Can War and Peace Coexist in Faith?

In this article, you will learn how Joshua 8:3 contradicts Exodus 20:13, Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:17 and Isaiah 2:4. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

When we delve into the ancient texts, a question emerges: Can the call for warfare, as seen in Joshua 8:3, coexist with the profound call for peace and love elsewhere in scripture? Joshua 8:3 tells of how God aided Joshua in a surprise military campaign, urging Joshua to lead strong and courageous warriors into battle. It is a narrative filled with valor and divine support for warfare.

However, this raises interesting questions when juxtaposed with other biblical teachings advocating for peace and the sanctity of life. For instance, Exodus 20:13 commands, "Thou shalt not kill," a clear directive to preserve life. How do we reconcile this prohibition with the military exploits depicted in Joshua?

Further compounding this tension are the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Matthew 5:9 blesses the peacemakers, presenting them as the children of God. This beatitude sharpens the contrast against Joshua's night-time assault strategy. Similarly, Matthew 5:44 encourages us to "love your enemies," offering a stark counter-narrative to the combative actions described in Joshua.

Paul's advice in Romans 12:17—to not repay evil with evil—poses further challenges. This call for restraint and forgiveness highlights a critical discord with the retributive justice evident in Joshua's military campaign. Moreover, the prophetic vision of Isaiah 2:4, where nations will "beat their swords into plowshares," foretells a divine aspiration for an end to war, clashing with the images of battle and bloodshed.

These verses invite us to reflect on deeper themes. Can the same text endorse both conflict and peace? This dichotomy invites believers and scholars alike to explore how these seemingly opposing messages can harmonize within the broader spiritual narrative, much like how a single light can reflect many colors depending on the angle. Ultimately, it challenges us to rethink our understanding of divine will and moral action.