Ancient Israel Fought Wars-Why Don't We?

 2. JEHOVAH COMMANDED THE ISRAELITES TO GO TO WAR

In the past, Jehovah decided when and why the Israelites needed to go to war. For example, God instructed Israel to execute his judgment on the Canaanites, who were notorious for their demon worship, gross immorality, and child sacrifice.   Jehovah directed the Israelites to remove this wicked influence from the  land that he had promised them.  (Leviticus 18:24, 25) After the Israelites settled into the Promised Land, God at times authorized warfare to defend Israel from oppressive enemies. (2  Samuel 5:17-25) However, at no point did Jehovah allow the Israelites to defend Israel decide for themselves to go to war.  When they did the results were often disastrous. - NUMBERS 14:41-45; 2 CHRONICLES 35:20-24,

Today, Jehovah does not authorize humans to go to war. Nations fight to advance human interests rather than God's interests.  They may go to war for territorial gain or for political or ideological reasons. But what of those who claim to be fighting in the name of God to protect their worship or to kill God's enemies? Jehovah will protect his true worshippers and destroy his enemies in a future war-the battle of Armageddon.  (Revelation 16:14,. 16) In that war, God's army will consist entirely of his heavenly forces, not his human worshippers. - REVELATION 19:11-15.

Next time: Ancient Israel Fought Wars -Why Don't We?-3. THE ISRAELITES SPARED THOSE WHO EXERCISED  FAITH

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