God's View of War in the Bible

Importance

It is crucial to understand God's view of war correctly because misinterpretation could lead to being guilty of murder before God.

Definitions

• What is murder? (Ex 20:13)

  The intentional and unlawful killing of a person.

• What about capital punishment? (Gen 9:6)

  God prescribes the death penalty for those who shed human blood, emphasizing the sanctity of life.

Perspectives on War

1. Pacifism

   • Mt 5:39 – "Turn the other cheek."
     • Problem: Is this referring to personal self-defense or the defense of others?
   • Lk 22:26 – "...he who has no sword, let him sell...and buy one."
     • Emphasis on self-defense.
     • Not a symbolic sword, but a real, sharp one.

2. Partial Pacifism

   • Neh 4:14 – "Fight for your brethren..."
     • A narrow interpretation suggests this applies only to family protection.

3. Just War – Defensive War

   War is permissible when defending against aggression or protecting the innocent.

4. Interventionism – Acting as the World’s Police

   Using military force to prevent or end widespread injustices in other nations.

5. Total War – "Kill 'em all"

   • Problem: The Bible prohibits a scorched-earth policy. (Dt 20:19-20)

Illustrations

1. Someone shooting another person.
2. Someone shooting in self-defense.
3. Military actions in foreign conflicts.
4. Ordering others to commit acts of violence.
5. Abortion: Legal status versus moral considerations.

6. Historical Examples

   • Holocaust: Was it right for Germans to follow orders to exterminate Jews?
   • American soldiers' response to Pearl Harbor: Justifiable defense?
   • English soldiers in WWII: Justifiable defense?
   • The Crusades: Individual volunteerism vs. national command.

Biblical Accounts

• Naboth and Ahab (1 Kgs 21:1-28)

  Does this justify murder and theft by the government?

• Romans 13

  • No authority exists except by God.
  • Governments are appointed by God.
  • Authorities are "God’s minister to you" to uphold good and punish evil (as defined by God, not man).

• Isaiah 5:8-21

  People often try to redefine good and evil, just as Adam and Eve did. They twist morality for their purposes.

Contemporary Issues

• Modern Warfare

  Few conflicts are purely defensive; many involve interventionism.

• Women in Combat Roles

  • Biblical examples suggest combat roles were traditionally male (e.g., Gen 14:14; Deut 20:5-9).
  • Some argue it's not about physical weakness but about God-ordained roles.

• Supporting Roles

  If soldiers are guilty of murder, are those in supporting roles also guilty as accessories?

Conclusion

It is vital to apply Biblical principles over human rules, as human nature always seeks loopholes. God can change hearts and guide decisions. (Prov 21:1)