Can Ancient War Commands Align with Teachings of Love and Peace?
In this article, you will learn how Numbers 31:9 contradicts Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 24:16, Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:31, Romans 12:21, Proverbs 25:21-22 and Isaiah 2:4. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, while revered as a religious text, can present challenging passages when viewed through the lens of modern ethics. A particularly thought-provoking example arises from contrasting ancient narratives and commandments with messages of love and non-violence.
Consider the story found in Numbers 31:9, where Moses recounts the Israelites capturing people and claiming their possessions as victors of battle. This episode illustrates a time when warfare and the subsequent taking of captives were a part of life for the Israelites. Yet, when juxtaposed with other biblical teachings, striking contradictions emerge.
In Exodus 20:13, the commandment "Thou shalt not kill" appears straightforward, promoting the sanctity of life. This directive seems at odds with wartime practices, where taking captives often implied violence or death. Similarly, Deuteronomy 24:16 emphasizes personal responsibility, stating that individuals should not be punished for the sins of others, offering a stark contrast to the indiscriminate nature of capturing entire communities in wars.
Turning to the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus introduce even more tension. Matthew 5:44 urges followers to "love your enemies," a revolutionary concept in stark contrast to subduing them through warfare. Luke 6:31's "do unto others" principle further highlights this dissonance, prompting reflection on how we treat those we are in conflict with.
Romans 12:21 encourages overcoming evil with good, advocating for kindness instead of aggression. Likewise, Proverbs 25:21-22 suggests feeding one's enemy in need, a gesture of goodwill that counters the act of captivity. Finally, in the vision of Isaiah 2:4, the hope of a world without war invites questioning of warfare's place in religiously ethical living.
These contradictions invite deeper reflection on the compatibility of ancient war commands with a faith centered on love, peace, and mutual respect. How can these divergent teachings coexist, and what guidance do they offer for today?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Numbers 31:9 | And the children of Israel took [all] the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. |
| 2. | Exodus 20:13 | Thou shalt not kill. |
| 3. | Deuteronomy 24:16 | The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. |
| 4. | Matthew 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 5. | Luke 6:31 | And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. |
| 6. | Romans 12:21 | Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. |
| 7. | Proverbs 25:21-22 | If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: |
| 8. | Isaiah 2:4 | And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [pruninghooks: or, scythes] |