). This covenant is rooted in God’s promise to create a people who would bless the world through their faithful obedience to Him (Genesis 12:1-3).
The Bible describes the land of Israel as a "promised land" that God gave to the Israelites as their inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:21-24, 9:27-29). However, the Bible also emphasizes that this land is ultimately God’s and that He has the right to grant it to whom He will (Leviticus 25:23).
The Bible’s Teachings on War
Now that we’ve established the biblical context, let’s examine the Bible’s teachings on war. The Bible does not promote war for its own sake, but it does acknowledge that nations will wage war and that God may use war to achieve His purposes (2 Samuel 11:25-27, Isaiah 13:1-14:23).
The Bible teaches that war is to be fought according to a set of moral principles:
• Just cause: War is only justified if it is fought for a just cause, such as defending one’s country against aggression or liberating innocent people from oppression (Micah 4:2-3, Romans 13:1-4).
• Proper authority: War must be authorized by those with legitimate authority, such as rulers or governments (Deuteronomy 17:14-20, 1 Chronicles 25:1).
• Respect for human life: War must be fought with respect for human life, and harm must be minimized to civilians and non-combatants (Isaiah 2:4, Psalm 72:2).
• Justice and restitution: War must be waged with the goal of promoting justice and achieving restitution, rather than mere conquest or domination (Micah 4:3-4, Luke 19:42-44).
The Bible’s Teachings on the War in Israel
Now that we’ve established the biblical principles, let’s examine the specific teachings on the war in Israel. The Bible recognizes that the war in Israel is a complex and ongoing conflict, with multiple stakeholders and interests at play. Here are some key insights:
• The prophecy of Psalm 83: Psalm 83 describes a future war between Israel and its surrounding nations, led by the Arab nations and including Syria, Lebanon, and other neighboring countries (Psalm 83:1-8). Many interpret this passage as referring to the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors, including the Arab-Israeli conflict.
• The prophecy of Ezekiel 38-39: Ezekiel 38-39 describes a future war in which Israel is attacked by a coalition of nations from the north, led by Russia and including Iran and other nations (Ezekiel 38:1-6). This prophecy is often interpreted as describing a future conflict in which Israel is attacked by neighboring countries, possibly in coalition with external powers.
• The role of the church: The Bible teaches that the church has a special role to play in relation to the war in Israel. As followers of Christ, we are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to support the efforts of those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to the region (Psalm 122:6-9, Romans 15:25-31).
Conclusion
The Bible provides a rich tapestry of teachings on the war in Israel, ranging from the promise of God’s covenant with the nation to the principles of war and the role of the church. While the specific details of the war in Israel are complex and nuanced, the Bible provides a framework for understanding the broader issues at play.
The Bible teaches that the war in Israel is a tragic and complex conflict, involving multiple stakeholders and interests. However, it also affirms the importance of upholding justice and promoting peace, while recognizing the complexities and challenges of the conflict.
As followers of Christ, we are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and to support efforts to bring peace and justice to the region. At the same time, we must recognize the complexities of the conflict and avoid simplistically attributing blame to one side or the other.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches that the war in Israel is a manifestation of a larger struggle between good and evil, between God’s covenant people and the forces of darkness. As followers of Christ, we are called to stand with God’s covenant people, to support their efforts to live at peace with their neighbors, and to pray for the eventual fulfillment of God’s plans for peace and redemption in the region.
Additional Resources
- Pew Research Center: "A Global Middle East: Prospects for a New Israeli-Palestinian Peace Framework" (2019)
- Council on Foreign Relations: "The Arab-Israeli Conflict" (2020)
- International Crisis Group: "Escalation in Gaza" (2020)
- Bible Gateway: "Search Results for Israel" (2020)
