A Matter of National Security
Throughout Israel’s existence as a nation, they have had numerous complex dealings with the nations around them. This is, at least in part, due to the closeness of their land geographically with so many bordering nations. As is true with many nations that have come and gone throughout history, some of Israel’s neighbours have gone from being foes to being allies or from being allies to being foes. As such, this complicates international deals brokered, whether in times of peace or war.
A Matter of Israel’s Security
One great example of complications Israel experienced is outlined in the thirteenth chapter of First Samuel.
As you may or may not be aware, Israel was originally and uniquely ruled by judges rather than by a king. They soon became disappointed with this type of governance and requested that a king be given them so they could align with their national counterparts (1 Samuel 8:5, 20).
The people’s request was granted and God gave them a king named Saul. It was said of him that “there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he” and that “from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people” (1 Samuel 9:2). No doubt, Israel’s confidence was high with such a magnificent leader to protect them in times of war or lead them in times of peace.
Sadly, this confidence would be short-lived as Saul’s appointment furthered Israel’s conflict with longtime enemies—the Philistines. If one went back into the history books far enough, the Philistines had had times where they were friendly to the patriarchs—the fathers of the Jewish nation, but the once allied nations had become the worst of foes.
Many physical and spiritual mistakes were made by Israel, particularly by Saul, in this battle, but one issue became increasingly problematic in the absence of peace—a weapon shortage. Truth be told, there are many problems existent in any nation at any given point, but they seem insignificant until a time of crisis. This is exactly where Israel found themselves.
Historical warfare was not fought with missiles and drones and technology, but with swords and shields and such. As Israel’s battle waxed hot with the Philistines, a perhaps previously ignored issue came to the forefront—”there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel” (1 Samuel 13:19).
The absence of smiths in the land of Israel was apparently a strategic move on the part of the Philistines. They feared that the Hebrews, the Israelites, would have access to make for themselves swords or spears (1 Samuel 13:19). As a result, “all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock” (1 Samuel 13:20). Therefore, “it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found” (1 Samuel 13:22).
This shortage in expertise and supply greatly hindered Israel’s ability in battle and altered their battle plans to one of sure defeat. However, due to God’s intervention and Jonathan’s bravery, a great victory was accomplished and disaster was averted (1 Samuel 14:1-16). While Israel should have been able to enjoy a temporary time of rejoicing, there was a practical lesson of great importance to be learned.
Anything that a nation might need in order to maintain its well-being or security was not to be entrusted in the care of other nations, whether they be deemed friend or foe. In a time of peace, the absence of smiths in the land could have merely been an annoyance, but, in a time of war, it was a matter of life or death. If God had not intervened, Israel’s reliance upon the Philistines for swords and spears would have sealed their fate.
Fail to Learn, Destined to Repeat
As current nations stray further from any level of faith in or adherence to the Bible, they lose out on many wise and practical truths that could be vital for their physical preservation or salvation. The global interdependence of a world on the fast track to one world government, under the umbrella of a United Nations organization or similar international agreements, might fail to realize the national security found in the biblical pursuit of nationalism over globalism.
Just as Israel failed to ensure the presence of smiths and therefore the arms needed to preserve themselves in battle, many nations today entrust others with weaponry, medicines, food supplies, oil and gas, and other such things needed for national security. These matters may, and often do, seem insignificant in times of health, peace, and safety, but they can quickly become catastrophic as conditions shift.
Unfortunately, most of us who care what the Bible says and would desire to apply its teachings to the governance of our countries, are not in a place to impact or direct the policies implemented. However, we are the light of the world and that light should include, but go beyond, telling the world that Jesus Christ is the only hope of salvation. We should pray “[f]or kings, and for all that are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Just as Solomon prayed for wisdom that he might know how to go out and come in before his people, we should pray for wisdom for our leaders who make decisions that could impact our own national security.
In addition to praying, we can share Bible wisdom with others. Sadly, most people with whom we come into contact do not know the Bible speaks of anything outside of what we might deem to be spiritual guidance. Truth be told, bad policies are not because people are affiliated with a wrong political party or system, but because the wisdom of God found in the Bible has not been read, learned, accessed, and applied.
Now, for anyone reading this who may have never trusted Christ as Saviour, let it be known that salvation through Christ is the greatest resource available to man. Should you refuse the gift of God in a time of seeming peace, you will find yourself in great turmoil when the storms of life come, and even greater turmoil in an eternity void of God and grace and everything good. Trust Christ as your Saviour before it is too late.
