Tuesday: The Lord Is a Warrior
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 21st of October 2025
Read Exodus 2:23-25; Exodus 12:12-13; and Exodus 15:3-11. What does it mean that God is a warrior?
During their long sojourn in Egypt, the Israelites have forgotten the true God of their ancestors. As many episodes of their travels through the wilderness demonstrated, their knowledge of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faded, and they had mixed pagan elements into their religious practices (compare with Exodus 32:1-4). Under the oppression of the Egyptians, they cried to the Lord (Exodus 2:23-25), and at the right time, the Lord intervened on their behalf.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing from GoodSalt.com
However, the conflict described in the first 12 chapters of Exodus was greater than a simple power struggle between Moses and the pharaoh. According to ancient Near Eastern war ideology, conflicts between peoples were ultimately considered as being conflicts between the respective gods. Exodus 12:12 declares that the Lord inflicted judgment, not only on the pharaoh but also on the gods of Egypt, those powerful demons (Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17) that stood behind the oppressive power and unjust social system of Egypt.
Ultimately, God is at war with sin and will not tolerate this conflict forever (Psalms 24:8; Revelation 19:11; Revelation 20:1-4,14). All the fallen angels, as well as the human beings who have definitely and irrecoverably identified themselves with sin, will be destroyed. In light of this, the battles against the inhabitants of the land have to be perceived as an earlier stage of this conflict, which will reach its apex on the cross and its consummation at the final judgment, when God’s justice and character of love will be vindicated.
The concept of the total destruction of the Canaanites must be understood on the basis of the biblical worldview, in which God is involved in a cosmic conflict with the exponents of evil in the universe. Ultimately, God’s reputation and His character are at stake (Romans 3:4, Revelation 15:3).
Since sin has entered human existence, nobody can stand on neutral ground. One must be either on God’s side or on the side of evil. Hence, with this background in mind, the eradication of the Canaanites should be viewed as a preview of the final judgment.
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The reality of the great controversy allows for only one of two sides. How do you know which side you are really on? |
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How do we reconcile the seemingly violent, warrior-like God of the Old Testament with the loving, merciful, and peace-preaching God revealed in Jesus in the New Testament? This looks like an apparent “mismatch”. In the Old Testament God is portrayed commanding or sanctioning wars (e.g., conquest of Canaan by Joshua). On some occasions God is directly executing complete annihilation of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah. The flood destroyed the antediluvian people by God’s power. Is the world today any better than the Old Testament times? The lesson writer in today’s study wrote the following statement:
”The concept of the total destruction of the Canaanites must be understood on the basis of the biblical worldview, in which God is involved in a cosmic conflict with the exponents of evil in the universe”
What is the biblical worldview of the annihilation of the Canaanite communities including children? The Bible provides a framework upon which we should understand even what we might see as morally problematic. From a biblical perspective, the following understanding emerges:
1. The Canaanite destruction is not an arbitrary ethnic cleansing; it is divine judgment due to their persistent, generational wickedness (Leviticus 18:24–30)
2. The total destruction of the Canaanite communities was not about ethnic superiority, but divine judgment on moral evil based on God’s justice.
3. The biblical worldview sees sin (especially idolatry and child sacrifice) as destructive and contagious (Deut. 7:4), warranting extreme measures to prevent its corruption from spreading.
4. The biblical worldview holds that God’s holiness is an absolute and hence sin must be eliminated because light cannot co-exist with darkness. This is the cosmic battle between good and evil.
5. God’s ultimate war against evil is won not by the sword, but through the cross of Christ, where evil is defeated by sacrificial love.
6. God’s ways are far above human comprehension and they are always just.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9,NLT)
Elfred Lee's artwork, "The Christ of the Narrow Way" (1989-1991), depicts the Second Coming of Jesus, with Christ leading an army of heavenly hosts on a white horse, wielding a sword (Revelation 19:11-16). This powerful image is reminiscent of the Prophet Joel's vision of the Lord waging war on Tyre and Sidon in "The Day of the Lord" (Joel 2:1-11, 3:9-16). In both depictions, the While these images may evoke fear and dread, it's essential to remember the ultimate purpose of the Lord's mission.
The destruction of sin, Satan, and his agents is certain (Revelation 20:10), but it's not about emitting violence; it's about restoring the "goodness" of God's creation and beloved humanity (Genesis 1:31). For those on the Lord's side, the message is not one of terror but of rejoicing (Joel 2:22-23). The war is for restoration, just as it was during the times of Moses and Joshua, when the Lord fought for Israel's settlement and restoration (Exodus 15:3; Joshua 10:14).
The words of Joel 2:25 say it all:
The Lord's mission is about rescue and restoration, not just desolation. Are we focusing on the right thing – the restoration of God's goodness? Or are we fixated on the horrors of desolation? Perhaps it's time to shift our gaze toward the promise of restoration.
As a story in one of the 1001 illustrations goes, Law professor Edwin Keedy began his class each year by writing “4” and “2” on the board, then asking, “What’s the solution?” most students would answer without asking, “What’s the problem?” he would then remind them that without understanding the problem, they could never find the right answer. The world keeps attempting to solve the problems of pain, conflict, and confusion without identifying the real cause, the spiritual battle raging around and within us. Our attempts mostly fix symptoms through politics, money, or human wisdom, but the deeper issue is sin and separation from God. Until we understand that life itself is a spiritual war, we will never know what kind of battle we are truly in or what kind of warrior we need to win it.
The Bible makes it clear that this battle is not just physical or emotional — it is spiritual. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Ephesians 6:12). Every heart and every home is part of this war. Scripture reveals that “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name” (Exodus 15:3). When the Israelites stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, God Himself fought for them and brought victory. The same Lord who delivered His people then is still mighty in battle today (Psalm 24:8).
Fame, success, or wealth do not make anyone immune-no matter how public or private our lives are, we all face struggles some physical, some emotional, and some spiritual. The truth is, no one is exempt from the fight. Professional golfer John Daly has fought a long battle with alcohol addiction. Actor and comedian Drew Carey has openly spoken of his struggle with deep depression that nearly took his life in his youth. Boxing legend Mike Tyson has wrestled with anger and self-destruction. Golfer Phil Mickelson continues to battle arthritis, and singer Selena Gomez has courageously shared about her fight with lupus and anxiety (Sermon illustrations unlimited)-These men and women are demonstrations that
Therefore, our hope MUST not rest in our strength, intelligence, or strategies, but in the One who has already overcome the world (John 16:33). The Lord fights for those who trust in Him. When David faced Goliath, he declared, “The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47). That truth still stands — the battle we face every day belongs to Him. We are called to stand firm in faith, clothed in His armor, knowing that our Warrior God leads us in triumph. When we finally ask the right question — not “What’s the solution?” but “Who is the solution?” — we find the answer in Jesus Christ, our conquering King.
How do I know which side I am on? I ask the Lord to keep me on His side, He does. The book for this quarter by Barna Mag yar osi P.H.D. in chapter 4 answers the question, especially the last three paragraphs. (We may stumble, yet He is a God of mercy and if we turn to Him and let Him pick us up instead of us trying over and over again to pick our-selves up. We find we are on His side. What a lesson the Israelites gave to us.)
The Lord is a warrior. There is enough evidence in the bible that he wins all the battles. You can only show allegiance to God by keeping his commandments and living according to his will. If you live contrally to this, then you are on the other side.
Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a warrior who fights against sin, oppression, and the powers of darkness.
In Deuteronomy 20:4, it says: “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
This theme continues all the way to Revelation 19:11, where Christ returns as “Faithful and True,” riding a white horse, judging and making war in righteousness.
He Wins Through Righteousness, Not Violence.God’s warfare is not like earthly war.
He conquers through truth, justice, and love the ultimate victory was won on the cross, where Jesus disarmed Satan and triumphed over sin (Colossians 2:15).
Whatever battle we face temptation, fear, injustice, spiritual warfare we can rest in this assurance: “The Lord your God goes before you… He will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Deuteronomy 31:8
Our role is to trust, obey, and stand firm, for the battle belongs to the Lord (1 Samuel 17:47).
The Lord who fought for Israel still fights for His people today.
He is our Defender, our Shield, and our Salvation.
When we let Him lead, no enemy can stand before us for “The Lord is the Warrior; the Lord is His Name.”
This week has been a bit of a disaster for me. I was supposed to be going to New Zealand tomorrow for the centenary celebration of my birth church. Unfortunately, I was rushed off to the emergency hospital early Sunday morning and have spent two days there with the threat of abdominal surgery. I am OK now, and surgery was unnecessary but I have had to cancel my NZ trip as a consequence. Nobody wants an overseas medical emergency if they can avoid it.
I have been reading your comment about the lesson while I was in the hospital, and while many of you have stated wonderful reassurances about the big conflict and its resolution that we all understand and love, we have really said very little about how we get that message across to the unbelieving. Here is this forum, we are preaching to the convinced, but our task is to take it to the unconvinced.
Interestingly, some of the great Christian voices in the last 100 years have been converts from atheism who find it difficult to account for our sense of morality without acknowedging a good loving God and an immoral protagonist.
Those of us who have read C S Lewis's "Mere Christianity" will know the part that argument played in his conversion to Christianity. It would take more typing than I am capable of just now to summarise Lewis's argumemt but perhaps the seminal question is that if there is no loving caring God, why do we have a sense of goodness and fair play? Surely in a Godless world where everything is competitive for existence, cheating, lying and fighting one's enemies is the only way to ensure survival. Yet we have that sense of morality that even though we disagree about the edges of it, we all have some idea when the moral laws have been broken, particularly when they affect us.
This is one area where I think we need to go beyond patting ourselves on the back for having a find understanding of good and evil, to thinking how we share that understanding in a way that non-believers will be inspired by it.
Thank you for sharing this powerful reflection and for reminding us that our mission extends beyond the walls of our faith community. I truly resonate with your point about taking the message of hope and moral truth to those who are unconvinced.
In fact, I have already started meeting with three families in my area this month, focusing on sharing the gospel with unbelievers. These home visits have opened opportunities to discuss the very questions you mentioned why morality, compassion, and goodness exist if there is no loving Creator behind them.
It’s inspiring to see how open people become when we engage them through personal connection rather than debate. As you noted, thinkers like C.S. Lewis reached hearts by appealing to reason and the deep moral awareness God has planted in every soul. That’s the same approach I’m prayerfully taking — listening, understanding their worldview, and gently pointing them to the truth revealed in Christ.
Your reflection is a wonderful encouragement to keep bridging the gap between belief and unbelief — to let our understanding of the great conflict move us to personal mission in our neighborhoods, one family at a time.
Praying for your continued recovery and strength. May God use even this setback to deepen your testimony and influence for His glory.
Dear Maurice. I pray for your complete recovery.
Grateful to hear that you are ok. May God continue to bless you and grant you good health. 🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾
We praise God on your behalf. May the Lord completely heal you. Your body is His temple; nothing will be allowed to be buying and selling there. On a lighter mood, please watch what you consume every time.
The reality of the great controversy allows for only one of two sides. How do you know which side you are really on?
First, I have to accept and be active about this fact. Believing is not enough. Because even if I don't think so, a lot of things that happen in my life are inexplicable, somewhat either strange or marvelous. 'Which side am I in?' is defined by how much self I put into my choices.
From Eden until today, Satan’s greatest weapon has been deception making what is false appear true, and what is true appear unnecessary, outdated, or extreme.
Here’s how Scripture helps us discern truth from error and not be blindfolded by Satan’s deceptions:
“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” — John 17:17
The Bible is the ultimate test of truth. When Jesus faced Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, He didn’t argue with feelings or opinions He said, “It is written.”
If we are not deeply grounded in the Word, we will be swayed by appearances, emotions, or majority opinion.
→ Ask: “Is this teaching, action, or idea in harmony with the Word of God?”
“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” — John 16:13
The Spirit gives discernment that human reasoning cannot. Many things seem “good” or “harmless,” yet are rooted in pride, worldliness, or self-will. The Spirit reveals the motive behind the surface.
While we have the writings of the prophets and the NT, the people living with Joshua obviously didn't.
While we have the insight from Ellen White and eloquent responses about the great controversy and God's ultimate victory over sin, the Israelites who crossed the Jordan didn't.
How did they understand God giving them victory over other ethnic peoples? Is their perspective on the character of God just as irrelevant as the lives of people who happened to live in Canaan at that time?
Respectively JC. It is how much effort I put into showing God, I love Him. Do I stay at home and hide from people or do I do like Maurice and Hillary and visit people, coming in contact with them in one form or another? If we trust in the Lord He will open opportunities for us to labor for Him. I really don't believe it is a labor, in the form of sweat off our backs, because as we are in a close love relationship with the Lord it becomes a joyous experience, as we are willing to be made willing to do His will. Then on the same hand look at Paul as he made witnessing a labor for Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:5. The attitude we have that makes labor for Christ enjoyable, as the youth would say, "no sweat off my back, the Lord is with us who can be against us." They also say, Life is good cause, God is. Life is good cause God I'm His. Presumption, I think not. We have insurance of the opposite. God says I am with you I will go before you. I will go with you. Look back on history as evidence of My Word. Exodus 2:24, Exodus 12:12-13, Exodus 15:3-11. We say mighty are Your works oh God of Abraham, Isaic, and Jacob. You are my God too, the one and only living God. Fare and just, at the same time forgiving full of mercy and love. Knowing this, my prayer is Lord keep me close to you clinging closer than a brother, and thank-you for granting my request. 🙏, 🙏, and 🙏.
The reality of the great controversy allows for only one of two sides. How do you know which side you are really on?
Do you know what the two sides ideas are?
Which idea do you choose to trust?
I choose to be nice I choose to love to be honest I choose freedom and respect
is there any law against that idea?
Whose idea is that?