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What does the Bible say about war in israel?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that wars are grievous fruits of human sin, calls believers to trust God rather than fear, and promises that Christ will finally establish true peace. Jesus warned that believers would hear of wars and rumors of wars, yet they must not be alarmed or deceived, for such events do not reveal the day or hour of his return (Matthew 24:6, 36; Luke 21:8-9). God may use governing authorities to restrain evil (Romans 13:4), while his people are forbidden personal vengeance and called to reject violence (Matthew 26:52; James 4:1-2). Israel's ancient battles occurred within God's covenant history (Deuteronomy 20:1-4), but the church now awaits the kingdom in which nations learn war no more (Isaiah 2:4).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 24:6

    You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren't troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet.

  • Deuteronomy 20:1-4

    [1] When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. [2] It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, [3] and shall tell them, Hear, Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies: don't let your heart faint; don't be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them; [4] for Yahweh your God is he who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

  • James 4:1-2

    [1] Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members? [2] You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:8

    A time to love, And a time to hate; A time for war, And a time for peace.

  • Luke 21:8-9

    [8] He said, "Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I AM,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them. [9] When you hear of wars and disturbances, don't be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won't come immediately."

  • Matthew 24:36

    But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

  • Revelation 1:3

    Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

  • Romans 13:4

    for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.

  • Matthew 26:52

    Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.

  • Isaiah 2:4

    He will judge between the nations, And will decide concerning many peoples; And they shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning-hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more.

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