_When thou goest out to battle._ RIGHTEOUS WAR I. Undertaken to accomplish the purpose of God. “In the name of our God we will set up our banners.” II. Sanctioned by the will of God. 1. God’s will is ascertained by His presence. 2. God’s will is declared by His servants. III. Conducted by the... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let him go and return to his house._ THE EXEMPTIONS IN WAR Soldiers must be as free from care and cowardice as possible. Wellington declared “that the power of the greatest armies depends upon what the individual soldier is capable of doing and bearing.” Four classes are here exempted:-- I. Thos... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth._ EXTERMINATION OF CANAANITES Is not this fierce irruption in Canaan with fire and sword precisely similar to the wave of Mahomedan conquest? Is it any way different from the most pitiless of heathen invasions? How can we justify such an acquisition of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Thou shalt not destroy the trees._ CUTTING DOWN FRUIT TREES It will be observed that this instruction is given to the Jews in the event of their going to war against any city. No question of mere horticulture arises in connection with this injunction. It is wantonness that is forbidden; it is not... [ Continue Reading ]