Bible Encyclopedia: War

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International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

WAR, MAN OF

('ish milchamah):

"Yahweh is a man of war:

Yahweh is his name" (Exodus 15:3).

In early Israel the character of Yahweh as the war-God forms a prominent feature in the conception of God (Numbers 10:35; Numbers 21:14 Joshua 5:13; Joshua 10:11 Judges 5:4, 13, 20, 23, 31, etc.).

See GOD, NAMES OF, III, 8; LORD OF HOSTS; and HDB, V, 635;.

WAR; WARFARE

wor, wor'-far (milchamah, 'anshe m., "men of war," "soldiers"; polemos, polemein, strateuesthai, stratia):

1. Religious Significance

2. Preliminaries

3. Operations of War

4. Strategy

5. Important Requisites

6. Characteristics

7. Defeat and Victory

8. Spoils and Trophies

9. Treaties of Peace

10. War in the New Testament

LITERATURE

1. Religious Significance:

From an early period of Hebrew history war had a religious significance. The Hebrews were the people of Yahweh, and they were reminded in their wars by the priest or priests who accompanied their armies that Yahweh was with them to fight their battles (Deuteronomy 20:1-4). It was customary to open a campaign, or to enter an engagement, with sacrificial rites (1 Samuel 7:8-10; 1 Samuel 13:9). Hence, in the Prophets, to "prepare" war is to carry out the initiatory religious rites and therefore to "sanctify" war (Jeremiah 6:4; Jeremiah 22:7; Jeremiah 51:27, 28 Micah 3:5 Joel 3:9; the Revised Version margin in each case); and Isaiah even speaks of Yahweh mustering His host and summoning to battle His "consecrated ones" (Isaiah 13:3), the warriors consecrated by the sacrifices offered before the war actually opened. The religious character attaching to war explains also the taboo which we find associated with it (Deuteronomy 20:7; Deuteronomy 23:10 2 Samuel 11:11).

2. Preliminaries:

(1) Religious Preliminaries.

It was in keeping with this that the oracle should be consulted before a campaign, or an engagement (Judges 20:18 1 Samuel 14:37; 1 Samuel 23:2; 1 Samuel 28:6; 30:8). The ark of God was believed to be possessed of special virtue in assuring victory, and, because it was identified in the eyes of the Israelites with the presence of Yahweh, it was taken into battle (1 Samuel 4:3). The people learned, however, by experience to put their trust in Yahweh Himself and not in any outward token of His presence. At the battle of Ebenezer the ark was taken into the fight with disastrous results to Israel (1 Samuel 4:4). On the other hand at the battle of Michmash, the sacred ephod at Saul's request accompanied the Israelites into the field, and there was a great discomfiture of the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:18). In the later history prophets were appealed to for guidance before a campaign (1 Kings 22:5 2 Kings 3:11), although fanatical members of the order sometimes gave fatal advice, as to Ahab at Ramoth-gilead, and probably to Josiah at Megiddo. Upon occasion the king addressed the host before engaging the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:20-22, where Jehoshaphat also had singers to go before the army into battle); and Judas Maccabeus did so, with prayer to God, on various occasions (1 Maccabees 3:58; 4:30; 5:32).

(2) Military Preliminaries.

The call to arms was given by sound of trumpet throughout the land (Judges 3:27; Judges 6:34 1 Samuel 13:3 2 Samuel 15:10; 2 Samuel 20:1; compare Numbers 10:2). It was the part of the priests to sound an alarm with the trumpets (2 Chronicles 13:12-16; compare 1 Maccabees 4:40; 16:8), and the trumpets were to be blown in time of battle to keep God in remembrance of Israel that they might gain the victory. In the Prophets, we find the commencement of war described as the drawing of the sword from its sheath (Ezekiel 21:3), and the uncovering of the shield (Isaiah 22:6). Graphic pictures of the mobilizing of forces, both for invasion and for defense, are found in Isaiah 22:6-8 and Nahum 3:2 and other Prophets. It was in the springtime that campaigns were usually opened, or resumed after a cessation of hostilities in winter (2 Samuel 11:1 1 Kings 20:22, 26).

3. Operations of War:

Of the actual disposition of troops in battle there are no full accounts till the Maccabean time, but an examination of the Biblical battlefields by modern travelers with knowledge of military history has yielded valuable results in showing the position of the combatants and the progress of the fight (an excellent example in Dr. William Miller's Least of All Lands, 85;, 116;, 150;, where the battles of Michmash, Elah and Gilboa are described with plans). With the Israelites the order of battle was simple. The force was drawn up, either in line, or in three divisions, a center and two wings. There was a rearguard (called in the King James Version "rereward," in the Revised Version (British and American) "rearward") to give protection on the march or to bring in stragglers (Judges 7:16 1 Samuel 11:11 2 Samuel 18:2; 1 Maccabees 5:33; compare also Numbers 10:25 Joshua 6:9 1 Samuel 29:2 Isaiah 58:8). The signal for the charge and the retreat was given by sound of trumpet. There was a battle-cry to inspire courage and to impart confidence (Judges 7:20 Amos 1:14, etc.). The issue of the battle depended upon the personal courage and endurance of the combatants, fighting man against man, but there were occasions when the decision was left to single combat, as at the battle of Elah between the giant Goliath and the stripling David (1 Samuel 17). The combat at Gibeon between the men of Benjamin, twelve in number, followers of Ish-bosheth, and twelve of the servants of David, in which each slew his man and all fell together by mutual slaughter, was the prelude to "a very sore battle" in which Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David (2 Samuel 2:16).

To the minor operations of war belong the raid, such as the Philistines made into the Valley of Rephaim (1 Chronicles 14:9), the foray, the object of which was plunder (2 Samuel 3:22), the foraging to secure supplies (2 Samuel 23:11 margin), and the movements of bands who captured defenseless inhabitants and sold them as slaves (2 Kings 5:2).

4. Strategy:

Of strategical movements in war there was the ambush with liers-in-wait resorted to by Joshua at Ai (Joshua 8:3); the feint, resorted to by the Israelites against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:20); the flank movement, adopted by David in the Valley of Rephaim to rout the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:22 f); and the surprise, inflicted successfully at the Waters of Merom upon the Canaanites under Jabin by Joshua (Joshua 11:1 f). Of all these the story of Judas Maccabeus, the great military leader of the Jewish nation, furnishes illustrations (1 Maccabees 4:5 and elsewhere).

5. Important Requisites:

Among the requisites for the proper conduct of war the most important was the camp (machaneh). Of the exact configuration of the camp of the Israelites, it is not possible to speak with certainty. The camp of Israel in the wilderness seems to have been quadrilateral, although some have supposed it to be round or triangular (Numbers 2:1). The camp in the wilderness was furnished with ensigns and standards-the family ensign ('oth), and a standard (deghel) for the group of tribes occupying each of the four sides. The standard or banner (nec) is used of the signal for the mustering of troops, but standard-bearer, which occurs only once in the Bible, is a doubtful reading (Isaiah 10:18, where the Revised Version margin, "sick man," is rather to be followed). In time of war the camp was surrounded by a barricade, or wagon-rampart (ma`gal), as at Elah (1 Samuel 17:20); and Saul lay within such a barricade in the wilderness of Ziph with his people round about him when David surprised him and carried off his spear (1 Samuel 26:5). Tents were used for the shelter of troops, at any rate when occupied with a siege (2 Kings 7:7), although at the siege of Rabbah we read of booths for the purpose (2 Samuel 11:11). Pickets were set to watch the camp, and the watch was changed three times in the course of the night (Judges 7:19; 1 Maccabees 12:27). It was usual to leave a guard in charge of the camp when the force went into action or went off upon a raid (1 Samuel 25:13; 1 Samuel 30:10). Careful prescriptions were laid down for the preservation of the purity of the camp, "for Yahweh thy God walketh in the midst of thy camp,.... therefore shall thy camp be holy" (Deuteronomy 23:9-14; compare Numbers 5:1-4). Garrisons (matstsabh) were placed in occupation of fortresses and strategical centers (2 Chronicles 17:2). No doubt the caves in the hillsides and rocky fastnesses of the land, as at Michmash, would serve for their reception (1 Samuel 13). The garrisons, however, which are expressly mentioned, were for the most part military posts for the occupation of a subject country-Philistines in Israelite territory (1 Samuel 13:23; 1 Samuel 14:1, 11), and Israelites in Syrian and Edomite territory (2 Samuel 8:6, 14).

6. Characteristics:

Among the characteristic notes of war, the tumult and the shouting were often noticed by the sacred historians (1 Samuel 4:6; 1 Samuel 14:19 2 Kings 7:6). In the figurative language of the prophets the terrors and horrors and devastation of war are set forth in lurid colors. "The snorting of his horses is heard from Dan," is Jeremiah's description of an invading army, "at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones the whole land trembleth" (Jeremiah 8:16). `The crack of the whip and the noise of the rumbling wheel and the galloping horse, and the jolting chariot and the rearing horsemen; and the flash of the sword and the glitter of the spear, and the multitude of slain; and a mass of dead bodies and no end to the carcasses' (Nahum 3:2-4: J. M. P. Smith's translation in ICC). Because of the devastation of territory and the slaughter of men which it entails, the sword is named with famine and "noisome beasts" (the American Standard Revised Version has "evil beasts") and "pestilence" as one of God's "four sore judgments" (Ezekiel 14:21, the King James Version). By a familiar figure "the sword" is often taken for all the operations of war, because it is characteristic of it to devour and to destroy (2 Samuel 2:26 Jeremiah 2:30).

7. Defeat and Victory:

While the treatment of the vanquished in the wars of Israel never reached the pitch of savagery common in Assyrian warfare, there are not wanting examples of excessive severity, such as David's treatment of his Moabite prisoners (2 Samuel 8:2) and of the Ammonites captured at Rabbah (2 Samuel 12:31), and Menahem's barbarous treatment of Tiphsah (2 Kings 15:16; compare Numbers 31:17 Joshua 6:21). That it was common for the Philistines to mutilate and abuse their prisoners is shown by Saul's determination not to fall into their hands (1 Samuel 31:4). On that occasion the Philistines not only stripped the slain, but cut off Saul's head and fixed his body to the wall of Bethshan (1 Samuel 31:9, 10). It was usual to carry off prisoners and sell them as slaves (2 Kings 5:2; 1 Maccabees 3:41). The conquerors were wont to deport the population of the subjugated country (2 Kings 17:6), to carry off treasure and impose tribute (2 Kings 16:8), and even to take the gods into captivity (Isaiah 46:1). On the other hand, the victors were hailed with acclamations and songs of rejoicing (1 Samuel 18:6), and victory was celebrated with public thanksgivings (Exodus 15:1 Judges 5:1; 1 Maccabees 4:24).

The spoils of war, spoken of as booty also-armor, clothing, jewelry, money, captives and animals-falling to the victors, were divided equally between those who had taken part in the battle and those who had been left behind in camp (Numbers 31:27 Joshua 22:8 1 Samuel 30:24 f).

8. Spoils and Trophies:

A proportion of the spoils was reserved for the Levites, and "a tribute unto the Lord" was also levied before distribution was made of the collected booty (Numbers 31:28, 30). To the Lord, in the Israelite interpretation of war, the spoils truly belong, and we see this exemplified at the capture of Jericho when the silver and the gold and the vessels of brass were put into the treasury of the house of the Lord (Joshua 6:24). Under the monarchy, part of the spoils fell to the king who might in turn dedicate it to the Lord or use it for the purposes of war (2 Kings 14:14 1 Chronicles 18:7, 11). The armor of the conquered was sometimes dedicated as a trophy of victory and placed in the temple of the heathen or preserved near the ark of God (1 Samuel 21:9; 1 Samuel 31:9).

9. Treaties of Peace:

As the blast of the war-horn summoned to war, so it intimated the cessation of hostilities (2 Samuel 2:28); and as to draw the sword was the token of the entrance upon a campaign, so to return it to its sheath, or to put it up into the scabbard, was emblematic of the establishment of peace (Jeremiah 47:6). As ambassadors were sent to summon to war (Jeremiah 49:14), or to dissuade from war (2 Chronicles 35:21), so ambassadors were employed to negotiate peace (Isaiah 33:7). Treaties of peace were made on occasion between combatants, as between Ahab and Ben-hadad II after the defeat of the latter and his fortunate escape from the hands of Ahab with his life (1 Kings 20:30, 31). By the appeal of Ben-hadad's representative to Ahab's clemency his life was spared, and in return therefor he granted to Ahab the right to have bazaars for trade in Damascus as his father had had in Samaria (1 Kings 20:34). Alliances, offensive and defensive, were common, as Ahab and Jehoshaphat against Syria (1 Kings 22:2), Jehoram and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom against Moab (2 Kings 3:7), and the kings of the West, including Ahab and Hadadezer of Damascus, to resist Shalmaneser II of Assyria, who routed the allies at the battle of Qarqar in 854 B.C. It is among the wonderful works of Yahweh that He makes war to cease to the end of the earth, that He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder, and "burneth the chariots in the fire" (Psalm 46:9). And prophetic pictures of the peace of the latter days include the breaking of "the bow and the sword and the battle out of the land" (Hosea 2:18), the beating of "swords into plowshares, and.... spears into pruning-hooks" (Isaiah 2:4 Micah 4:3).

10. War in the New Testament:

Among the signs of the last days given by our Lord are "wars and rumors of wars" (Matthew 24:6 Mark 13:7 Luke 21:9; Luke 21:24). Jesus accepts war as part of the present world-order, and draws from it an impressive illustration of the exacting conditions of Christian discipleship (Luke 14:31). He foresees how Jerusalem is to be encompassed with armies and devoted to the bitterest extremities of war (Luke 19:41). He conceives Himself come, not to send peace on earth, but a sword (Matthew 10:34); and declares that they who take the sword shall perish by the sword (Matthew 26:52). The apostles trace war to the selfishness and greed of men (James 4:1); they see, speaking figuratively, in fleshly lusts enemies which war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11); they find in war apt figures of the spiritual struggle and divine protection and ultimate victory of the Christian (Romans 7:23; Romans 8:37 2 Corinthians 10:3, 5 1 Timothy 1:18 Hebrews 13:13 1 Peter 1:5), and of the triumphs of Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 2:14 Colossians 2:15 Ephesians 2:16, 17). Paul made the acquaintance of the barracks, both at Jerusalem and at Caesarea (Acts 21:34, 37; Acts 23:35); and at Rome his bonds became familiar to the members of the Praetorian guard who were from time to time detailed to have him in keeping (Philippians 1:13). It is under the figures of battle and war that John in the Apocalypse conceives the age-long conflict between righteousness and sin, Christ and Satan, and the final triumph of the Lamb, who is King of kings, and Lord of lords (Revelation 16:14-16; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:14). For other references see ARMY, 9; PRAETORIAN GUARD; TREATY.

LITERATURE.

Benzinger, article "Kriegswesen" in Herzog, Realencyklopadie fur protestantische Theologie und Kirche(3), XI; Nowack, Hebraische Archaeologie, 72; Browne, Hebrew Antiquities, 44-47.

T. Nicol

MAN OF WAR

See WAR.

Greek

4170. polemeo -- to make war
... to make war. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: polemeo Phonetic Spelling:
(pol-em-eh'-o) Short Definition: I make war, contend Definition: I make war ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4170.htm - 6k

4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier
... to make war, hence to serve as a soldier. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration:
strateuo Phonetic Spelling: (strat-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I wage war ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4754.htm - 7k

4171. polemos -- war
... war. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: polemos Phonetic Spelling:
(pol'-em-os) Short Definition: a war, battle, strife Definition: a war, battle ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4171.htm - 6k

497. antistrateuomai -- to make war against
... to make war against. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: antistrateuomai Phonetic
Spelling: (an-tee-strat-yoo'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I campaign against ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/497.htm - 6k

214. alalazo -- to raise a war cry
... to raise a war cry. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: alalazo Phonetic Spelling:
(al-al-ad'-zo) Short Definition: I cry aloud, a clanging or clashing cymbal ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/214.htm - 6k

3696. hoplon -- a tool, implement, weapon
... 3696 -- properly, an implement (normally used for ). In the NT, 3696 ("instrument")
is always in the (" to wage war"). 3696 ("instruments ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3696.htm - 7k

697. Areios Pagos -- "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a hill in ...
... god of war) and pagos (a rocky hill) Definition "the Hill of Ares," Areopagus, a
hill in Athens NASB Word Usage Areopagus (2). Areopagus, Mars' Hill. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/697.htm - 6k

164. aichmalotos -- captive
... Masculine Transliteration: aichmalotos Phonetic Spelling: (aheekh-mal-o-tos') Short
Definition: a captive, prisoner Definition: a captive (in war), a prisoner. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/164.htm - 6k

4753. strateuma -- an expedition, an army, a company of soldiers
... troops (2). army, soldier, man of war. From strateuomai; an armament, ie
(by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4753.htm - 6k

914. Barachias -- Barachiah, the father of a man killed in the ...
... as) Short Definition: Barachiah Definition: Barachiah; his identity is uncertain,
perhaps father of the Zechariah killed by the Zealots in the last Jewish War. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/914.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

6633. tsaba -- to wage war, serve
... 6632b, 6633. tsaba. 6634 . to wage war, serve. Transliteration: tsaba Phonetic
Spelling: (tsaw-baw') Short Definition: war. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/6633.htm - 6k

4421. milchamah -- a battle, war
... 4420, 4421. milchamah. 4422 . a battle, war. Transliteration: milchamah
Phonetic Spelling: (mil-khaw-maw') Short Definition: battle. ...
/hebrew/4421.htm - 6k

7128. qerab -- a battle, war
... 7127, 7128. qerab. 7129 . a battle, war. Transliteration: qerab Phonetic
Spelling: (ker-awb') Short Definition: war. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/7128.htm - 6k

7129. qerab -- war
... 7128, 7129. qerab. 7130 . war. Transliteration: qerab Phonetic Spelling:
(ker-awb') Short Definition: war. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding ...
/hebrew/7129.htm - 6k

3901. lachem -- perhaps war
... 3900, 3901. lachem. 3902 . perhaps war. Transliteration: lachem Phonetic
Spelling: (law-khem') Short Definition: war. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/3901.htm - 6k

4661. mappets -- a war-club
... 4660, 4661. mappets. 4662 . a war-club. Transliteration: mappets Phonetic
Spelling: (map-pates') Short Definition: war-club. Word ...
/hebrew/4661.htm - 6k

6635. tsaba -- army, war, warfare
... 6634, 6635. tsaba. 6636 . army, war, warfare. Transliteration: tsaba
Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-baw') Short Definition: hosts. Word ...
/hebrew/6635.htm - 6k

8643. teruah -- a shout or blast of war, alarm, or joy
... 8642, 8643. teruah. 8644 . a shout or blast of war, alarm, or joy. Transliteration:
teruah Phonetic Spelling: (ter-oo-aw') Short Definition: shout. ...
/hebrew/8643.htm - 6k

2021. hotsen -- perhaps a weapon (of war)
... 2020, 2021. hotsen. 2022 . perhaps a weapon (of war). Transliteration: hotsen
Phonetic Spelling: (ho'-tsen) Short Definition: weapons. ...
/hebrew/2021.htm - 6k

2502b. chalats -- to equip (for war)
... 2502a, 2502b. chalats. 2503 . to equip (for war). Transliteration: chalats
Short Definition: armed. Word Origin a prim. root Definition ...
/hebrew/2502b.htm - 5k

Library

The War of Truth
... The War of Truth. A Sermon (No.112). ... For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that
the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

The End of the War
... THE BOOK OF JOSHUA THE END OF THE WAR. ... For it does not need that we should wait for
the end of the war to have many a token that His every word is true. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the end of the war.htm

The War in Heaven.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The War in Heaven. "And a war took place in
heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon;, and ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the war in heaven.htm

The Holy War,
... THE HOLY WAR,. MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS
OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Prayer a War Measure.
... The Earth, the Battle-Field in Prayer Prayer a War Measure. This world is God's
prodigal son. ... And to define prayer adequately one must use the language of war. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/prayer a war measure.htm

The Daily War.
... LXIII."The Daily War. Thou seekest to wage war, O fool, as if wars were at
peace. ... Lust precipitates you, there is war; fight with it. ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lxiii the daily war.htm

War! War! War!
... War! War! War! A Sermon (No.250). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, May 1st, 1859, by
the. REV. CH SPURGEON. at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/war war war.htm

To the Eight of War Chosen by the Commune of Florence, at Whose ...
... LETTERS TO THE EIGHT OF WAR CHOSEN BY THE COMMUNE OF FLORENCE, AT WHOSE
INSTANCE THE SAINT WENT TO POPE GREGORY XI. In the Name of ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to the eight of war.htm

Death and War. 1778
... I. SEASONS NEW-YEAR'S HYMNS. Hymn 5 Death and war. 1778. John Newton
7,7,7,7. Death and war.1778. Hark! how time's wide sounding bell. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 5 death and war.htm

Of War (Four Articles)
... OF WAR (FOUR ARTICLES). We must now consider war, under which head there are
four points of inquiry: (1) Whether some kind of war is lawful? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of war four articles .htm

Smith's Bible Dictionary

War

The most important topic in connection with war is the formation of the army which is destined to carry it on. [ARMY] In (1 Kings 9:22) at a period (Solomon's reign) when the organization of the army was complete, we have apparently a list of the various gradations of rank in the service, as follows:

"Men of war" = privates ;
"servants," the lowest rank of officers --lieutenants ;
"princes" = captains ;
"captains," perhaps = staff officers ;
"rulers of the chariots and his horsemen" = cavalry officers . Formal proclamations of war were not interchanged between the belligerents. Before entering the enemy's district spies were seat to ascertain the character of the country and the preparations of its inhabitants for resistance. (Numbers 13:17; Joshua 2:1; Judges 7:10; 1 Samuel 26:4) The combat assumed the form of a number of hand-to-hand contests; hence the high value attached to fleetness of foot and strength of arm. (2 Samuel 1:23; 2:18; 1 Chronicles 12:8) At the same time various strategic devices were practiced, such as the ambuscade, (Joshua 8:2,12; Judges 20:36) surprise, (Judges 7:16) or circumvention. (2 Samuel 5:23) Another mode of settling the dispute was by the selection of champions, (1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 2:14) who were spurred on to exertion by the offer of high reward. (1 Samuel 17:25; 18:25; 2 Samuel 18:11; 1 Chronicles 11:6) The contest having been decided, the conquerors were recalled from the pursuit by the sound of a trumpet. (2 Samuel 2:28; 18:16; 20:22) The siege of a town or fortress was conducted in the following manner: A line of circumvallation was drawn round the place, (Ezekiel 4:2; Micah 5:1) constructed out of the trees found in the neighborhood, (20:20) together with earth and any other materials at hand. This line not only cut off the besieged from the surrounding country, but also served as a base of operations for the besiegers. The next step was to throw out from this line one or more mounds or "banks" in the direction of the city, (2 Samuel 20:15; 2 Kings 19:32; Isaiah 37:33) which were gradually increased in height until they were about half as high as the city wall. On this mound or bank towers were erected, (2 Kings 25:1; Jeremiah 52:4; Ezekiel 4:2; 17:17; 21:22; 26:8) whence the slingers and archers might attack with effect. Catapults were prepared for hurling large darts and stones; and the crow , a long spar, with iron claws at one end and ropes at the other, to pull down stones or men from the top of the wall. Battering-rams , (Ezekiel 4:2; 21:22) were brought up to the walls by means of the bank, and scaling-ladders might also be placed on it. The treatment of the conquered was extremely severe in ancient times. The bodies of the soldiers killed in action were plundered, (1 Samuel 31:8) 2 Macc 8:27; the survivors were either killed in some savage manner, (Judges 9:45; 2 Samuel 12:31; 2 Chronicles 25:12) mutilated, (Judges 9:45; 2 Samuel 12:31; 2 Chronicles 25:12) mutilated, (Judges 1:6; 1 Samuel 11:2) or carried into captivity. (Numbers 31:26)

ATS Bible Dictionary

War

One of the evil fruits of the fall, and an appalling manifestation of the depravity of mankind, Genesis 6:11-13 Isaiah 9:5 James 4:1-2, often rendered apparently inevitable by the assaults of enemies, or commanded by God for their punishment. See AMALEKITES and CANAAN.

By this scourge, subsequently to the conquest of Canaan, God chastised both his own rebellious people and the corrupt and oppressive idolaters around them. In many cases, moreover, the issue was distinctly made between the true God and idols; as with the Philistines, 1 Samuel 17:43-47; the Syrians, 1 Kings 20:23-30; the Assyrians, 2 Kings 19:10-19,35; and the Ammonites, 2 Chronicles 20:1-30. Hence God often raised up champions for his people, gave them counsel in war by Urim and by prophets, and miraculously aided them in battle.

Before the period of the kings, there seems to have been scarcely any regular army among the Jews; but all who were able to bear arms were liable to be summoned to the field, 1 Samuel 11:7. The vast armies of the kings of Judah and Israel usually fought on foot, armed with spears, swords, and shields; having large bodies of archers and slingers, and comparatively few chariots and horsemen. See ARMS.

The forces were arranged in suitable divisions, with officers of tens, hundreds, thousands, etc., Jud 20:10 1 Chronicles 13:1 2 Chronicles 25:5. The Jews were fully equal to the nations around them in bravery and the arts of war; but were restrained from wars of conquest, and when invaders had been repelled the people dispersed to their homes. A campaign usually commenced in spring, and was terminated before winter, 2 Samuel 11:1 1 Kings 20:22. As the Jewish host approached a hostile army, the priests cheered them by addresses, De 20:2 1Sa 7:9,13, and by inspiring songs, 2 Chronicles 20:21. The sacred trumpets gave the signal for battle, Numbers 10:9,10 2 Chronicles 13:12-15; the archers and slingers advanced first, but at length made way for the charge of the heavy-armed spearmen, etc., who sought to terrify the enemy, ere they reached them, by their aspect and war-cries, Jud 7:18-20 1 Samuel 17:52 Job 39:25 Isaiah 17:12,13.

The combatants were soon engaged hand to hand; the battle became a series of duels; and the victory was gained by the obstinate bravery, the skill, strength, and swiftness of individual warriors, 1 Chronicles 12:8 Psalm 18:32-37. See Paul's exhortations to Christian firmness, under the assaults of spiritual foes, 1 1 Corinthians 16:13 Ephesians 6:11-14 1 Thessalonians 3:8. The battles of the ancients were exceedingly sanguinary, 2 Chronicles 28:6; few were spared except those reserved to grace the triumph or be sold as slaves. A victorious army of Jews on returning was welcomed by the whole population with every demonstration of joy, 1 Samuel 18:6,7. The spoils were divided after reserving an oblation for the Lord, Numbers 31:50 Jud 5:30; trophies were suspended in public places; eulogies were pronounced in honor of the most distinguished warriors, and lamentations over the dead.

In besieging a walled city, numerous towers were usually erected around it for throwing missiles; catapults were prepared for hurling large darts and stones. Large towers were also constructed and mounds near to the city walls, and raised if possible to an equal or greater height, that by casting a movable bridge across access to the city might be gained. The battering-ram was also employed to effect a breach in the wall; and the crow, a long spar with iron claws at one end and ropes at the other, to pull down stones or men from the top of the wall. These and similar modes of assault the besieged resisted by throwing down darts, stones, heavy rocks, and sometimes boiling oil; but hanging sacks of chaff between the battering-ram and the wall; by strong and sudden sallies, capturing and burning the towers and enginery of the assailants, and quickly retreating into the city, 2 Chronicles 26:14,15. The modern inventions of gunpowder, rifles, bombs, and heavy artillery have changed all this. See BATTERING-RAM.

As the influence of Christianity diffuses itself in the world, war is becoming less excusable and less practicable; and a great advance may be observed from the customs and spirit of ancient barbarism towards the promised universal supremacy of the Prince of peace, Psalm 46:9 Isaiah 2:4 Micah 4:3.

"Wars of the Lord" was probably the name of an uninspired book, long since lost, containing details of the events alluded to in Numbers 21:14-15.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

The Israelites had to take possession of the Promised Land by conquest. They had to engage in a long and bloody war before the Canaanitish tribes were finally subdued. Except in the case of Jericho and Ai, the war did not become aggressive till after the death of Joshua. Till then the attack was always first made by the Canaanites. Now the measure of the iniquity of the Canaanites was full, and Israel was employed by God to sweep them away from off the face of the earth. In entering on this new stage of the war, the tribe of Judah, according to divine direction, took the lead.

In the days of Saul and David the people of Israel engaged in many wars with the nations around, and after the division of the kingdom into two they often warred with each other. They had to defend themselves also against the inroads of the Egyptians, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians. The whole history of Israel from first to last presents but few periods of peace.

The Christian life is represented as a warfare, and the Christian graces are also represented under the figure of pieces of armour (Ephesians 6:11-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:3, 4). The final blessedness of believers is attained as the fruit of victory (Revelation 3:21).

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (a.) Ware; aware.

2. (n.) A contest between nations or states, carried on by force, whether for defense, for revenging insults and redressing wrongs, for the extension of commerce, for the acquisition of territory, for obtaining and establishing the superiority and dominion of one over the other, or for any other purpose; armed conflict of sovereign powers; declared and open hostilities.

3. (n.) A condition of belligerency to be maintained by physical force. In this sense, levying war against the sovereign authority is treason.

4. (n.) Instruments of war.

5. (n.) Forces; army.

6. (n.) The profession of arms; the art of war.

7. (n.) a state of opposition or contest; an act of opposition; an inimical contest, act, or action; enmity; hostility.

8. (v. i.) To make war; to invade or attack a state or nation with force of arms; to carry on hostilities; to be in a state by violence.

9. (v. i.) To contend; to strive violently; to fight.

10. (v. t.) To make war upon; to fight.

11. (v. t.) To carry on, as a contest; to wage.

Topical Bible Verses

Ecclesiastes 3:8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Topicalbible.org

1 Samuel 30:8
And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for you shall surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 24:6
And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Topicalbible.org

James 4:1-2
From where come wars and fights among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 10:4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 2:4
And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: 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.
Topicalbible.org

2 Chronicles 24:24
For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the LORD delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 76:3
There broke he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 13:15
Every one that is found shall be thrust through; and every one that is joined to them shall fall by the sword.
Topicalbible.org

Thesaurus

War (529 Occurrences)
... They had to engage in a long and bloody war before the Canaanitish tribes
were finally subdued. Except in the case of Jericho and ...
/w/war.htm - 64k

War-carriage (11 Occurrences)
War-carriage. War, War-carriage. War-carriages . Multi-Version Concordance
War-carriage (11 Occurrences). Exodus 14:6 So he had ...
/w/war-carriage.htm - 9k

War-dress (6 Occurrences)
War-dress. Warders, War-dress. War-dresses . Multi-Version
Concordance War-dress (6 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 17:54 And ...
/w/war-dress.htm - 8k

War-cry (5 Occurrences)
War-cry. War-cries, War-cry. Ward . Multi-Version Concordance
War-cry (5 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 17:20 And David got ...
/w/war-cry.htm - 8k

War-horses (6 Occurrences)
War-horses. War-horse, War-horses. Warlike . Multi-Version
Concordance War-horses (6 Occurrences). Judges 5:22 Then ...
/w/war-horses.htm - 8k

War-horn (3 Occurrences)
War-horn. Warfare, War-horn. War-horse . Multi-Version Concordance
War-horn (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 14:8 For ...
/w/war-horn.htm - 7k

War-club (1 Occurrence)
War-club. War-carriages, War-club. War-cries . Multi-Version Concordance
War-club (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:20 An axe 'art' thou ...
/w/war-club.htm - 6k

War-cries (1 Occurrence)
War-cries. War-club, War-cries. War-cry . Multi-Version Concordance War-cries
(1 Occurrence). Job 39:25 When it comes to his ears he says, Aha! ...
/w/war-cries.htm - 6k

War-dresses (1 Occurrence)
War-dresses. War-dress, War-dresses. Wardrobe . Multi-Version
Concordance War-dresses (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 4:16 ...
/w/war-dresses.htm - 6k

War-horse (1 Occurrence)
War-horse. War-horn, War-horse. War-horses . Multi-Version Concordance
War-horse (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 30:31 The war-horse, and ...
/w/war-horse.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance

War (529 Occurrences)

Matthew 12:25 Knowing their thoughts He said to them, "Every kingdom in which civil war has raged suffers desolation; and every city or house in which there is internal strife will be brought low.
(WEY)

Matthew 12:26 And if Satan is expelling Satan, he has begun to make war on himself: how therefore shall his kingdom last?
(WEY BBE)

Mark 3:24 For if civil war breaks out in a kingdom, nothing can make that kingdom last;
(WEY)

Mark 3:26 So if Satan has risen in arms and has made war upon himself, stand he cannot, but meets his end.
(WEY BBE)

Mark 13:8 Nation will go to war with nation, and kingdom with kingdom: there will be earth-shocks in different places; there will be times when there is no food; these things are the first of the troubles.
(BBE)

Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor; He has sent me to announce release to the prisoners of war and recovery of sight to the blind: to send away free those whom tyranny has crushed,
(WEY)

Luke 11:17 And, knowing their thoughts, He said to them, "Every kingdom in which civil war rages goes to ruin: family attacks family and is overthrown.
(WEY)

Luke 11:18 If, then, Satan is at war with himself, how will he keep his kingdom? because you say that I send evil spirits out of men by the help of Beelzebul.
(BBE)

Luke 11:22 But when one who is stronger makes an attack on him and overcomes him, he takes away his instruments of war, in which he had put his faith, and makes division of his goods.
(BBE)

Luke 12:53 They will be at war, the father against his son, and the son against his father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.
(BBE)

Luke 14:31 Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
(KJV)

Romans 7:23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 14:8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare himself for war?
(WEB ASV BBE DBY)

2 Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh;
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ephesians 6:11 Take up God's instruments of war, so that you may be able to keep your position against all the deceits of the Evil One.
(BBE)

Colossians 1:21 And you, who in the past were cut off and at war with God in your minds through evil works, he has now made one
(BBE)

1 Timothy 1:18 This instruction I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare;
(Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Hebrews 10:32 But give thought to the days after you had seen the light, when you went through a great war of troubles;
(BBE)

Hebrews 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee.
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV)

James 4:1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members?
(Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

James 4:2 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.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV)

James 4:7 For this cause be ruled by God; but make war on the Evil One and he will be put to flight before you.
(BBE)

1 Peter 2:11 Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 2:16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV)

Revelation 9:7 The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people's faces.
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY)

Revelation 9:9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war.
(WEB ASV DBY)

Revelation 11:7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Revelation 12:7 There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 12:17 The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 13:4 They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Revelation 13:5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to him. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to him.
(WEB YLT)

Revelation 13:7 It was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to him.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 16:14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs; which go forth to the kings of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them together for the war of that great day of God, the Almighty.
(WEB ASV BBE DBY NAS)

Revelation 17:14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. They also will overcome who are with him, called and chosen and faithful."
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 19:11 I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 19:19 I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Revelation 20:8 and he will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS)

Genesis 3:15 And there will be war between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed: by him will your head be crushed and by you his foot will be wounded.
(BBE)

Genesis 14:2 that they made war with Bera, king of Sodom, and with Birsha, king of Gomorrah, Shinab, king of Admah, and Shemeber, king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar).
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 24:60 And they gave Rebekah their blessing, saying, O sister, may you be the mother of thousands and ten thousands; and may your seed overcome all those who make war against them.
(BBE)

Genesis 31:26 And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?
(Root in KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS NIV)

Exodus 1:10 Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies, and fight against us, and escape out of the land."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 13:17 It happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God didn't lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 14:14 The Lord will make war for you, you have only to keep quiet.
(BBE)

Exodus 15:3 Yahweh is a man of war. Yahweh is his name.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 17:8 Then Amalek came and made war on Israel in Rephidim.
(BBE)

Exodus 17:9 And Moses said to Joshua, Get together a band of men for us and go out, make war on Amalek: tomorrow I will take my place on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.
(BBE)

Exodus 17:10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and went to war with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
(BBE)

Exodus 17:16 He said, "Yah has sworn:'Yahweh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'"
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 32:17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, "There is the noise of war in the camp."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Leviticus 26:6 And I will give you peace in the land, and you will take your rest and no one will give you cause for fear; and I will put an end to all evil beasts in the land, and no sword of war will go through your land.
(BBE)

Numbers 1:3 from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their divisions.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:20 The children of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:22 Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, those who were numbered of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:24 Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:26 Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:28 Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:30 Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:32 Of the children of Joseph, of the children of Ephraim, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:34 Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:36 Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:38 Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:40 Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:42 Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 1:45 So all those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers' houses, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war in Israel;
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 10:9 When you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets. Then you will be remembered before Yahweh your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 21:23 And Sihon would not let Israel go through his land; but got all his people together and went out against Israel into the waste land, as far as Jahaz, to make war on Israel.
(BBE)

Numbers 21:26 For Heshbon was the town of Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had made war against an earlier king of Moab and taken from him all his land as far as the Arnon.
(BBE)

Numbers 22:11 See, the people who have come out of Egypt are covering all the earth: now, put a curse on this people for me, so that I may be able to make war on them, driving them out of the land.
(BBE)

Numbers 26:2 "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their fathers' houses, all who are able to go forth to war in Israel."
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:3 Moses spoke to the people, saying, "Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Yahweh's vengeance on Midian.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Numbers 31:4 Of every tribe one thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, you shall send to the war."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:5 So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:6 Moses sent them, one thousand of every tribe, to the war, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:7 They warred against Midian, as Yahweh commanded Moses; and they killed every male.
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:21 Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who went to the battle, "This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded Moses:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:26 Get an account of everything which was taken in the war, of man and of beast, you and Eleazar the priest and the heads of families of the people:
(BBE)

Numbers 31:27 and divide the prey into two parts: between the men skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:28 Levy a tribute to Yahweh of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the cattle, and of the donkeys, and of the flocks:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:32 Now the prey, over and above the booty which the men of war took, was six hundred seventy-five thousand sheep,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:36 The half, which was the portion of those who went out to war, was in number three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep: Daniel
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:42 Of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided off from the men who warred
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:49 and they said to Moses, "Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our command, and there lacks not one man of us.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Numbers 31:50 And we have here an offering for the Lord from what every man took in the war, ornaments of gold, leg-chains and arm-rings, finger-rings, ear-rings, and neck-ornaments, to make our souls free from sin before the Lord.
(BBE)

Numbers 31:53 (For the men of war had taken booty, every man for himself.)
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 32:6 Moses said to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, "Shall your brothers go to the war, and shall you sit here?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Numbers 32:20 Moses said to them, "If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 32:27 but your servants will pass over, every man who is armed for war, before Yahweh to battle, as my lord says."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Deuteronomy 1:41 Then you answered and said to me, "We have sinned against Yahweh, we will go up and fight, according to all that Yahweh our God commanded us." You girded on every man his weapons of war, and were forward to go up into the hill country.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Deuteronomy 2:5 don't contend with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on; because I have given Mount Seir to Esau for a possession.
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 2:9 And the Lord said to me, Make no attack on Moab and do not go to war with them, for I will not give you any of his land: because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for their heritage.
(BBE NAS NIV)

Deuteronomy 2:14 The days in which we came from Kadesh Barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, were thirty-eight years; until all the generation of the men of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Yahweh swore to them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Deuteronomy 2:16 So it happened, when all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Deuteronomy 2:19 And when you come near the land of the children of Ammon, give them no cause of trouble and do not make war on them, for I will not give you any of the land of the children of Ammon for your heritage: because I have given it to the children of Lot.
(BBE NIV)

Deuteronomy 2:24 Get up now, and go on your journey, crossing over the valley of the Arnon: see, I have given into your hands Sihon, the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and all his land: go forward to make it yours, and make war on him,
(Root in BBE)

Deuteronomy 3:18 And I commanded you at that time, saying, The LORD your God hath given you this land to possess it: ye shall pass over armed before your brethren the children of Israel, all that are meet for the war.
(KJV BBE WBS)

Deuteronomy 4:34 Or has God tried to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that Yahweh your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to war against other nations, and come face to face with horses and war-carriages and armies greater in number than yourselves, have no fear of them: for the Lord your God is with you, who took you up out of the land of Egypt.
(BBE DBY RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Nuclear War

War

War by Faith

War in Heaven: Symbolical

War is a Good Warfare

War is not After the Flesh

War of Extermination

War with a Good Conscience

War with Confidence in God

War with Earnestness

War with Endurance of Hardness