What the bible says about war

In Bible times, the ancient Hebrew nation fought wars connected with worship of their God. That history can leave people wondering whether God supports war in our time.

Why ancient Israel went to war. Some claim the Hebrews followed a violent, local war god.

What the Bible says

The Bible links those wars to judgement on nations that had become deeply corrupt. Their society was marked by violence and degraded practices, including bestiality, incest, and child sacrifice. God allowed a long period for change, then explained why the land’s nations faced removal.

“It is by all these things that the nations that I am driving out from before you have made themselves unclean.”,(Leviticus, 18, 21-25)

“They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, in order to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, something that I did not command and that never came up into my heart.”,(Jeremiah, 7, 31)

“It is because of the wickedness of these nations that Jehovah your God is driving them away from before you.”,(Deuteronomy, 9, 5)

Does God take sides in war today?

You may have noticed that in many conflicts, religious leaders on opposing sides ‘claim God supports their cause.‘ Even historians often note that religion has featured in war after war.

What the Bible says

The Bible does not authorise Christians to fight their enemies. Instead, it directs them to seek peace and to avoid revenge.

“If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves.”,(Romans, 12, 18, 19)

Jesus also instructed his followers to show love, even under pressure. He did not organise an army, and he did not teach retaliation.

“Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens.”,(Matthew, 5, 44, 45)

In addition, Christians are to remain separate from the world’s political struggles. That includes staying neutral when nations go to war.

“If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you.”,(John, 15, 19)

Jesus made the same point when his life was at risk. His Kingdom does not depend on warfare, so his followers do not fight to advance it.

“My Kingdom is no part of this world. If my Kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from this source.”,(John, 18, 36)

Whether war will ever end

What some people say

Many argue war will never disappear. They see conflict as part of human nature and expect it to continue.

What the Bible says

The Bible points to a time when people will no longer want war, and when the causes of war will be removed. It says God’s Kingdom, a real government ruling from heaven, will bring global peace and end the training and tools of war.

“He will render judgment among many peoples and set matters straight respecting mighty nations far away. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore.”,(Micah, 4, 3)

It also describes a world without the harms that feed conflict, such as injustice, prejudice, and division. As a result, violence will not dominate life.

“They will not cause any harm or any ruin in all my holy mountain, because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters cover the sea.”,(Isaiah, 11, 9)

The Bible also portrays God as the only One who can not merely pause wars but can and will stop them!

“He is bringing an end to wars throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the military wagons with fire.”,(Psalm, 46, 9)

conclusion

Humanity’s attempts to end war will always fall short because conflict grows from the flaws within us. No system or treaty can fully overcome that. Only God can bring the lasting peace and harmony that human efforts can never achieve!