War

There are two types of war mentioned at some length in the Bible – justified and unjustified. Justified war is the type of war which defends true liberty, the rights and privileges of a nation’s citizens, which protects its property, its women, and its children. A nation is justified in defending itself in war from outside aggressors by maintaining a strong militia and system of law enforcement.

Unjustified war is when an aggressive nation moves to dominate other countries or to destroy them and reduce them to slavery. This has been done numerous times in human history and continues today.

War Will Always Exist In Human History

War will always exist in human history in spite of man’s efforts for peace. War will always exist because there will be those who will threaten the national security of a nation. Matt. 24:6-7; Eccl. 3:8; Mark 13:7; Luke 21:9; Psalms 55:20-33; Psalms 68:30.

“"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.” (Matthew 24:6-7, NASB)

“A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3:8, NASB)

“"When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be frightened; those things must take place; but that is not yet the end.” (Mark 13:7, NASB)

“"When you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end does not follow immediately."” (Luke 21:9, NASB)

“Rebuke the beasts in the reeds, The herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples, Trampling under foot the pieces of silver; He has scattered the peoples who delight in war.” (Psalms 68:30, NASB)

The exception is yet future in the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ. War is a bona fide fact of history. Therefore, a nation must have the military to protect the country from aggressive nations that threaten. Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3.

“And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.” (Isaiah 2:4, NASB)

“And He will judge between many peoples And render decisions for mighty, distant nations. Then they will hammer their swords into plowshares And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they train for war.” (Micah 4:3, NASB)

Justified Warfare is From God

In 1 Chronicles 5:19-22, the Jews were fighting the Arabs. How unusual! Note that because the war was of God, there was no such thing as a conscientious objector in justified warfare.

“They made war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish and Nodab. They were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hand; for they cried out to God in the battle, and He answered their prayers because they trusted in Him. They took away their cattle: their 50,000 camels, 250,000 sheep, 2,000 donkeys; and 100,000 men. For many fell slain, because the war was of God. And they settled in their place until the exile.” (1 Chronicles 5:19-22, NASB)

The objective of justified war is the annihilation of the enemy and thus the enemy’s decisive defeat. This brings peace. Joshua 11:23; Joshua 14:15.

“So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 11:23, NASB)

“Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba; for Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 14:15, NASB)

The Believer’s Place in the Nation

The Church Age believer is an ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. The believer is to represent our Lord and to grow in grace and knowledge of Him and to present the Gospel of salvation to a warring world. Matt. 5:13-16

“"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16, NASB)

The believer is to respond to the authority of their pastor-teacher in the local church. We are to daily learn and apply the categorical epignosis Bible doctrine that he serves up. Remember he is under the chain of command of 1 Corinthians 11:3 and other authority areas. No pastor-teacher can minister without such authority. See category on Authority Orientation.

“But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:3, NASB)

As you function under the grace apparatus for perception, remember that gnosis is factual spiritually understood doctrine in the left lobe of the soul. It is not yet usable for the spiritual life. Only believed epignosis Bible doctrine in the right lobe of the soul is usable within the spiritual life and then only when filled with the Holy Spirit.

War is For Adults

Only adults are to participate in warfare. In the Old Testament, the adults had to be age 20 or over. No one should go to war until they are 20. They may train before that time, but front line duty is better left to the well-trained and prepared. Num. 1:3; Num. 26:2.

“from twenty years old and upward, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel, you and Aaron shall number them by their armies.” (Numbers 1:3, NASB)

“"Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' households, whoever is able to go out to war in Israel."” (Numbers 26:2, NASB)

The exception is the newly married man. A newly married man does not make a good soldier. Why? He cannot concentrate in battle because he is afraid of being killed. A newly married man does not make a good business man. Why? He has no sense of responsibility in business. His sole responsibility for one year is to be with his wife. It means to make his wife constantly happy for one year and thereby set the pace for the husband-wife relationship for the rest of their lives. Deut. 24:5.

“"When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out with the army nor be charged with any duty; he shall be free at home one year and shall give happiness to his wife whom he has taken.” (Deuteronomy 24:5, NASB)

However, war can be the basis for a soldier discovering the right kind of woman for him. Deuteronomy 21:10-14 describes the preparation process that they used in the Old Testament. There was a months-long cooling off period. Her beautiful hair was shaved off, her nails were pared to the quick, she removed her clothes and put on sack cloth and cries for a month for her relatives lost in battle. If both survive the cooling off period, they could marry. If not, the deal was off.

“"When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them away captive, and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and have a desire for her and would take her as a wife for yourself, then you shall bring her home to your house, and she shall shave her head and trim her nails. "She shall also remove the clothes of her captivity and shall remain in your house, and mourn her father and mother a full month; and after that you may go in to her and be her husband and she shall be your wife. "It shall be, if you are not pleased with her, then you shall let her go wherever she wishes; but you shall certainly not sell her for money, you shall not mistreat her, because you have humbled her.” (Deuteronomy 21:10-14, NASB)

The Objective of Justified War

The objective of justified war is the annihilation of the enemy and thus their decisive defeat. This brings peace. Annihilation has to do with the enemy personally - killing him. Decisive defeat has to do with strategy, tactics, and logistics. In Joshua’s time, they had peace in the Land because they slaughtered the enemy (Canaanites, as ordered by God) thus decisively defeating them. Joshua 11:23; Joshua 14:15; Psalms 46:8-11.

“Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba; for Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war.” (Joshua 14:15, NASB)

“Come, behold the works of the LORD, Who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.” (Psalms 46:8-11, NASB)

“He (God) breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two” and “He burns the chariots with fire” are idioms which speak of the annihilation of the enemy - the enemy being ripe for judgment by God. This results in peace.

Psalms 46:10 refers historically to the Lord sending His angel into Sennacherib’s Assyrian camp outside Jerusalem to destroy all of the 185,000 first line soldiers arrayed against Jerusalem and Hezekiah. 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chron. 32:21-22.

“Then it happened that night that the angel of the LORD went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead.” (2 Kings 19:35, NASB)

“And the LORD sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword. So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.” (2 Chronicles 32:21-22, NASB)

War Demand Military Leadership

Warfare demands a high caliber of military leadership in noncommissioned and commissioned officers. It is important that military leaders have divine viewpoint minus mental attitude sins. Prov. 24:1-10. See category on Leadership.

“Do not be envious of evil men, Nor desire to be with them; For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble.” (Proverbs 24:1-2, NASB)

“A wise man is strong, And a man of knowledge increases power. For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:5-6, NASB)

Consequences of Avoiding War

There comes a time when it is sinful not to go to war. Christian men should soon learn that they have a military obligation. This preparation begins with a mental attitude based on Bible doctrine in the soul. Num. 32:5-8.

“They said, "If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession; do not take us across the Jordan." But Moses said to the sons of Gad and to the sons of Reuben, "Shall your brothers go to war while you yourselves sit here? "Now why are you discouraging the sons of Israel from crossing over into the land which the LORD has given them? "This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to see the land.” (Numbers 32:5-8, NASB)

In Numbers 32:5, Gad and Reuben were cowboys and had found this ranch land on the East side of Jordan, but the land west of Jordan had not been conquered. In Numbers 32:6, Moses said it was unfair for ten tribes to fight and you sit over there and ranch. In Numbers 32:7, their refusal to participate in war would discourage the others from going to war. It is amazing how those that claim they shouldn’t go to war even though their country is at war will influence those who should know better. They were acting just like those cowards of the first generation of Israel during the Exodus at Kadesh-Barnea.

In Numbers 32:14, it was time to go to war. It was sinful not to go to war. Reuben and Gad were dragging their feet. In Numbers 32:17-19, they changed their minds and agree to go to war.

“"Now behold, you have risen up in your fathers' place, a brood of sinful men, to add still more to the burning anger of the LORD against Israel.” (Numbers 32:14, NASB)

“but we ourselves will be armed ready to go before the sons of Israel, until we have brought them to their place, while our little ones live in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. "We will not return to our homes until every one of the sons of Israel has possessed his inheritance. "For we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Jordan toward the east."” (Numbers 32:17-19, NASB)

It is biblical to fight for your country. You will not be guilty if you fight. Num. 32:20-22.

“So Moses said to them, "If you will do this, if you will arm yourselves before the LORD for the war, and all of you armed men cross over the Jordan before the LORD until He has driven His enemies out from before Him, and the land is subdued before the LORD, then afterward you shall return and be free of obligation toward the LORD and toward Israel, and this land shall be yours for a possession before the LORD.” (Numbers 32:20-22, NASB)

Numbers 32:23 explains what would happen if they refused to go to war. This is specifically for cowards who will not go to war.

“"But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23, NASB)

In Numbers 32:31-32, they got the point. The battle was on the west side of thee Jordan, not on the east, but by going to battle they were fighting for their country. Do you get the point?

“The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben answered, saying, "As the LORD has said to your servants, so we will do. "We ourselves will cross over armed in the presence of the LORD into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us across the Jordan."” (Numbers 32:31-32, NASB)

You don’t wait until the enemy invades your country. You go out and hit them to preserve your nation. This means that a nation may be fighting in faraway geographical areas to preserve the nation’s freedoms and sovereignty. For example, the U.S. was justified to fight in Europe in World War I and World War II. It was justified to fight the spread of Communism in Vietnam. It is justified to fight the spread of radical Islam today.

Training for War

Going to war requires training. You can’t just pick up a weapon and get into a uniform. This includes building up arms and training young men. You have to be trained. You don’t disarm for world peace any more than you abolish your law enforcement agencies for a better community! In Numbers 31:3-5, the phrase “Arm men from among you for the war” means to prepare and use arms for warfare. “That they may go” means to let them which are trained go to war. “Twelve thousand armed for war” means they started out with a small, well-trained and prepared army. This is the way to start building a powerful army.

“Moses spoke to the people, saying, "Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the LORD'S vengeance on Midian. "A thousand from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel you shall send to the war." So there were furnished from the thousands of Israel, a thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.” (Numbers 31:3-5, NASB)

In Judges 3:1-2, this context states that when Israel came out of Egypt, they knew nothing about war. But God commanded that Israel have a military organization in each generation for stability. Not only were they to adhere to the Word of God, but part of that was armaments. This refers to multiple generations of the children of Israel were to be taught war since they had no such experience in while living in Egypt.

“Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly).” (Judges 3:1-2, NASB)

Luke 14:31 means that if you are going to train men for war, you need a department of defense. There must be professional war planning. An army of 10,000 well-trained men can face 20,000 and win. It’s all about the training and planning.

““Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?” (Luke 14:31, NASB)

War Requires Moral Courage

Warfare demands a mental attitude of moral courage. In Deuteronomy 20:1, the Jewish army’s strength was always in their infantry footmen. Others had a lot of horses. Regardless of what the enemy had, they were to never fear them.

“"When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt, is with you.” (Deuteronomy 20:1, NASB)

The priests taught Bible doctrine to the soldiers. These were the chaplains. The great key to military victory is spiritual victory. They encouraged them with Bible doctrine. Deut. 20:2-4.

“"When you are approaching the battle, the priest shall come near and speak to the people. "He shall say to them, 'Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.'” (Deuteronomy 20:2-4, NASB)

The general officers clearly identified those soldiers who should not fight and why. In Deuteronomy 20:5, those who had just built a new house. The soldier who just called up just when he was about to move into his house will have mental attitude sins and as such will have no moral or battle courage. He will be unstable in battle.

“"The officers also shall speak to the people, saying, 'Who is the man that has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would dedicate it.” (Deuteronomy 20:5, NASB)

In Deuteronomy 20:6, those who had just started a new business. The double-minded man can’t concentrate and will be thinking about his business.

“'Who is the man that has planted a vineyard and has not begun to use its fruit? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would begin to use its fruit.” (Deuteronomy 20:6, NASB)

In Deuteronomy 20:7, those who had just become engaged to be married. This man will have nothing on his mind but that beautiful doll, therefore he is unstable. Soldiers must be fearless.

“'And who is the man that is engaged to a woman and has not married her? Let him depart and return to his house, otherwise he might die in the battle and another man would marry her.'” (Deuteronomy 20:7, NASB)

In Deuteronomy 20:8, those who were cowards. After every man had been trained, they determine what they were to do. Just before they went into battle, they must make a decision with regard to their mental attitude. Cowards have a wrong influence.

“"Then the officers shall speak further to the people and say, 'Who is the man that is afraid and fainthearted? Let him depart and return to his house, so that he might not make his brothers' hearts melt like his heart.'” (Deuteronomy 20:8, NASB)

War Requires Battle Courage

Under some circumstances in Old Testament times, only the males were killed in war. Deut. 20:13-15.

“"When the LORD your God gives it into your hand, you shall strike all the men in it with the edge of the sword. "Only the women and the children and the animals and all that is in the city, all its spoil, you shall take as booty for yourself; and you shall use the spoil of your enemies which the LORD your God has given you. "Thus you shall do to all the cities that are very far from you, which are not of the cities of these nations nearby.” (Deuteronomy 20:13-15, NASB)

Under other circumstances, every living thing was to be destroyed. That means women, children, animals everything. Why? God's answer is found in the last verse. Deut. 20:16-18.

“"Only in the cities of these peoples that the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes. "But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite and the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that they may not teach you to do according to all their detestable things which they have done for their gods, so that you would sin against the LORD your God.” (Deuteronomy 20:16-18, NASB)

The Believer in War

For the believer, Bible doctrine should be their prime focus in life. Note the context and the emphasis on Bible doctrine. The temple refers to the portrayal of Jesus Christ through Bible doctrine. Psalms 27:3-4.

“Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be confident. One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple.” (Psalms 27:3-4, NASB)

God prepares believers for training. 2 Sam. 22:35; Psalms 18:34; Psalms 144:1.

““He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (2 Samuel 22:35, NASB)

“He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.” (Psalms 18:34, NASB)

“A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle;” (Psalms 144:1, NASB)

Note here how God enters into these verses. “Bend a bow of bronze” is speaking of decisive defeat and annihilation of the enemy. These two verses are dedicated to conscientious objectors who enjoy the freedom of a land where men have died to keep it free.

Believers are protected by God in economic depression, famine and war. Of course if it is God’s will for a believer to die in battle, it is a privilege. If it is God’s will that the person is to live through the darkest battle, he will! Job 5:20.

““In famine He will redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword.” (Job 5:20, NASB)

If God can organize a snowflake, a snowstorm, a hailstorm, then He can protect you against the day of battle and war. Job 38:21-23.

““You know, for you were born then, And the number of your days is great! “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, Which I have reserved for the time of distress, For the day of war and battle?” (Job 38:21-23, NASB)

Nations Who Plot For War

There are always those who plot war wrongfully. There are always nations who are plotting the destruction of a nation to get its spoils regardless of the peace program that is going on at the same time. There are always traitors that emerge in times of conflict. Psalms 55:20-23 is a description of a traitor. They are a very sorry type of character. The woods are full of this type today. Psalms 68:30; Psalms 120:6-7; Psalms 140:1-2.

“He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has violated his covenant. His speech was smoother than butter, But his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. But You, O God, will bring them down to the pit of destruction; Men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You.” (Psalms 55:20-23, NASB)

“Too long has my soul had its dwelling With those who hate peace. I am for peace, but when I speak, They are for war.” (Psalms 120:6-7, NASB)

“For the choir director. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men Who devise evil things in their hearts; They continually stir up wars.” (Psalms 140:1-2, NASB)

Peace Propaganda is a Weapon of War

Peace propaganda is used as a weapon of warfare. In Micah 3:5, “the prophets who lead my people astray” are false prophets who were like the liberal, unsaved clergyman we see today. The false teachers make them wander without leadership, without Bible doctrine. “When they have something to bite with their teeth” means to be childish or unrealistic with a lack of common sense. Common sense today tells us that there are monsters who are wanting to destroy us. They cry for peace just as the foreign tyrants cry peace while they prepare for unjust warfare.

“Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; When they have something to bite with their teeth, They cry, "Peace," But against him who puts nothing in their mouths They declare holy war.” (Micah 3:5, NASB)

In Micah 3:6, “it will be night for you - without vision” refers to a nation that listens to a bunch of liberal theologians and are blind to the Gospel, blind to the danger of war. Liberalism means lack of preparation for war or even defense should outside aggressors bring war. Blinded by peace propaganda, the blind lead the blind. 2 Cor. 4:3-4.

“Therefore it will be night for you—without vision, And darkness for you—without divination. The sun will go down on the prophets, And the day will become dark over them.” (Micah 3:6, NASB)

“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4, NASB)

These blind leaders will reach the end of themselves. They have no answers, none at all! The greatest come-ons and invitations to the peace-at-any-cost advocates are the peace platitudes coming from many of the pulpits of America. These pulpits advocate disarmament, world peace movements, and other programs for peace. This peace movement is apart from the Word of God. And all the time, our enemies continue their planning to destroy us.

War as Divine Discipline to a Nation

War is brought by God as a national divine discipline. In Judges 5:8, the Jews went apostate and chose new gods. Divine discipline brought war to the gates. They were caught completely unprepared. They had disarmed their population.

““New gods were chosen; Then war was in the gates. Not a shield or a spear was seen Among forty thousand in Israel.” (Judges 5:8, NASB)

In 2 Chronicles 16:9, the Lord was on continuous patrol. They didn’t get the Word and apply it, therefore war was brought on by God for national disciplinary purposes.

““For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. You have acted foolishly in this. Indeed, from now on you will surely have wars.”“ (2 Chronicles 16:9, NASB)

Isaiah 3:16-26 illustrates what apostacy does to women. This is what apostacy does to men - national discipline.

“Moreover, the LORD said, “Because the daughters of Zion are proud And walk with heads held high and seductive eyes, And go along with mincing steps And tinkle the bangles on their feet, Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, finger rings, nose rings, festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils. Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. Your men will fall by the sword And your mighty ones in battle. And her gates will lament and mourn, And deserted she will sit on the ground.” (Isaiah 3:16-26, NASB)

Jeremiah 4:19 is a tame passage when compared to Jeremiah 6. In the Hebrew, it is much worse, as is Ezekiel 16, and Ezekiel 23.

“My soul, my soul! I am in anguish! Oh, my heart! My heart is pounding in me; I cannot be silent, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.” (Jeremiah 4:19, NASB)

This anguish is the very worst type of pain. This describes mental anguish because they know the enemy is coming. Jeremiah 4:20 describes their defeat.

“Disaster on disaster is proclaimed, For the whole land is devastated; Suddenly my tents are devastated, My curtains in an instant.” (Jeremiah 4:20, NASB)

Jeremiah 4:22 describes God’s thinking toward these childish and stupid people. They are this way because they have no Bible doctrine. They are shrewd in their evil and produce evil and human good. It is impossible for them to do any divine good.

““For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children And have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, But to do good they do not know.”“ (Jeremiah 4:22, NASB)

Jeremiah 4:23-27 describes what the fifth cycle of discipline looks like.

“I looked on the earth, and behold, it was formless and void; And to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, And all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and behold, there was no man, And all the birds of the heavens had fled. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a wilderness, And all its cities were pulled down Before the LORD, before His fierce anger. For thus says the LORD, “The whole land shall be a desolation, Yet I will not execute a complete destruction.” (Jeremiah 4:23-27, NASB)

Jeremiah 4:30 shows a picture of a woman helpless when an invading army comes in. They will have no protection. They will be raped and killed.

“And you, O desolate one, what will you do? Although you dress in scarlet, Although you decorate yourself with ornaments of gold, Although you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you make yourself beautiful. Your lovers despise you; They seek your life.” (Jeremiah 4:30, NASB)

In Jeremiah 4:31, this is the scream of a woman being raped. That’s what happens to the woman when you have a nation of people that are “are shrewd to do evil, but to do good they do not know.” They have nothing for God. They have no divine viewpoint because they have turned away from God and His Word, Bible doctrine. Jer. 4:22.

“For I heard a cry as of a woman in labor, The anguish as of one giving birth to her first child, The cry of the daughter of Zion gasping for breath, Stretching out her hands, saying, “Ah, woe is me, for I faint before murderers.”“ (Jeremiah 4:31, NASB)

“"For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children And have no understanding. They are shrewd to do evil, But to do good they do not know."” (Jeremiah 4:22, NASB)

War as Personal Divine Discipline

Mental attitude sins are disciplined in war. Job 10:1 describes a believer with soul-fainting. These changes in history come through mental attitude sins and through apostacy. Job 10:17.

““I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.” (Job 10:1, NASB)

“‘You renew Your witnesses against me And increase Your anger toward me; Hardship after hardship is with me.” (Job 10:17, NASB)

Misnomers of War

In Matthew 26:52, Jesus Christ was telling Peter put away his sword. This verse is often used by pacifist clergymen to turn young Christian men into cowards. This is a reference to crime and to murder. It is a capital punishment verse. Peter was not a soldier, therefore he had no business with a sword. In other words, if you murder someone (as Peter was trying to do), then capital punishment demands your life. This is not a military verse.

“Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52, NASB)

No person has the right to be a conscientious objector on moral grounds or religious grounds. The U.S. Supreme Court has pronounced a policy that, if a person for moral reasons was against war, he could be excluded from military service. This is contrary to the Word of God and to the Constitution of the U.S. and is catering to cowards. This is another step toward the destruction of our country.

You may hear someone who has no Bible doctrine and is ignorant of the Word of God say, “The God of the Old Testament was a God of war, but the God of the New Testament is the God of peace.” We must love one another and be peaceful. Or someone may say, “A lot of those verses on the doctrine of war were taken out of the Old Testament, I’m living in the New Testament.” Here are some verses to counter their statements.

2 Timothy 3:16 refers to the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. The war passages in the Old Testament are just as Scriptural as John 3:16.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;” (2 Timothy 3:16, NASB)

““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NASB)

Matthew 4:4 includes the whole counsel of God’s Word and that includes the Old Testament.

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”“ (Matthew 4:4, NASB)

1 Corinthians 10:6 and 1 Corinthians 10:11 relate Old Testament passages to the New Testament. The passages in the Old Testament on war are just as true, just as binding, as any New Testament passage.

“Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.” (1 Corinthians 10:6, NASB)

“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11, NASB)

Military Responsibility

For believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that are in military service, the question of a conflict’s moral or immoral basis is not the soldier’s problem. A nation’s military is to defend, to protect, and to fight for our country abroad as well as at home when so ordered. The only immorality involved in war is failure to end them in the most expeditious manner possible. Those who say they will not fight because a certain conflict is immoral are simply cowards at heart and have no sense of responsibility or appreciation for their country. See category on Military Service.

Authority Orientation in the Military

When in the military, you recognize the authority of those in your organization. You recognize the authority of those who have rank over you. These are divinely-delegated authorities as part of the Laws of Divine Establishment. These are set up in order to perpetuate the human race and in order to make it possible for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached and proclaimed. Therefore, the believer is to recognize systems and people in authority over you whenever and wherever they are encountered. See category on Authority Orientation.

Rationales for War

There is a lot of emotional shouting and yelling about war, but very little clear and objective thinking. Wherever you are, there is a sharp division of thought concerning the rationales for past wars or even war in general.

Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3 apply to the Millennium dispensation, not the Church Age. We are not living in the Millennium. This is yet future.

Joel 3:9-10 applies to the Tribulation.

“Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men! Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up! Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, "I am a mighty man."” (Joel 3:9-10, NASB)

In Matthew 10:34-36, Jesus Christ is speaking during His First Advent. Our Lord is referring to the Gospel for salvation where acceptance or rejection of Jesus Christ’s work on the Cross being a divider of families and peoples.

“"Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. "For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW; and A MAN'S ENEMIES WILL BE THE MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.” (Matthew 10:34-36, NASB)

Matthew 24:6-7 applies to the Church Age and the Tribulation will be characterized by wars and rumors of wars!

What have we learned from history? Any nation which disarms because of emphasis on peace programs, brotherhood, good neighbor policies becomes a sitting duck and suffers horribly.

Because of the old sin nature, the human race will always need, except in the Millennium, a strong police and court system to protect and not exploit the rights of the people, plus a national guard that can be called out in emergencies. They will need a strong, disciplined, orderly military for protection from outside aggression.