Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Warring, in the biblical context, refers to the act of engaging in conflict or battle, whether physical, spiritual, or moral. The Bible presents war as a reality of human existence, often reflecting the broader spiritual battles between good and evil. Throughout Scripture, war serves as both a literal and metaphorical representation of the struggles faced by individuals and nations. Old Testament Perspective The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of wars and battles, often involving the nation of Israel. These conflicts were sometimes commanded by God as a means of judgment or to fulfill His promises. For example, in the conquest of Canaan, God instructed the Israelites to engage in warfare to claim the land He had promised to them (Joshua 1:6). The wars of Israel are often depicted as acts of divine justice, with God Himself described as a warrior: "The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name" (Exodus 15:3). The concept of holy war is prevalent, where battles are fought under divine command and with the expectation of divine intervention. The account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) illustrates the belief that God empowers His people to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the focus shifts from physical warfare to spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of war to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . Believers are called to put on the "full armor of God" to stand firm against these spiritual adversaries (Ephesians 6:11). Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, teaches a message of love and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of peace over conflict. However, He also acknowledges the reality of spiritual conflict, stating, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword" (Matthew 10:34). This "sword" is understood as the division that the truth of the Gospel can bring, as it challenges sin and calls for repentance. Theological Implications The theme of warring in the Bible underscores the tension between God's justice and mercy. While God is depicted as a warrior who fights for His people, He also desires peace and reconciliation. The ultimate victory over sin and death is achieved through Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death and resurrection defeat the powers of darkness. Christians are called to engage in spiritual warfare, resisting sin and standing firm in their faith. This battle is fought not with physical weapons but with spiritual ones, such as prayer, faith, and the Word of God. As Paul exhorts in 2 Corinthians 10:4, "The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" . Practical Application Believers are encouraged to be vigilant in their spiritual lives, recognizing that the Christian journey involves ongoing conflict with spiritual forces. They are to rely on God's strength and guidance, seeking His wisdom in times of trial. The call to spiritual warfare is a reminder of the need for perseverance, faith, and reliance on God's power to overcome the challenges of life. In summary, warring in the biblical sense encompasses both the physical battles of the Old Testament and the spiritual battles of the New Testament. It highlights the reality of conflict in a fallen world and the hope of ultimate victory through Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of War.Greek 4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier ... Spelling: (strat-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I wage war, fight Definition: I wage war, fight, serve as a soldier; fig: of the warring lusts against the soul ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4754.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 3898. lacham -- to fight, do battle... Spelling: (law-kham') Short Definition: devour. devour, eat, ever, fighting, overcome, prevail, make warring A primitive root; to feed on ... /hebrew/3898.htm - 5k 3898a. lacham -- to fight, do battle Library The Warring Queens Look Now at Warring Christendom, what Smallest Drop of Pity ... Self-Denial and Self-Sacrifice Further Illustrated. --Parable of ... Internal Foes. The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church A Soldier's Shoes The Events which Happened to the Heathen. "This Body of Death," So Called from Its Defect, not from Its ... The Same Continued. The Twenty-Second and Twenty-Third Verses Thesaurus Warring (13 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of War. Multi-Version Concordance Warring (13 Occurrences). Luke 3:14 And questioning ... /w/warring.htm - 11k Rabshakeh (15 Occurrences) Rab'shakeh (14 Occurrences) Rab-shakeh (14 Occurrences) Libnah (18 Occurrences) Lachish (22 Occurrences) Warrior (36 Occurrences) Opposition (22 Occurrences) Waked (13 Occurrences) Warreth (1 Occurrence) Resources Should Christians use mediation to settle disputes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about estrangement? | GotQuestions.org Who are the Hospitaller Knights? | GotQuestions.org Warring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Warring (13 Occurrences)Luke 3:14 Romans 7:23 Numbers 24:8 Judges 5:19 1 Samuel 28:15 2 Kings 6:8 2 Kings 19:8 Isaiah 29:7 Isaiah 29:8 Isaiah 37:8 Jeremiah 21:2 Jeremiah 21:4 Zechariah 14:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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