Scripture About War: A Comprehensive Guide

Despite the countless verses in scripture that promote peace and reconciliation, there are also passages that address the complexities of war and its consequences. These scriptures provide guidance, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the role of conflict in human history.

The Causes of War

Sin and Human Nature

• "The heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
• "From within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly." (Mark 7:21-22)

War often stems from the inherent sinfulness of humanity, leading to conflict, violence, and destruction.

Pride and Idolatry

• "He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city." (Proverbs 16:32)
• "But they rebelled against me and would not obey me; they did not throw away the detestable things they had made with their own hands, nor turn away from their idols." (Ezekiel 20:16)

Pride and idolatry can lead to a false sense of superiority and a desire for dominance over others, fueling wars and oppression.

The Consequences of War

Suffering and Destruction

• "The land shall be utterly empty and totally plundered, for the Lord has spoken this word." (Isaiah 24:3)
• "The slain of the Lord shall be many on that day, and from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth there shall be corpses; they shall not be lamented or gathered or buried; they shall be as dung on the ground." (Jeremiah 25:33)

War brings immense suffering, destruction, and loss of life, leaving a devastating impact on individuals, communities, and nations.

Moral and Spiritual Corruption

• "Woe to those who devise iniquity, and work out evil on their beds! When the morning light comes, they carry it out, because it is in the power of their hand." (Micah 2:1)
• "Your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity." (Isaiah 59:3)

War can corrupt individuals and societies, leading to violence, injustice, and a breakdown of moral values.

God's Response to War

Condemnation and Judgment

• "I have seen your ways," declares the Lord, "and your thoughts; and I am bringing upon you a calamity, even the devastation of all your people." (Jeremiah 25:14)
• "Behold, I will judge those who say to wood, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave me birth.' For they have turned their back to me and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, 'Arise and save us!'" (Jeremiah 2:27)

God condemns those who resort to war without seeking his guidance and protection, and he will ultimately judge those responsible for its horrors.

Hope and Redemption

• "I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them joy for their sorrow." (Jeremiah 31:13)
• "He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire." (Psalm 46:9)

Despite the horrors of war, scripture offers hope and redemption. God promises to bring comfort to those who suffer and to ultimately put an end to conflict and violence.