What does the Bible say about going to war?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that war is a grievous reality of a fallen world, sometimes entrusted to lawful civil authorities to restrain evil, yet never to be pursued with personal hatred or delight in violence. Ecclesiastes 3:8 acknowledges that there is a time for war, while Romans 13:4 teaches that governing authorities bear the sword as God’s servants for justice. Christians, however, are called to seek peace with all whenever possible, as Romans 12:18 says, and to leave vengeance to God. Matthew 24:6 warns that wars will occur but should not cause believers to panic, for God remains sovereign. Proverbs 21:15 reminds us that true justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to evildoers.