Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house and went in pursuit as far as Dan” (Genesis 14:14).
There is nothing more tragic or unglamorous than war. Regardless of the heroic films and gripping movies of renowned battles and celebrated victories, war truly is a taste of hell. The rampant bloodshed, torture, and violence makes most veterans want to forget scenes of horror forever etched in their memories.
Yet the Bible tells stories of God’s people involved in such conflict in the Old Testament. We might think that these patriarchs were conscientious objectors who would only pray and hope and wring their hands. But when Abraham heard that his nephew was taken captive by King Chedorlaomer’s army, he took military action.
After undoubtedly consulting the Lord, he armed 318 of his own servants trained in warfare, joined forces with his neighbouring allies, and pursued the enemy in order to save his extended family. The record rings with triumph: “He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. So, he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people” (Genesis 14:15, 16).
Abraham’s courageous actions reflect the final destruction of Satan and his evil forces. The Lord will not just slap the devil’s hands. The Bible uses explicit language. Satan’s head will be “crushed” (Genesis 3:15 NIV). Isaiah prophetically describes Lucifer as “thrust through with a sword” and “like a corpse trodden underfoot” (Isaiah 14:19).
We have all been taken captive by the cruel prince of this world. But the Lord aggressively pursued the enemy for us and will soon annihilate the wicked forces and will permanently set us free.
Thank You, dear Lord, for crushing the enemy and assuring the universe that all wars will forever end.
For Further Study: Genesis 14; Revelation 20:11–15