Soldiers and warfare are frequent topics in the Bible, and while times have changed, the role of a soldier has always carried great responsibility. From Old Testament warriors to New Testament soldiers, the Bible highlights various qualities like courage, discipline, and justice. But beyond the battlefield, what does the Bible say about the heart of a soldier? Are there specific principles that guide them in their service? Let’s explore how Scripture addresses soldiers, both in the context of physical warfare and spiritual battles.
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What Does The Bible Say About Soldiers
1 Chronicles 12:33
“Of Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every type of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty.”
This verse showcases the readiness and loyalty of experienced soldiers who were prepared to fight alongside David. It emphasizes the importance of being equipped and committed in battle for a just cause.
The verse also implies that soldiers should be wholeheartedly dedicated to their leaders, highlighting the significance of unity and trust in a military context.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.”
This verse compares soldiers of Christ to earthly soldiers, highlighting the need for dedication and focus. It encourages believers to endure hardships and avoid worldly distractions to please the Lord.
Just as soldiers prioritize their duty over personal interests, Christians are called to prioritize their commitment to Christ above all else, willingly enduring challenges for the sake of their faith.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In this verse, God encourages Joshua to be strong and courageous as he leads the Israelites into battle. It reminds soldiers that fear and discouragement should not overcome them, as God is always present and will provide support.
This verse serves as a reminder that soldiers, both physically and spiritually, can find strength and confidence in their faith, knowing that God is with them every step of the way.
Psalm 144:1
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”
This verse acknowledges that the Lord is the one who equips and trains soldiers for war. It recognizes God as the source of strength and skill, attributing all abilities to His guidance and preparation.
As soldiers engage in physical battles, they should remember that it is ultimately the Lord who empowers them, providing the necessary abilities to face their adversaries.
Ephesians 6:10-11
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
These verses remind soldiers to find strength in the Lord and to rely on His power. It emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared, understanding that the struggles faced in battle extend beyond the physical realm.
By putting on the full armor of God, soldiers can protect themselves against the spiritual attacks of the enemy, standing firm in their faith and resisting any attempts to sway or deceive them.
Deuteronomy 20:4
“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
This verse assures soldiers that as they go into battle, they are not alone. It acknowledges that victory ultimately comes from God, who fights on their behalf against their enemies.
Soldiers can take comfort in the knowledge that the outcome of any battle rests in the hands of the Lord, trusting in His sovereignty and seeking His guidance throughout their military service.
Romans 13:4
“For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”
This verse highlights the role of soldiers as instruments of God, serving for the well-being and protection of the people. It emphasizes the authority and responsibility they bear in maintaining order and justice.
In their service, soldiers are entrusted with the duty of upholding righteousness and carrying out justice, acting as agents of God’s wrath against evildoers.
Proverbs 21:31
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
This verse acknowledges the importance of diligent preparation and training in military endeavors. However, it also emphasizes that ultimate victory lies in the hands of the Lord, regardless of human efforts.
Soldiers should strive for excellence in their training and readiness, but they must continually recognize their dependence on God’s intervention and guidance to secure triumph in any conflict.
Psalm 18:34
“He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
As a testament to God’s ability to prepare soldiers for battle, this verse illustrates how He strengthens individuals physically and mentally, enabling them to excel in combat.
Just as God equipped the psalmist with the skill and strength needed to bend a bronze bow, soldiers can trust that He will equip them with the necessary abilities and aptitudes to face any challenge they may encounter.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In this verse, God assures His people that He will be their unwavering support and strength. Soldiers can find comfort and courage in the knowledge that God is always by their side.
Even during times of uncertainty or danger, soldiers can rest in the assurance that God will fortify them, provide assistance, and uphold them with His righteous hand.
2 Samuel 22:40
“For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.”
This verse acknowledges that it is God who equips individuals with strength for the battle. It celebrates the triumph that comes from being supported by the Almighty, overpowering adversaries.
Soldiers can draw inspiration from the thought that when they rely on God, He will empower them to overcome any opposition and ensure victory in their military endeavors.
Psalm 20:7
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
This verse contrasts human reliance on material resources, such as chariots and horses, with the trust placed in God. It reinforces the notion that true strength comes from acknowledging God’s sovereignty.
Ultimately, soldiers are encouraged to place their trust in the Lord, recognizing that it is His power and intervention that will make a difference in their battles.
Exodus 15:3
“The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is his name.”
This verse acknowledges God’s nature as a warrior. It highlights His inherent capability and authority in battle, underscoring the fact that the Lord fights alongside His people.
Soldiers can find assurance in knowing that they serve a God who is mighty in battle, relying on His strength and guidance as they face the challenges of warfare.
Psalm 144:2
“He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.”
These verses express the psalmist’s trust and reliance on the Lord for protection, as well as the acknowledgment of God’s role in subduing enemies.
Soldiers can find solace in God’s steadfast love, taking refuge in Him as their fortress and deliverer. They can lean on His protective hand, knowing that He will grant them victory over their adversaries.
Psalm 91:11-12
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands, they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.”
These verses assure soldiers of God’s protection, proclaiming that He will command His angels to guard them. It reinforces the belief that divine intervention will prevent harm and keep them safe.
As soldiers face various dangers, they can take comfort in the knowledge that God’s angels are watching over them, minimizing the risks they may encounter during their military service.
Psalm 140:7
“O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.”
In this verse, the psalmist recognizes God as the source of strength and salvation. It acknowledges His protection and covering during times of battle.
Soldiers can proclaim the Lord as their strength, acknowledging His role as their deliverer in the face of conflict. They can trust in His divine shielding and find solace in His presence during their military endeavors.
Numbers 32:20-21
“Then Moses said to them, “If you will do this, if you will take up arms to go before the LORD for the war, and every armed man of you will pass over the Jordan before the LORD, until he has driven out his enemies from before him and the land is subdued before the LORD; then after that you shall return and be free of obligation to the LORD and to Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the LORD.”
In this passage, Moses commands the Israelites to take up arms in battle before the Lord. It highlights the importance of fulfilling military duties in accordance with God’s will and purposes.
Soldiers can draw lessons from this verse by understanding that their service should align with righteous causes, striving to honor God and bring about His purposes in the world.
Ecclesiastes 3:8
“…a time for war, and a time for peace.”
This verse recognizes that there are appropriate times for both war and peace. It acknowledges the complexities of human existence and the existence of conflict.
Soldiers can reflect on this verse to understand that their role includes engaging in warfare during specific circumstances. However, they should also strive for peace whenever possible, seeking justice, and promoting harmony.
Psalm 18:32
“the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.”
These words express gratitude to God for providing strength and preparing the psalmist for battle. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a blameless and upright path.
Soldiers can recognize that their strength and abilities are gifts from God, acknowledging the need to live with integrity and honor as they carry out their military duties.
Isaiah 40:31
“but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
This verse assures believers that those who wait on the Lord will find their strength renewed. It uses vivid imagery to depict the enduring vitality and perseverance that comes from relying on God.
As soldiers face physical and mental exhaustion, this verse serves as a source of encouragement, reminding them that God can grant them the endurance and stamina needed to overcome weariness.
2 Samuel 22:35
“He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
This verse emphasizes God’s role in training individuals for warfare, developing their skills and abilities to be effective in battle.
For soldiers, this verse can serve as a reminder that their training and expertise are not solely due to human effort but are guided and honed by the hand of God.
Psalm 18:39
“For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.”
This verse acknowledges God’s role in equipping individuals with strength for battle and depicting the defeat of enemies who rise against them.
Soldiers can find assurance in the knowledge that God can empower them to overcome any adversary they may face, both physically and spiritually.
Exodus 14:14
“The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
This verse reminds soldiers that the battle is ultimately in God’s hands. It encourages them to trust in His provision and intervention, rather than relying solely on their own abilities.
By surrendering their fears, doubts, and worries to the Lord, soldiers can find peace in knowing that He will fight on their behalf, bringing about victory in the most challenging circumstances.