Peace Through WarSample

Peace Through Strength and Readiness

The concept of "Peace Through War" is closely related to the modern-day popular expression, "Peace Through Strength." This philosophy maintains that a powerful military deters aggression and secures peace, and if conflict escalates, a prepared adversary will be easily defeated and peace will prevail.

Throughout history, this strategy has been implemented through military modernization, advancements in technology, rigorous training, superior weapons, and a strong show of force—often combined with strategic diplomacy. The core idea is that a nation positioned in a high state of conflict readiness can effectively prevent aggressors from initiating war. This defensive posture, maintained by kings and armies in the Old Testament, is still a prevalent strategy today.

Clarifying the Commandment: Killing vs. Murder

It is crucial to distinguish between the common interpretation of the biblical commandment in Exodus 20:13, "You shall not kill," and its precise meaning. Many people read this verse to mean that a nation waging war is inherently sinful.

However, the commandment specifically addresses murder: the intentional, premeditated killing of another person with malice. God is not against all killing under all circumstances, but specifically against murder. This distinction is clear throughout the Old Testament, where God frequently commanded the Israelites to go to war with other nations (1 Samuel 15:3; Joshua 4:13) and even ordered the death penalty for various crimes (Exodus 21:12, 15; 22:19; Leviticus 20:11).

War: A Necessary Action in a Fallen World

While war is never a positive event, it is occasionally a necessary action in this fallen world. Given humanity's sinful nature (Romans 3:10-18), conflict is, at times, inevitable. As we examine examples from the Old Testament, we discover that God sometimes allows war to take place for various reasons, including:

• Judgment against wickedness

God commanded war against certain nations, like the Canaanites, due to their extreme wickedness and detestable practices. This is presented as a form of divine judgment against their actions.

• Protection of the Israelites

God used war to prevent the Israelites from being influenced and corrupted by the pagan religions and immorality of the surrounding nations. The command to destroy the Canaanites and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, for example, were meant to keep the Israelites from falling into the same sins and to protect their relationship with God.

• Demonstration of God's power

The wars of the Israelites, particularly when God intervened directly, served to demonstrate God's power and supremacy to the surrounding nations.

• Punishment for Israel's sin

God also used war as a tool of punishment against the Israelites themselves when they turned away from Him and became rebellious. He used foreign nations as instruments of judgment against His own people as a driving force to turn their reliance back to Him.

• Necessity for survival

In a world filled with sin and finite resources, war was sometimes an unavoidable and necessary tool for the survival and existence of the Israelite nation.

• Opportunity for redemption

Even in acts of judgment, there was often a possibility for redemption. The examples of Lot and Rahab show that individuals who loved God could be spared, indicating that the ultimate aim was the eradication of wickedness, not the complete destruction of all people.

In this reading plan, we will discuss several Biblical examples of battles and war, and how the ultimate victory is one of lasting peace.