Biblical and theological aspects of self-defense in the books of the Old Testament
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52761/3041-1777.2025.20.8Keywords:
self-defense, use of force, biblical ethics, David, justice, Old Testament, moral responsibilityAbstract
This article is devoted to a biblical-theological examination of the issue of self-defense in light of the Old Testament tradition. The study focuses on the historical, legal, and poetic texts of Scripture, which define the limits of permissible use of force and shape the ethics of responsibility for the protection of life and the community. Particular attention is given to the theological significance of the texts of Gen. 9:6, Ex. 22:1, Prov. 24:11, and Ps. 3:8, as well as to the image of David as the bearer of “warrior theology,” in which trust in God’s Providence is combined with responsible action. The study demonstrates the internal coherence of the biblical tradition, in which power is not absolutized, yet is not rejected a priori, but is evaluated in light of the justice of the goal, moral necessity, and submission to God’s will.
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