Introduction
The Hebrew word commonly used for warfare in the Old Testament is מִלְחָמָה (milchamah), while the Greek term used in the New Testament is στρατεία (strateia). The word milchamah can mean either battle or war, depending on the context, and it appears in over three hundred Old Testament passages that address conflict, war, or battle. In the New Testament, *strateia* similarly conveys the idea of fighting or warfare. In this article, the theme of warfare is traced from creation to the new creation, showing how the concept develops across the biblical canon.
Warfare may be broadly understood as a situation in which two or more individuals or groups stand in opposition to one another. Genesis chapters one and two describe God’s work of creation, where everything is portrayed as good and harmonious. Notably, there is no record of warfare before the fall of humanity. Conflict enters the biblical story only after sin disrupts the created order.
Warfare in the Old Testament
Warfare in the Old Testament is largely characterized by physical combat between nations, families, and individuals. Wars arose for various reasons, including demonstrations of power, resistance against oppression, protection of territory, and expansion of territorial boundaries. These conflicts form a major part of Israel’s historical narrative and theological self-understanding.
Warfare after the Fall of Humanity
According to Scripture, warfare emerges after the fall of humanity. God declares hostility between the offspring of the woman and the offspring of the serpent while pronouncing judgment upon the serpent:
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Gen 3:15, ESV).
This declaration introduces the idea of ongoing conflict within the created order.
In Genesis 3:24, the Lord stations cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life, marking humanity’s first experience of resistance and exclusion. The following chapter records Cain’s violent act against his brother Abel:
“Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him” (Gen 4:8, ESV).
Scripture later notes God’s grief over human wickedness:
“My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is flesh” (Gen 6:3, NASB).
These passages indicate that the fall brought conflict between God and humanity, between humans themselves, and between humanity and the rest of creation.
Also Read Who Is Man? A Biblical Doctrine of Humanity and Sin
Kingdom and Territorial Warfare
As the biblical narrative progresses, warfare increasingly involves struggles for territorial control and political dominance. Kingdoms sought to extend their rule, often through military strength. Genesis 14 records a coalition of kings waging war against other city-states, culminating in a battle in the Valley of Siddim (Gen 14:1–2, 8). Such accounts highlight how warfare became a defining feature of ancient political life.
Nations also formed alliances and treaties to strengthen their military position or avoid conflict. In Exodus, the Egyptians oppress the Israelites out of fear that they might ally with Egypt’s enemies:
“If war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us” (Exod 1:10, ESV).
God is described as a divine warrior who fights on behalf of Israel, delivering them from Egypt:
“The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name” (Exod 15:3, ESV).
Initially, the Israelites lacked military experience, but under God’s guidance, they gradually engaged in battle and won. God even redirects their journey to avoid premature warfare:
“Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt” (Exod 13:17, ESV).
Through divine assistance, Israel defeats powerful enemies, such as Og king of Bashan (Num 21:33, ESV).
Israel’s Warfare Engagement
God’s covenant with Abraham establishes a unique relationship between God and Abraham’s descendants, including divine involvement in their conflicts. God promises protection and blessing, declaring that those who oppose Abraham will themselves be opposed. Throughout Israel’s history, victory often comes through extraordinary divine intervention (1 Sam 7:10; 14:20).
The Israelites regularly seek God’s guidance before engaging in warfare. At times, God assures them of victory, provides specific strategies, or warns them against battle (Josh 6:3; 8:1; 10:8; Judg 20:18). God also expects Israel to learn the discipline of warfare (Judg 3:1–2; 2 Sam 22:35, 40). Conversely, disobedience and sin result in military defeat, as seen in Joshua 7 and Numbers 14. Because of persistent sin, God allows foreign powers such as Babylon to subdue Israel for seventy years (Jer 25:10–12), though restoration eventually follows.
By the end of the Old Testament period, Israel anticipates a military Messiah who would liberate them from foreign domination and rule from Jerusalem (Mic 5:2). Although the people return from exile, they remain under the Persians, Greeks and later the Romans’ control, sustaining their hope for deliverance.
Warfare in the New Testament
The intertestamental period is marked by successive oppressions that threaten Jewish identity and faith. The Old Testament end with the Persians in power following the fall of the great Babylonian kingdom. The Persians were subsequently overthrown by the Greeks, but their empire eventually fragmented into four parts after the death of Alexander the Great. The New Testament then begins during the Roman period, which had come to power after supplanting all other kingdoms. Under Roman rule, heavy taxation and political subjugation intensified expectations of a liberating Messiah. However, the New Testament records relatively little physical warfare. Even after Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples ask,
“Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”* (Acts 1:6, ESV).
The disciples showed an expectation of a military action to reclaim the empire and take over the dominion of the world from Jerusalem. Nevertheless, Jesus introduces a new understanding of warfare by confronting invisible powers rather than earthly armies:
“Now will the ruler of this world be cast out” (John 12:31, ESV).
Paul further develops this perspective, explaining that Christian warfare is not fought with physical weapons but with spiritual ones:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh” (2 Cor 10:3–6, ESV).
These divine weapons are capable of destroying strongholds, arguments, and every thought opposed to obedience to Christ.
The New Testament frequently portrays warfare as an inner struggle. Paul urges Timothy to “fight the good fight” (1 Tim 1:18, ESV). In Galatians and Romans, he describes the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit: “The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit” (Gal 5:17, ESV), and “I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind”* (Rom 7:23, ESV). This warfare centers on obedience, holiness, and transformation.
The Real Enemy
Unlike the Old Testament, which depicts numerous human enemies, the New Testament identifies Satan as the primary adversary (Eph 6:10–11; 1 Pet 5:8–9). Consequently, warfare takes a spiritual form rather than a physical one. Paul explains: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness”* (Eph 6:12, ESV).
The conflict is portrayed as a struggle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Believers are urged to remain alert, sober, and discerning, recognizing the deceptive strategies of the enemy (1 Pet 5:8; 2 Cor 2:11). Ephesians 6:10–17 describes the armour of God using military imagery, identifying truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the word of God as essential defences.
Warfare in the Gospels
Jesus’ ministry includes a declaration of liberation drawn from Isaiah: “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18–21, ESV). This proclamation signals confrontation with spiritual forces that hold people in bondage. When Jesus sends out the disciples, he warns them: “I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves” (Luke 10:3, ESV), indicating inevitable opposition.
The disciples’ mission involves casting out demons, and they return rejoicing in their victory. Later, Jesus warns Peter of Satan’s intent to test him severely (Luke 22:31). Jesus also cautions his followers to prepare for hardship: “Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36, ESV), emphasizing readiness rather than violence. Despite opposition, Jesus assures his followers of his presence and ultimate victory (John 16:33; Matt 28:20).
Levels of Warfare in the New Testament
Two levels of warfare are evident in the Christian life. First, there is personal warfare, where believers struggle against the flesh in order to submit fully to God. Paul highlights this internal conflict in Romans and Galatians (Rom 7:18; Gal 5:17), urging self-discipline and perseverance (1 Cor 9:27).
Second, there is corporate and external warfare against spiritual powers that hinder obedience to Christ. Paul describes this struggle as resistance against rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm (Eph 6:12). Both dimensions require vigilance, faith, and reliance on God’s power.
Warfare in the New Creation
The prophets envision a future where warfare ceases entirely. Isaiah proclaims: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isa 2:4, ESV). Revelation similarly depicts a renewed creation free from pain, mourning, and death (Rev 21:4).
This peace follows the final defeat of evil. Revelation portrays a climactic confrontation in which Christ triumphs over the forces of darkness (Rev 19:19–21). Satan’s defeat ushers in a new heaven and a new earth, restoring harmony to creation.
Spiritual Warfare in Christian Thought
“Spiritual warfare” is a term used by Christians to describe the unseen battles they believe occur beyond physical reality. Some Christians believe that Satan does not exist, while others hold that Satan and his evil demons are the source of all evil in the world. A study conducted by the Barna research group revealed that 60 per cent of Americans deny that Satan is a living being and see him more as a symbol of evil. Harvest International Institute, in their spiritual warfare manual, views Christian life as a war, emphasizing that the sooner someone recognises and prepares for it, the sooner they can experience victory. With this perspective in mind, thousands of materials have been written to help Christians prepare for and engage in this invisible warfare. In a foreword to Tom White’s book, Arnold observed that when anyone seeks to seriously advance God’s kingdom, our adversary will certainly put up a fight.
Also Read The Doctrine of the Church: Understanding Its Purpose, Marks, and Functions
Conclusion
In the Old Testament, warfare is predominantly physical, and military strength often determines a kingdom’s survival and expansion. In the New Testament, warfare shifts toward spiritual opposition encountered in proclaiming the gospel. Although physical conflict recedes, spiritual warfare remains constant and subtle, employing tactics such as deception, temptation, accusation, and false teaching (Rev 12:9–10; Matt 4:1–11).
The Old Testament serves as a mirror for understanding New Testament realities. Just as God fought for Israel, God continues to fight for his people, as demonstrated in events such as Peter’s miraculous deliverance from prison (Acts 12). Ultimately, the battle belongs to the Lord. Recognizing the true enemy is essential, as illustrated when Jesus rebukes Satan’s influence rather than Peter himself: “Get behind me, Satan!”*(Matt 16:23, ESV).
The biblical witness affirms that warfare persists, but victory rests in God’s sovereign power.