Once Saul became king, he was involved in constant warfare with those around Israel. In particular the Philistines were a constant throughout his days. It is interesting to note that the Bible does not record that YHWH told him to go to war with all these nations, but clearly YHWH was giving him victory. This does leave me a bit curious as to whether YHWH intended them to go to war or just supported them once they were at war.
We can conclude from this, and from other scripture such as the record of David, that just because one is chosen by YHWH does not mean you will have peace all your days. Sometimes it means you will be called into battle and you may have a long season of battling for Him. It may not always be physical warfare, of course. Sometimes it may be spiritual battle or just conflict to live and teach others the truth of YHWH’s instructions for our lives. It may be a metaphorical struggle to constantly fight against evil or poverty or sickness or whatever YHWH calls you to do.
Sometimes, we may choose to “battle” with someone who does not believe. We take it as a personal mission to “convert” them to our way of thinking. This is not Biblical. Quite the opposite, Yeshua told His disciples simply to shake the dust from their sandals and move on should they encounter someone that refuses the truth of YHWH’s word (Matthew 10:14).
Though this has been clear to me for awhile, perhaps for some it is less so. We can also clearly see another example where it is not wrong for a nation to defend itself or even strike back against those who were aggressive toward them. If it were wrong, there should be record of it being wrong and perhaps they would have suffered defeat. A strong military is important and actually helps keep the peace by keeping potential aggressors in check.
My suggestion for each of us personally is to endeavor to ensure that if we are struggling and battling it is the battle YHWH wants us to fight and we honor Him as we do it. If He is with us, we will do well. If He is against us, we will struggle mightily. And I am a fan of having a nation with a strong military for defense.
Constant Warfare
47Now when Saul had taken the kingdom over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, the sons of Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Philistines; and wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment. 48He acted valiantly and defeated the Amalekites, and delivered Israel from the hands of those who plundered them.
49Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan and Ishvi and Malchi-shua; and the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn Merab and the name of the younger Michal. 50The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
52Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any mighty man or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff.
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