What Does the Bible Say About War Against Israel?
The Bible has a lot to say about war and its relationship to Israel. As the chosen people of God, Israel has been the subject of many conflicts throughout history. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about war against Israel and what it means for us today.
The Biblical Context
Before we dive into the specifics of war against Israel, it’s essential to understand the biblical context. The Bible is a book of history, prophecy, and wisdom, written by multiple authors over a period of several centuries. The Old Testament, which contains the majority of the biblical narrative, was written primarily by Jewish authors who were familiar with the history and culture of Israel.
God’s Relationship with Israel
The Bible begins with the story of creation and the relationship between God and humanity. However, it is the story of Israel that is central to the biblical narrative. God chose Israel to be his special people, making a covenant with them at Mount Sinai. This covenant established Israel as God’s kingdom on earth, with God as their king.
War and Israel
War is a recurring theme in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. The Bible records numerous wars fought by Israel, including the conquest of Canaan, the wars against the Philistines, and the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. These wars were often justified as a means of defending Israel’s borders and protecting its people.
The Right to Defend
The Bible teaches that Israel has the right to defend itself against its enemies. Deuteronomy 20:1-4 states, "When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you." This passage emphasizes that Israel’s defense is not just a human endeavor, but a divine one.
The Consequences of War
While the Bible allows for war as a means of defense, it also emphasizes the consequences of war. Deuteronomy 20:10-14 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 surrenders to you, then all the people who are found in it shall become your servants and shall serve you. But if it does not make 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, but the women and the little ones, the livestock, and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as plunder for yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which the Lord your God has given you."
This passage highlights the importance of offering terms of peace before going to war and the consequences of refusing to surrender. The Bible also emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:19-20, which states, "When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by swinging an axe against them, for you may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down. For is the tree of the field man, that it should be besieged by you?"
The Prophets and War
The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke out against war and the consequences of violence. Isaiah 2:4 states, "He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." This passage looks forward to a future time when war will be a thing of the past.
The New Testament and War
The New Testament, which contains the teachings of Jesus Christ, has a different perspective on war. Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies and to turn the other cheek when attacked. Matthew 5:38-42 states, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your cloak as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."
Conclusion
The Bible has a lot to say about war and its relationship to Israel. While it allows for war as a means of defense, it also emphasizes the consequences of war and the importance of distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants. The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke out against war and the consequences of violence, while the New Testament teaches a message of love and non-violence.
Table: The Bible’s Teachings on War
| Scripture | Teaching |
|---|---|
| Deuteronomy 20:1-4 | Israel has the right to defend itself against its enemies |
| Deuteronomy 20:10-14 | Offer terms of peace before going to war |
| Deuteronomy 20:19-20 | Distinguish between combatants and non-combatants |
| Isaiah 2:4 | War will be a thing of the past in the future |
| Matthew 5:38-42 | Love your enemies and turn the other cheek when attacked |
Significant Points
- The Bible allows for war as a means of defense, but emphasizes the consequences of war.
- The prophets of the Old Testament often spoke out against war and the consequences of violence.
- The New Testament teaches a message of love and non-violence.
- The Bible emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants.
- The Bible looks forward to a future time when war will be a thing of the past.
