In Matthew 5:9, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” So, according to the Bible, is war ever justified or appropriate?

Throughout my life, there has never been a time when no war was being fought. In just recent years, a United States-led coalition went to war with ISIS; Ukraine was invaded by Russia and the war started; the terrorist group Hamas massacred 1,200 Israelis and took 240 hostages, causing an Israeli war with Hamas in the Gaza strip. War appears to be a constant reality. What does the Bible have to say about this?

In Ecclesiastes 3:8, we read that there is “a time for war and a time for peace.” A search of the Bible produces more than 400 references to war, and the Bible has multiple records where God’s people invaded countries that needed to be defeated militarily. Again and again, God ordered action against invading countries who threatened His people. And Jesus said that the signs of His return would include “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6).

The Bible teaches that there are times when it is the responsibility of governments to go to war. The apostle Paul states, “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4).

This verse calls even secular government “God’s servant.” It grants governments the power of the sword. When Paul wrote this, the sword was widely used in battle. Today, armies carry modern assault weapons. Also, the verse clarifies the reason for war—to punish the wicked and to protect the innocent. This supports a government’s decision to use the sword of war to protect their nation.

Ultimate peace will come about only after a final war. When the Lord Jesus returns, He “wages war” against the enemies of God (Rev. 19:11–21). Only after this intense battle, will He establish a kingdom of peace on earth, where “nation will not take up the sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isa. 2:4).

No one loves the idea of war. In this sinful world, we pray and work for peace, always recognizing that the ultimate answer to our prayers will not occur until the Prince of Peace returns.