Introduction

Serving in the military is a topic that has been addressed in various ways throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of military service, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities of soldiers, the moral and ethical considerations of warfare, and the spiritual dimensions of military life. This entry explores the biblical perspective on military service, drawing from both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, military service was a common aspect of life for the Israelites. God often commanded His people to engage in warfare to protect their nation and fulfill His divine purposes. Notable figures such as Joshua, David, and Gideon were military leaders who played significant roles in Israel's history.

1. Divine Command and Protection: The Israelites were often called to battle under God's command. In Deuteronomy 20:1, the Lord assures His people, "When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you."

2. Courage and Faith: Military service required courage and faith in God's promises. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

3. Moral Conduct: Soldiers were expected to maintain moral conduct even in warfare. Deuteronomy 20:10-12 outlines the protocol for offering peace before engaging in battle, emphasizing the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions when possible.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament shifts the focus from physical warfare to spiritual battles, yet it acknowledges the presence of military personnel and their roles in society.

1. John the Baptist's Counsel: In Luke 3:14, soldiers ask John the Baptist for guidance, and he responds, "Do not extort money, and do not accuse people falsely. Be content with your wages." This advice highlights the importance of integrity and ethical behavior for those serving in the military.

2. Faithful Soldiers: The New Testament includes examples of soldiers who demonstrated faith. The centurion in Matthew 8:5-13 is commended by Jesus for his great faith, illustrating that military service and faith in God are not mutually exclusive.

3. Spiritual Warfare: Ephesians 6:11-17 uses military imagery to describe the spiritual armor of God, encouraging believers to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. This passage underscores the concept of spiritual warfare, where believers are called to be soldiers of Christ.

Ethical Considerations

The Bible provides principles for ethical conduct in military service. Soldiers are called to act justly, uphold righteousness, and seek peace. The concept of a "just war" is often derived from biblical principles, emphasizing the need for a righteous cause, legitimate authority, and proportionality in warfare.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide a comprehensive manual on military service, it offers valuable insights into the character and conduct expected of those who serve. The Scriptures affirm the importance of faith, integrity, and ethical behavior for military personnel, while also recognizing the spiritual dimensions of warfare.Romans 13:1-14
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Topicalbible.org

The Life of John Nisbet of Hardhill.
... in the bottom of his own house, unto which he retired, serving God, reading ... of a
bold, daring, public spirit, went abroad and joined in the military, which was ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of john nisbet.htm

The Plagues
... Egypt! The military of the Memphian nome will crush them as if they had
been so many ants.". "I know," the serving-woman admitted. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxix the plagues.htm

The Record of a Quaker Conscience
... But we confess a higher duty than that to country; and, asking no military protection
of ... by a means we held even more sinful than that of serving ourselves, as ...
/.../the record of a quaker.htm

The Mutiny of 1857-58.
... could be more easily made, they would have no objection to serving in foreign ... They
were injudiciously required there to put on the English military hat, to ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xvi the mutiny of.htm

Verse the Twenty-Fifth
... the words of Christ, who denied the possibility of any man serving two masters ... also
prescribes its law; and both of them employ their own military forces, that ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/verse the twenty-fifth.htm

Lutherans in vibginia.
... Though serving practically none but German Lutherans, he sought and secured the
ordination ... was known as "Teufel Piet." After two years of military training he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/lutherans in vibginia.htm

The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749.
... of the truth of what I say." Next, they were allowed to pay a fixed sum instead
of rendering military service, and were also exempted from serving on juries in ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xii the appeal to.htm

Canons and Monks
... was upon the model of the Canons Regular that the great military Orders of ... the Order
contained chaplains for the ecclesiastical duties, and serving brethren of ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter v canons and monks.htm

Significance of Compulsory Service.
... danger of being maimed and killed, but shall only be enrolled into military slavery ...
is useful or beneficial to the men who help to support it by serving in the ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vii significance of compulsory.htm

The Controversy Ended.
... With military precision, the serried ranks advance over the earth's broken and uneven ...
rests the blood of John the Baptist; the weak, time-serving Pilate; the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /42 the controversy ended.htm

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