The Holy War

When we hear about a “holy war,” we often think of violence carried out in the name of religion or the abuses of history done under that banner. But in Scripture, holy war is never human conquest driven by earthly ambition. It is the Lord Himself who fights for His people, establishes His purposes, and drives out the enemies that oppose His command. In Exodus 23:20–33, God promises His people a messenger to lead them, on a mission He Himself will accomplish, so that they will be a holy people.

And in the new covenant, He still wages holy war. This is not by earthly force, but by the power of the Holy Spirit putting sin to death in us. Our conflict is with sin and sinfulness; our weapons are truth, love of neighbor, humble repentance, obedience to God, and lives submitted to His Word.

The God who went before Israel now works within His people, giving both the willing and the doing as He conforms us to Christ.