Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of engaging in war with confidence in God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This confidence is not rooted in human strength or military might but in the assurance of God's presence, guidance, and ultimate sovereignty. The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and nations who, when faced with overwhelming odds, placed their trust in God and experienced His deliverance. Old Testament Examples 1. David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17): One of the most iconic accounts of war with confidence in God is the account of David and Goliath. David, a young shepherd, faced the Philistine giant Goliath with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones. His confidence was not in his own ability but in the Lord. David declared, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45). David's victory was a testament to his faith in God's power. 2. Jehoshaphat's Battle (2 Chronicles 20): King Jehoshaphat of Judah faced a vast army of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites. In his fear, he sought the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. God responded through a prophet, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chronicles 20:15). Jehoshaphat's confidence in God led to a miraculous victory as the enemy forces turned against each other. 3. Gideon's Victory (Judges 7): Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his initial doubts, Gideon obeyed God's command to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men. The Lord assured him, "With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand" (Judges 7:7). Gideon's confidence in God's promise resulted in a decisive victory. New Testament Perspective 1. Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18): The New Testament shifts the focus from physical battles to spiritual warfare. Believers are called to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10). The armor of God, which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer, equips Christians to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. 2. Jesus' Teachings on Peace and Conflict (Matthew 5:9, John 16:33): Jesus emphasized peace, teaching, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). However, He also acknowledged the reality of conflict, assuring His followers, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This assurance provides confidence in God's ultimate victory over evil. Theological Insights 1. God's Sovereignty: The confidence in God during times of war is deeply rooted in the belief in His sovereignty. Scriptures affirm that God is in control of all nations and events. Proverbs 21:31 states, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD" . This underscores the belief that ultimate success in any conflict is determined by God's will. 2. Faith and Obedience: The biblical accounts of war emphasize the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlights individuals who, through faith, "conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised" (Hebrews 11:33). Their confidence in God was demonstrated through their actions and reliance on His promises. 3. Divine Protection and Deliverance: The Psalms frequently express confidence in God's protection during times of conflict. Psalm 46:1-2 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas" . This assurance of divine protection is a source of strength for believers facing adversities. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently portrays war with confidence in God as an act of faith, where reliance on divine power supersedes human strength. This theme encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, seek His guidance, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that He is the ultimate source of victory and peace. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 27:1-3The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Nave's Topical Index Library Virtues of the Emperor Theodosius the Younger. Rejoicing Before God. Fight of the Hebrews with the Canaanites Without the Consent A Strange Battle Asa's Prayer God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men. The Soul is not to Afflict it Self, nor Intermit Prayer, Because ... The God of Peace From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776 'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob' Resources What happened in the Six-Day War? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to the "War on Christmas"? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |
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