The Bible talks about the complex and often challenging topic of war from various perspectives. Just like the bible states, nations will rise against other nations at some point in time; however, that does not change the mind that God has to bring peace to the nations on earth.
God is a God of Peace and that is why we call him the prince of peace. Our duty as Christians’ is to pray for the peace of the nations irrespective of which country it may be. Here are wonderful bible verses along with commentary that shed light on what the Bible says about war:
Prayer: Lord Jesus, in the name of Jesus, I ask that you bring peace to the nations of the earth and let your Holy Spirit touch the heart of leaders to cultivate the altitude of peace in their leadership in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Bible Verses About War
Exodus 15:3 (NIV):
“The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.”
Acknowledging God as a warrior emphasizes His sovereignty and ultimate authority in matters of conflict.
Psalm 144:1 (NIV):
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
Recognizing God’s role in equipping individuals for physical battles while also acknowledging Him as a source of strength.
Matthew 5:9 (NIV):
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Jesus encourages the pursuit of peace, elevating those who work towards reconciliation.
Ecclesiastes 3:8 (NIV):
“a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
Acknowledging the existence of seasons that may include periods of conflict, framed within the broader context of life’s rhythms.
Isaiah 2:4 (NIV):
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
A prophetic vision of a future where God’s judgment brings lasting peace and the transformation of instruments of war into tools of productivity.
Romans 12:18 (NIV):
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Paul’s exhortation emphasizes the personal responsibility to pursue peace whenever possible.
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV):
“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
Paul uses the soldier metaphor to highlight the focus and dedication expected in Christian service.
Isaiah 60:18 (NIV):
“No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.”
A promise of divine intervention leading to a state of peace where violence is eradicated.
Matthew 26:52 (NIV):
“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
Jesus discourages the use of violence as a means of resolving conflicts, emphasizing the consequences.
James 4:1-2 (NIV):
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
James identifies inner conflicts and desires as sources of external disputes, urging self-reflection.
Psalm 120:7 (NIV):
“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
A lament expressing the desire for peace in the face of hostility.
Micah 4:3 (NIV):
“He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
A repetition of the vision from Isaiah, emphasizing God’s role in establishing universal peace.
Proverbs 20:18 (NIV):
“Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”
Highlighting the importance of wisdom and counsel, even in matters related to conflict.
Psalm 68:30 (NIV):
“Rebuke the beast among the reeds, the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations. Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations who delight in war.”
A prayer for God to intervene and scatter those who delight in conflict.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
A source of comfort and strength amid the fear and uncertainties of war.
Psalm 46:9 (NIV):
“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.”
Acknowledging God’s ultimate authority to bring an end to wars and conflict.
Romans 13:10 (NIV):
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Paul emphasizes the primacy of love, which stands in contrast to actions that harm others, including those associated with war.
Joel 3:9-10 (NIV):
“Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, ‘I am strong!'”
Describing a scene of preparation for war, emphasizing the seriousness and urgency of the situation.
Psalm 122:6 (NIV):
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.'”
A call to prayer for the peace of a city associated with significant historical and spiritual importance.
Proverbs 24:6 (NIV):
“Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers.”
Reiterating the importance of seeking guidance and counsel before engaging in conflict.
2 Chronicles 20:15 (NIV):
“He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.””
A reminder that ultimate victory belongs to God, providing assurance and courage in times of conflict.
Psalm 120:6-7 (NIV):
“Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”
Expressing frustration with those who oppose peace, contrasting a desire for harmony with the intentions of war.
Jeremiah 1:8 (NIV):
“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Assurance to God’s chosen leaders that they need not fear, as God is their protector.
Luke 14:31 (NIV):
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?”
Jesus uses the analogy of a king considering the cost before going to war, illustrating the importance of strategic thinking.
John 14:27 (NIV):
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus’ gift of peace contrasts with the world’s transient peace, providing comfort in times of turmoil.
Isaiah 31:5 (NIV):
“Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”
A vivid image of God’s protective care, likened to birds hovering and shielding a city.
Matthew 24:6 (NIV):
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”
Jesus foretells the reality of wars as part of the human experience, cautioning against fear and emphasizing a future resolution.
Psalm 37:11 (NIV):
“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.”
Promising a future of peace and prosperity for the meek, encouraging a spirit of humility.
Isaiah 2:4 (NIV):
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Reiteration of the vision from Isaiah, highlighting the anticipation of a time when war ceases.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses For A Wedding Invitation (With Commentary)
Revelation 21:4 (NIV):
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
A glimpse into the future where God eradicates all forms of suffering, including the consequences of war.