by Dorcas Kulwa | 27 March 2023 08:46 am03
Bible Verse (ESV):
Exodus 15:3 – “The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is his name.”
Why does this verse refer to God as “a man of war” when Scripture also says that God is not a man? Isn’t this a contradiction?
This verse is not suggesting that God is literally a human being. Rather, it’s using anthropomorphic language a common literary tool in Scripture where God is described using human traits or roles to help us understand His actions and character.
The phrase “a man of war” paints a picture of God as a mighty warrior, leading and fighting for His people. This imagery fits the context of Exodus 15, which is the Song of Moses, a song of praise after God defeated the Egyptian army by parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
God is not human. The Bible is clear on that:
Numbers 23:19 (ESV)
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind.”
So why does the Bible call Him a “man of war”? It’s to help us relate to God’s actions in a way we can grasp. In biblical times, a “man of war” was a strong, skilled warrior someone who led battles, defended his people, and overcame enemies. God is being described this way to show His power, authority, and willingness to fight for His people.
Another example of this figurative language is found in:
Proverbs 30:26 (ESV)
“The rock badgers are a people not mighty, yet they make their homes in the cliffs.”
Here, animals (rock badgers or hyraxes) are referred to as “a people”, not because they are human, but because of their wise behavior. They are weak but smart they build their homes in strong, safe places. This illustrates wisdom and strategic thinking.
Similarly, calling God a “man of war” teaches us that He is strategic, powerful, and victorious in spiritual battles.
The theme of God as a warrior appears throughout Scripture. He is often called “The LORD of hosts” (YHWH Sabaoth) meaning “The LORD of armies,” referring both to heavenly armies (angels) and His power over earthly battles.
Psalm 24:8 (ESV)
“Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!”
This reinforces the idea that God defends His people, fights against evil, and ultimately wins victory over all forces of darkness.
Even in the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as a warrior:
Revelation 19:11 (ESV)
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.”
This shows the continuity of God’s character He is both loving and just. He saves, but He also judges and defeats evil.
Just as Proverbs compared the rock badger to wise people, Jesus also used the image of a house built on a rock to describe spiritual wisdom:
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
God is our Rock, our Defender, and our Warrior. He gives us the victory when we build our lives on Him.
So, Exodus 15:3 does not mean God is literally a man. It uses figurative language to show that God is like a mighty warrior strong, fearless, and victorious in battle. This helps us understand His nature as one who fights for His people, protects them, and defeats their enemies.
Understanding this helps us worship God more fully, trusting in His power not just to save but to defend, protect, and lead us in every battle physical or spiritual.
May the Lord bless you and give you strength as you grow in the knowledge of God
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2023/03/27/understanding-exodus-153-the-lord-is-a-man-of-war/
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