National Defense in God's Purposed Plan
National Defense in God's Purposed Plan
The concept of national defense is intricately linked with the broader theme of God's providence and protection in the biblical narrative. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, God's protection is a recurring theme throughout scripture, emphasizing His ability to safeguard His people [2]. This protection is not limited to individuals but extends to nations as well.
In the biblical account, God's role in national defense is multifaceted. He is depicted as a strong fortress and a shield to those who trust in Him [3]. The Psalmist affirms this, stating that God is the strength and shield of His people (Psalm 28:7, not directly quoted but referenced in [8]). Nahum 2:5 illustrates God's military might, describing the deployment of His picked troops and the placement of protective shields.
The New Testament reinforces this idea, with Ephesians 6:11 exhorting believers to "put on the complete armor of God" to stand against the adversary's strategies [1]. This armor is not physical but spiritual, underscoring the notion that true defense against spiritual enemies comes from God.
Theological interpretations of these passages vary. John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes that the armor of God is "divine and spiritual, not carnal," emphasizing its origin and nature [5]. Similarly, Calvin's commentary on Genesis highlights God's use of angels to protect His people, illustrating the divine provision for their safety [9].
The biblical narrative also underscores the futility of human plans against God's will. Tyndale House's commentary on Nahum 1:9 states that "no scheme or human plot against God can succeed," referencing Psalm 2 and Isaiah 14:26-27, 23:9 [6, 7]. This theme is echoed in Proverbs 21:30, which asserts that "there is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord" [10].
In the context of national defense, these biblical teachings suggest that true security lies not in human strength or military might but in God's providence and protection. As Matthew Henry comments on Psalms 119:114, God is both a "hiding-place" and a "shield" to His people, providing them with safety and defense [8].
The doctrine of predestination, as discussed in Easton's Bible Dictionary, further contextualizes God's role in national defense, highlighting His sovereign plan and purpose [4]. This doctrine, while complex and multifaceted, underscores God's control over all events, including those related to national defense.
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 6:11 (Rotherham) — Put on the complete armour of God, with a view to your having power to stand against the strategies of the adversary;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Protection — God is able to afford -- 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. God is faithful to afford -- 1Th 5:23,24; 2Th 3:3. Of God is Indispensable. -- Ps 127:1. Seasonable. -- Ps 46:1. Unfailing. -- De 31:6; Jos 1:5. Effectual. -- Joh 10:28-30; 2Co 12:9. Uninterrupted. -- Ps 121:3. Encouraging. -- Isa 41:10; 50:7. Perpetual. -- Ps 121:8. Often afforded through means inadequate in themselves. -- Jdj 7:7; 1Sa 17:45,50; 2Ch 14:11. Is afforded to Those who hearken to God. -- Pr 1:33. Returning sinners. -- Job 22:23,25. The perfect in heart. -- 2Ch 16:9. The poor. -- Ps 14:6; 72:12-14.”
- 2 Samuel “2 Samuel 22:33 (NASB) — "God is my strong fortress; And He sets the blameless in His way.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Predestination — This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Rom. 8:29, 30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all events. This doctrine of predestination or election is beset with many difficulties. It belongs to the "secret things" of God. But if we take the revealed word of God as our guid”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 6:11: Put on the whole armour of God,.... Not that which God himself is sometimes clothed with, and uses against his enemies; but what he has provided for his people, and furnishes them with; the particulars of which are after mentioned: and it is called "the armour of God", because it is prepared by him for his people, and is bestowed on them by him; and because it is in its own nature divine and spiritual, and not carnal; and because it is provided for fighting the Lord's battles, and is used in them; and because the efficacy of it is from him, and the execution it doe”
- Nah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Nah 1:9: 1:9 Why are you scheming: No scheme or human plot against God can succeed. Human plans are worthless if they do not match God’s plans (Ps 2; Isa 14:26-27; 23:9).”
- Nahum (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Nahum 1:9: 1:9 Why are you scheming: No scheme or human plot against God can succeed. Human plans are worthless if they do not match God’s plans (Ps 2; Isa 14:26-27; 23:9).”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:114: Here is, 1. God's care of David to protect and defend him, which he comforted himself with when his enemies were very malicious against him: Thou art my hiding-place and my shield. David, when Saul pursued him, often betook himself to close places for shelter; in war he guarded himself with his shield. Now God was both these to him, a hiding-place to preserve him from danger and a shield to preserve him in danger, his life from death and his soul from sin. Good people are safe under God's protection. He is their strength and their shield, their help and their s”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 2 (Gen 24-50), section 9.5: of God, angels go forth to meet him, arranged in ranks on both sides. Hebrew interpreters think that the camp of the enemy had been placed on one side; and that the angels, or rather God, stood on the other. But it is much more probable, that angels were distributed in two camps on different sides of Jacob, that he might perceive himself to be everywhere surrounded and fortified by celestial troops; as in Psalm 34:7 , it is declared that angels, to preserve the worshippers of God, pitch their tents around them. Yet I am not dissat”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 21:30: The designing busy part of mankind are directed, in all their counsels and undertakings, to have their eye to God, and to believe, 1. That there can be no success against God, and therefore they must never act in opposition to him, in contempt of his commands, or in contradiction to his counsels. Though they think they have wisdom, and understanding, and counsel, the best politics and politicians, on their side, yet, if it be against the Lord, it cannot prosper long; it shall not prevail at last. He that sits in heaven laughs at men's projects against him and h”