What does the Commander-In-Chief of the Universe have to say about war and warriors? Should we always turn the other cheek and let the enemy destroy our freedom, and the freedom of others, when some thoughtless demonstrator taunts the military? Is the military professional considered a murderer as some say? Or should those who have served, and are serving, be lifted up as people of distinguished valor?

Military personnel were so important in the plan of God that He commanded Moses and Aaron to count those able to fight: “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number by their divisions all the men in Israel twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army” (Numbers 1:2-3). It is very clear that the Commander-In-Chief of the Universe desired a strong military on the earth.

“Go, number Israel and Judah…Joab reported the census figures to the king: In Israel there were 800,000 able-bodied men who could serve in the army, and in Judah there were 500,000…” (2 Samuel 24: 1-9 God’s Word). Again, fighting men were there ready to carry out the will of God.

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:7-9). The strong military of heaven will get rid of the enemy once and for all. Yes, God is love. But He will not allow His enemy to destroy His plan in heaven or earth. He has ordained the military as the primary protector of His plan on earth.

God Himself once destroyed the whole world, by water, because it had become so filled with violence. In several places in Bible history it is recorded that God ordered the extermination of an entire people. This included men, women, children, and even the enemy’s livestock. These were cases where there was no more talking, reasoning or consultation. It got so bad, in a few cases, it was either they kill us or we kill them. “But thou shalt utterly destroy them; namely, the Hittites, and the Amorites, the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee:” (Deuteronomy 20:17).

“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms” (Psalms 18:34).

It is clear that God uses war and the military for His purpose throughout the history of Israel. Warriors like Joshua, Samson, and David were blessed by God and raised to positions of authority in order to carry out the will of God. They were warriors!

In the New Testament, the first Gentile convert is a soldier (Acts 10), and Jesus uses a Roman military officer as an example of faith greater than any he had ever seen in Israel (Matthew 8:5-13). God continues to honor our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines today!

A strong military is a necessity, not a luxury. The stronger the military, the greater the deterrent to war. The Bible is unquestionably, among other things, is a military book.

Military life is filled with love, loneliness and loss. Family members are part of the team as well; not just the one who wears the uniform. We all should appreciate these families who sacrifice for others.

Men and women, who serve their country with character, dignity, and honor, can rest assured that the civic duty they perform is respected by our Sovereign God. Those who served, and are serving, in the military, deserve our respect and our thanks as well.

Ron Knott