Biblical Context of Self Defense and War in Scripture
The Bible presents a complex perspective on self-defense and war, acknowledging their presence throughout history while also emphasizing themes of peace and divine intervention. War is depicted as an ancient phenomenon, originating from human desires [1, 14]. Ecclesiastes 3:8 notes that there is "a time for war," indicating its place within the human experience [1].
In the Old Testament, God is frequently portrayed as actively involved in warfare, even ordering it in certain instances [1]. For example, passages like Exodus 17:16, Numbers 31:1-2, Deuteronomy 7:1-2, and 1 Samuel 15:1-3 describe God commanding His people to engage in battle [1]. God is also depicted as teaching His people the art of war (2 Samuel 22:35), strengthening them for conflict (Leviticus 26:7-8), and granting victory (Numbers 21:3, Deuteronomy 2:33, 3:3, 2 Samuel 23:10, Proverbs 21:31) [1]. The concept of God as a "Divine Warrior" who intervenes on behalf of His people is also present, going on the offensive for them [12, 13]. This divine protection is often likened to a shield or a wall of fire [9, 11]. Isaiah 37:35 records God's promise to "defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David’s sake" [8].
Defensive measures were a significant aspect of ancient warfare. Shields, varying in size, form, and material, were crucial for defense [3, 5]. They were sometimes made of or covered with gold or brass and were often anointed to preserve them and help deflect missiles [3, 5]. Fortresses, whether natural or man-made, served as places of security and protection against enemies [6]. Kings of Israel, such as Uzziah, provided abundant defensive armaments for their people [5]. The loss of a shield was considered a disgrace [5].
The organization of armies was also detailed, with various ranks from privates to cavalry officers mentioned in texts like 1 Kings 9:22 [4]. Before engaging in war, consultation and great preparation were common practices [1]. The "War Scroll" from the Dead Sea Scrolls illustrates a belief in divine intervention in battle, where God ensures victory for His "holy people" against their enemies [2].
Despite the prevalence of war, the Bible also contains calls for peace. Psalm 120:7 states, "I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war" [7]. The New Testament, particularly in the book of James, attributes the origin of "wars and fightings" to the "lusts of men" [1, 14]. Adam Clarke, commenting on 1 Samuel 17:47, interprets David's confrontation with Goliath as a divine war, where David fights for God's cause against those who oppose Him and His religion [15]. This suggests that some conflicts were understood as having a spiritual dimension, fought on behalf of God and His people [10, 15].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: War — Antiquity of -- Ge 14:2. Originates in the lusts of men -- Jas 4:1. A time for -- Ec 3:8. God Frequently ordered. -- Ex 17:16; Nu 31:1,2; De 7:1,2; 1Sa 15:1-3. Taught His people the art of. -- 2Sa 22:35. Strengthens His people for. -- Le 26:7,8. Gives the victory in. -- Nu 21:3; De 2:33; 3:3; 2Sa 23:10; Pr 21:31. Causes to cease. -- Ps 46:9. Scatters those who delight in. -- Ps 68:30. Large armies frequently engaged in -- 2Ch 13:3; 14:9. Weapons used in -- Jos 1:14; Jdj 18:11. Preceded by Consultation. -- Lu 14:31; Pr 24:6. Great preparation. -- Joe 3:9. Rumors”
- Dead Sea Scrolls “War Scroll (Milhamah) (late 1st century BCE), section 18: no rescuer for all their mighty men, and no place of refuge for their swift ones. To their honored men (12) You will return shame, and all their vain existence shall be as nothing. But we, Your holy people, shall praise Your name for Your works of truth. (13) Because of Your mighty deeds we shall exalt Your splendor in epochs and appointed times of eternity, at the beginning of day, at night (14) and at dawn and dusk. For Your glorious purpose is great and Your wondrous mysteries are in Your high heavens, to raise up those for Yourself ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Shield — Used in defensive warfare, varying at different times and under different circumstances in size, form, and material (1 Sam. 17:7; 2 Sam. 1:21; 1 Kings 10:17; 1 Chr. 12:8, 24, 34; Isa. 22:6; Ezek. 39:9; Nahum 2:3). Used figuratively of God and of earthly princes as the defenders of their people (Gen. 15:1; Deut. 33:29; Ps. 33:20; 84:11). Faith is compared to a shield (Eph. 6:16). Shields were usually "anointed" (Isa. 21:5), in order to preserve them, and at the same time make the missiles of the enemy glide off them more easily.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “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. [[1281]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 interch”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Shields — A part of defensive armour -- Ps 115:9; 140:7. Frequently made of, or covered with Gold. -- 2Sa 8:7; 1Ki 10:17. Brass. -- 1Ki 14:27. Said to belong to God -- Ps 47:9. Kinds of The buckler or target. -- 2Ch 9:15; 1Ch 5:18; Eze 26:8. The small shield. -- 2Ch 9:16. Often borne by an armour bearer. -- 1Sa 17:7. Before war Gathered together. -- Jer 51:11. Uncovered. -- Isa 22:6. Repaired. -- Jer 46:3. Anointed. -- 2Sa 1:21; Isa 21:5. Often made red. -- Na 2:3. Provided by the kings of Israel in great abundance -- 2Ch 11:12; 26:14; 32:5. A disgrace to lose, or th”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fortresses — Places strong by nature -- Nu 24:21. Places fortified by art -- Jer 51:53. The security of a nation -- Isa 33:16; Da 11:10. Places used as Cities. -- Jdj 9:31; Ne 4:2. Strong-holds. -- Jdj 6:2; 2Ch 11:11. Forts. -- 2Sa 5:9; Isa 25:12. Strong towers. -- 2Ch 26:9. Afforded protection in danger -- Jdj 6:2. Defended against enemies -- Na 2:1. Often Entered by the enemy. -- Da 11:7. Spoiled. -- Ho 10:14. Levelled. -- Isa 25:12. Deserted, & c. -- Isa 34:13. Destruction of, threatened. -- Isa 17:3. Illustrative of God's protection. -- Ps 18:2; Jer 16:19. Christ”
- Psalms “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. -- Psalms 120:7”
- Isaiah “‘For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.’” -- Isaiah 37:35”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 7:10: defence--literally, "shield" (Psa 5:12).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 18:20: The statements of innocence, righteousness, &c., refer, doubtless, to his personal and official conduct and his purposes, during all the trials to which he was subjected in Saul's persecutions and Absalom's rebellions, as well as the various wars in which he had been engaged as the head and defender of God's Church and people.”
- Zechariah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Zechariah 2:5: I . . . wall of fire round--Compare Zac 2:4. Yet as a city needs some wall, I JEHOVAH will act as one of fire which none durst approach (Zac 9:8; Isa 26:1). glory in the midst--not only a defense from foes outside, but a glory within (Isa 60:19; Rev 21:23). The same combination of "glory and defense" is found in Isa 4:5, alluding to the pillar of cloud and fire which defended and enlightened Israel in the desert. Compare Elisha in Dothan (Kg2 6:17). As God is to be her "glory," so she shall be His "glory" (Isa 62:3).”
- Habakkuk (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Habakkuk 3:5: 3:5-6 God is the divine warrior who intervenes on behalf of his own (see 3:8-15; see also Isa 63:1-6). 3:5 Habakkuk personifies pestilence (see Deut 32:24) and plague (see Exod 7–12; Amos 4:10) as soldiers in God’s army, fulfilling his purposes.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 7:12: 7:12-13 sword . . . bow . . . deadly weapons . . . flaming arrows: As the Divine Warrior, God goes on the offensive on behalf of himself and his people.”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 4 (introduction): AGAINST FIGHTINGS AND THEIR SOURCE; WORLDLY LUSTS; UNCHARITABLE JUDGMENTS, AND PRESUMPTUOUS RECKONING ON THE FUTURE. (Jam. 4:1-17) whence--The cause of quarrels is often sought in external circumstances, whereas internal lusts are the true origin. wars, &c.--contrasted with the "peace" of heavenly wisdom. "Fightings" are the active carrying on of "wars." The best authorities have a second "whence" before "fightings." Tumults marked the era before the destruction of Jerusalem when James wrote. He indirectly alludes to these. The members ar”
- 1 Samuel (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Samuel 17:47: For the battle is the Lord's - It is the Lord's war: you are fighting against him and his religion, as the champion of your party; I am fighting for God, as the champion of his cause.”