Navigating war – Lessons from the Book of Judges

Dionne Gravesande provides directives on how, as agents of hope and compassion, Christians can help combat some of the humanitarian crises impacting our world

As we prepare to step into 2025, the world continues to grapple with war, conflict, and humanitarian crises in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Africa. These conflicts, often rooted in ethnic, religious and political divides, have caused immense suffering for countless people. For Christians seeking to understand these global struggles through a biblical lens, the Book of Judges provides an interesting framework for reflection. This ancient text, rich in stories of leadership, moral failures, and redemption, can guide our understanding of how to respond to today’s crises with compassion, servanthood and hope.

The Book of Judges tells the story of a recurring cycle of disobedience, oppression, cries for help, and deliverance through God-appointed leaders, or ‘judges’. We read that each time the nation turned away from God, they faced oppression by surrounding nations, leading to suffering and turmoil. Yet, each time, God raised a judge to deliver them from their enemies and to restore peace, albeit temporarily. It can be argued this cycle mirrors the instability and recurring conflicts we see today, where parts of Africa, Asia and regions of the Middle East are trapped in cycles of violence and repression.

In Myanmar, the conflict has deep ethnic and religious roots, with the Rohingya Muslim population facing persecution. Parts of Nigeria face the challenge of militant groups, like Boko Haram, which exploit religious divides between Christians and Muslims, leading to widespread violence. The Middle East, particularly in countries like Syria, Palestine, and Israel, is marked by protracted political conflict, where power struggles and deep-seated grievances perpetuate violence.

The repeated failures of leadership and morality seen in the Book of Judges resonate deeply with these modern contexts. Leaders, much like the judges, often rise with promises of peace or justice, only to fall into self-interest, control or ineffectiveness. The question becomes: what can Christians learn from these failures, and how can we build a moral compassion that breaks this cycle?

In Judges, capable leaders like Gideon, Deborah, and Samson were not perfect. Yet, their stories remind us that God’s plan often comes through human weakness and humility. This is where the Christian calling to servanthood comes into play. Jesus, the ultimate servant-leader showed that true leadership is rooted in serving others – especially the most vulnerable.

In the context of conflict and fighting, moral compassion must go beyond mere sympathy for victims of war. It requires active servanthood, where Christians advocate for justice, peacebuilding, and the protection of human dignity. It calls for standing with refugees, displaced persons, and marginalised communities, much like the judges were called to rescue the oppressed.

The concept of social protection is also a Christian imperative, by ensuring that all people have access to the resources and opportunities needed to live with dignity. This resonates with the biblical principles of justice and mercy. In Judges, the nation suffered because they strayed from God’s commands for justice, leaving the poor, widows and orphans vulnerable. Similarly, today’s conflicts are exacerbated when vulnerable populations are ignored or broken.

I would argue social protection must be a central part of any Christian response to modern-day conflicts. This includes advocating for humanitarian aid, supporting healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for those affected by war. In places where many are displaced, social protection can take the form of providing safe havens, mental health support, and long-term solutions for rebuilding communities.

The Book of Judges ends with the ominous statement: ‘In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit’ (Judges 21:25). This sense of chaos and moral decay can feel all too familiar today. Yet, Christians are called to a hope that transcends the brokenness of the world. Christian hope is not passive optimism; it is an active engagement in the work of justice and mercy. This hope compels us to rebuild systems of compassion, to advocate for the voiceless, and to serve with humility and integrity. It challenges the Church to rise as a prophetic voice, calling for a renewal of moral leadership in global development, one that prioritises human dignity over political gain.

As we move into 2025, let our hope manifest itself in a commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation. This hope does not ignore the harsh realities of war but sees beyond them to the promise of God’s kingdom – a kingdom marked by justice, peace and love. I pray that more Christian communities will play a crucial role in building bridges between divided groups, offering sanctuary to those in need, and bearing witness to a different kind of power – the power of love and compassion.

DIONNE GRAVESANDE

Principal Adviser on Ecumenical Relations and Theology at Christian Aid, and Co-Chair of NCLF