I won’t try and look at all of wisdom literature. I think our most pertinent information comes from the book of Psalms. Many, if not most, of the psalms were written by David, so it’s appropriate to look at this material after having talked about David.
When reading wisdom literature in the Old Testament, we must never lose sight of its humanity. One of the functions of the poetic books of the Old Testament is to accurately reflect the thoughts and feelings of God’s people, even when those thoughts and feelings don’t reflect God’s views. The psalms can speak of abandonment by God, even when it’s not true. The psalms can speak of God being inattentive to their prayers, even when it’s not true. It is true that they felt abandoned and neglected.
I feel that some of the violent, vengeful psalms reflect the same style of writing. They show us the depth of pain that God’s people were feeling, but I don’t know that it was God who wanted to see Babylonian infants dashed against rocks (Psalm 137).
That being said, the psalms talk quite a bit about war:
- God is a warrior God, even known to fight personally against His enemies (see Psalm 18:14, for example)
- God prepares His people to fight (Psalm 144:1)
- God protects His people in battle (Psalm 140:7)
- In fact, all that matters in battle is that God be on your side (Psalm 33:16ff; Psalm 20:7)
- God also puts an end to wars (Psalm 46:6ff; Psalm 76:3)
- The people who delight in war are not God’s people
As you see, it’s a broad view. For the psalmists, theology is not at all separate from war.
According to my information, David wrote fewer than half the Psalms (73 of them). The rest are either anonymous or have other names attached to them, though David’s authorship far exceeds all the others.
As for war and feelings of abandonment, you’re right on. We should point out the references to God at war reflect how David and the others lived when nation warred against nation all the time. But today, after the Prince of Peace has come to live in our hearts, the only war we wage is spiritual. Us against our flesh, and us against the Devil’s darts flung at us. The spiritual armor (Ephesians 6) is symbolic of ways we can help fight this war without being suckered into the world.
~ VT
I will try to make a stab (please excuse the violent reference) at this. I am trying to think while writing and sometimes it don’t work. Not much a scholar in Psalms or in that matter any book, secular or biblical, but will try to fake it.
Some of the most bloodshed moments of God’s people occurred when Rome was being totally defeated by our Lord. His people were to dress themselves, as noted by Victor, in spiritual armor. No real swords, daggers, or other implements of destruction. God’s people were to pray for their enemy, and become known for their love. Countless number of saints were tortured and put to the sword. Yet, the stars still fell on Rome, and the sun no longer rises above the seven hills of empire of Rome. The emperors and ceasars of Rome could not overcome the power of God and were destroyed along with it. And our brothers and sisters who were felled by the sword will rise in victory. Rome is dead and those who belong to Christ live this very day.
That mini sermon being said, I think it is true from the days of Israel to the promise land to the present where the Promised One walk with us. If we, as a people of God, stop turning towards the love of this world, and walk in the ways of Christ – we will have no need to carry a weapon, no need to be nationalistic, no need worry about what the morrow might bring. Will we not also be risen? Can we not say ” o death where is thy sting”? Yeah – there are scary times and scary people, but I guess we could read the psalms and find comfort there, and realize that God is sovereign, he will bring His people to victory. No matter how long or short are our days.
Hope this makes sense – if not, well maybe next time
In Him – Ed