Deuteronomy 20 caught my eye because it gives instruction on how to fight a battle. First the historical context: Remember that God’s people were about to cross into the Promised Land where they would encounter much resistance from their ancient enemies; the various people living in the land. Stepping into the promise of God would not come without a fight and the extrication of many obstacles. However, God gave reassurance that he would be with them. The text says, “When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight against your enemies, to give you the victory,’ (Dt 20:1-4).” God’s directive to them was that when they engaged in battle, they need not fear larger numbers or superior technology. Why? Because their strength lay not in the superiority of numbers or weapons, but in God who was with them. The admonition is to have faith in him, and yet, this faith is based on past experience (he brought you out of Egypt). In other words, God will remain consistent. He will see them through. He will remain faithful to his word and his purpose for their lives will be fulfilled.
The New Testament speaks frequently about warfare. Only the warfare spoken of is not a “worldly war”, but more subtle and of a spiritual nature (though no less real!). In other words, the New Testament speaks of fighting spiritual battles against the 3 real and primary enemies of God’s purpose for your life: the world, your flesh (your fallen sinful nature), and the devil. All three of these enemies are powerful and will whip your tail if you do not deal with them in a spiritual manner. Please understand that the principles of Deuteronomy remain: Just as the Israelites knew of the victorious strength of God from the experience of the Exodus, so too the Christian is on the victorious side, for Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, “disarmed the principalities and powers” (Colossians 2:15). Victory was the prerogative of Israel going into the battle because of what God did for them in the past through the Exodus. So also, victory is the prerogative for you and me going into the battles we face because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and what God affirmed through his resurrection from the dead. Finally, Christ’s ascension and the giving of the Holy Spirit assures us of both power and authority to face our struggles. In Ephesians 1, St. Paul prays that we would know (experience) God’s incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come,” (Eph 1:19-21).
The Christian life is filled with battles of all kinds against enemies that appear far to great for you and me. In the face of what you are dealing with today, may I be like the priest of Deuteronomy 20 and remind you of God’s promise to you, “Do not fear or panic or be in dread of your enemies for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you, to give you the victory.” Trust in him. Remember what he has done in the past. Listen for his promptings. And see the victory of the Lord.
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Chris, please put the description of how women are to be treated that is given in some parts of Deuteronomy, and other parts of the Old Testament, to me. I find it confusing, and quite frankly troubling, at times. Is this really God’s intention for the fate if women?
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the question. I understand your confusion and pain. It’s a big topic that I will try to address here briefly. Please be aware that this is perhaps just the start of a conversation and not a full theological perspective.
First, in order to understand the OT view of woman, we must go back to Genesis to look at God’s original intention. When God created mankind, he created both “male and female” (Gen 1:27; 5:2). Both were created in God’s image and both were given responsibility for exercising authority over God’s creation. Adam was created first but not because he was more important; perhaps instead this was designed to accentuate to him his need for a companion and helper (Gen 2:18, 20). In fact, Eve is the crown and culmination of the creation (a fact that I think particularly torqued Satan/Lucifer who had been the crown and culmination of the angels until his fall). Eve is called a “helper suitable for Adam” not to demean her or to indicate inferiority to the man. Rather she completes and finalizes and rounds out the picture in exactly the right way. (Incidentally, the same hebrew word translated as “helper” is used elsewhere only of God in his relationship to Israel — psalm 33:20; 70:5).
With the Fall (gen 3), everything changes. God’s good order and intention for harmony and co-rulership between men and women under His rule and authority was devastated. Eve was the one deceived by Satan, but Adam is the one scripture holds responsible as the disobedient one who knowingly broke trust with God (Rom 5:12, 17). This doesn’t mean Eve was less intelligent or more vulnerable to deception but instead that Adam forsook God (and his command) and followed instead Eve’s suggestion as influenced by the enemy. In a sense, Adam put Eve above God. With the fall and ensuing curses (consequences) comes all the disharmony between men and women. That, I think is important to understand as you read the OT. Everything post- Genesis 3 Is out of order and contrary to God’s original design. Likewise, understand that Satan hates women as the crown of creation and also as the one through whom the “Seed” , the Messiah/Deliverer would come that would ultimately crush Satan’s head (Jesus). Note also in an act of grace, the one first scarred by sin is selected to be the one first promised to be an instrument of of God’s redeeming work. It is Eve’s distinct place in the failure of the first couple that becomes the soil in which God’s mercy plants the first seed toward redemption.
As you read the OT (and observe all of history and culture since including our own), know that sin is what dominates. The cultures that have developed have not had a Genesis 2 perspective, but a Genesis 3 perspective. Many of the OT passages reflect the attitudes present in the cultures at the time of its writing and you see this clearly as women are shown as little more than objects, with few or no rights, and/or intended to be entirely subordinate to men. Again this is part of the FALL, NOT THE HEART OF GOD.
It is with the coming of Christ (who is the image of the invisible God) that a new and better way is given. Jesus returned human dignity at every dimension God intended. This shows clearly in his treatment of women which was scandalous to the culture of his day. He allowed women to accompany him on his journeys (an act that was socially unacceptable at the time). He refused a social taboo as he spoke with the Samaritan woman and subsequently led her to faith. He allowed Mary to sit at his feet, assuming the role of a disciple (again not allowed culturally). Likewise, he appeared to Mary Magdalene who became the first apostle to the apostles on Easter morning.
There’s much more as the church developed (despite the extremes found with regard to some chauvinistic teachings of certain hierarchical churches as well as the equally unfortunate reactions/misinterpretations by certain modern feminist theologians with regard to Paul), but perhaps this can provide a framework to begin. I would just note that it is within those countries that have been most influenced by the Gospel that there exists the highest regard for women (though make no mistake, we are still in a Genesis 3, sin-dominated world)… blessings, chris
Thank you, Chris, for your reply. I have been mulling it over for a couple of days now. I think that you’re right in that the understanding of this is more complex than just a one blog answer. Is it ok if I send you an email with some further questions, or do you prefer we continue this as an open discussion here for all to share in? Either is ok with me
Hey melissa, i would be happy to continue via direct email. The best way to get me is: chris@holycross.net