Abraham's 318 against the Armies of Shinar  – Genesis 14 TACTICAL: 2-pronged attack amidst the darkness. SURETY: Pursued enemy forces at distance. JUSTICE: Rescues all captured (not merely those of his family); allowance for others to take their portion of spoils. MERCY: Retribution stayed or absent. REPROOF: Abraham, I am your Shield and your exceedingly increased Hire. [Genesis 15:1]
Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites in Exodus  – Exodus 14 TACTICAL: Let God fight for us. SURETY: Focus upon getting across as provided. JUSTICE: Acknowledge divine retribution. MERCY: Yahweh fights for us.
The Israelites Fight Back against the Amalekites  – Exodus 17:8–16 TACTICAL: hold high the staff [strength] of Elohim. SURETY: Aaron & Hur to assist the emunah [steadiness/faith] of Moses. JUSTICE: Outcome concurrent with the determination of Yahweh; I shall wipe out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. MERCY: Aaron, Hur & a stone.
Israel's Rules of War - Deuteronomy 20; Exodus 23:24; Leviticus 18:21–24; 19:24; 20:2–3; Deuteronomy 18:9–14
Israel Opposes the Midianites and Moabites  – Numbers 31:1–11 TACTICAL: genocide. SURETY: Moses corrects commanders re: implementation of mandate. JUSTICE: served. Balaam the son of Beor, killed. MERCY: elimination of male & conjugal lineage only;
Israel Marches on the City of Jericho  – Joshua 6 TACTICAL: pass before the Ark of the Covenant; march and shout; Ark of the Covenant follows onto the battlefield. SURETY: Iron, Brass, Silver & Gold to be devoted to God. ...but Achan defies the devotion. JUSTICE: Rahab's house to live; The city falls under curse. Achan with family, possessions, and the stolen devotion, all destroyed beneath stones & fire. MERCY: trespass & defeat removed from Israel.
Israel's Struggle with the City of AI  – Joshua 7–8 TACTICAL: Draw the city out to ambush. SURETY: Achan's violation has been resolved. Yahweh says, You will capture the city and burn it with fire. JUSTICE: served, even as the city was left unguarded. MERCY: cattle spared.
The Subterfuge of Gibeon  – Joshua 9 TACTICAL: Misrepresentation. SURETY: Concealed concession to covenant with Israel. JUSTICE: Israel, not having inquired of Yahweh, blindly covenants with Hivites from Gibeon; later directing the Gibeonites into servitude. MERCY: Retribution stayed or absent.
Joshua Leads Israel against the Five Amorite Kings – Joshua 10; Deuteronomy 9:5 TACTICAL: Yahweh disconcerts the enemy, then progressively striking them. SURETY: Do not be afraid of them. JUSTICE: a fear-driven group turned back. MERCY: Gibeonites spared.
King Jabin of Hazor with a Great Army Opposes Joshua and Israel  – Joshua 11 TACTICAL: genocide. SURETY: you will hamstring their horses and burn their chariots. JUSTICE: enemies who reject peace, devoted (killed). MERCY: cleansing of the land.
Israel's Continuing Conquests  – Judges 1:1–11 TACTICAL: Tribes of Judah & Simeon agree to share conquest. SURETY: Judah designate to remove the Caananites & Perizzites. JUSTICE: Lord Bezek, who had formerly removed the thumbs & great toes of other kings, now suffers same: As I have done, so Elohim has repaid me. MERCY: Proud leaders removed.
Ehud Leads Israel against the Moabites  – Judges 3:12–30 TACTICAL: launch with an assassination. SURETY: initial success opens a pathway. JUSTICE: release from servitude. MERCY: the land had rest for 80 years.
Barak Leads Naphtali & Zebulun against Sisera, the Commander of Canaan  – Judges 4 TACTICAL: Draw Barak to courage. SURETY: I will deliver him into your hand. JUSTICE: Jael received the honor of subduing Sisera. MERCY: these events led to the destruction of Jabin, king of Caanan.
Gideon's 300 Rise Up against the Midianites  – Judges 7–8:29 TACTICAL: Yahweh caused the Midianites to dream of Gideon conquering them. SURETY: Fleece placed before the Lord. JUSTICE: release from oppression. MERCY: Rather than destruction, Gideon promised & used corporal punishment on leaders who stepped away from helping his men.
Israel Wars with Its Own Tribe of Benjamin  – Judges 19–20 TACTICAL: draw them out, set fire to the city. SURETY: Inquiry (3) of Yahweh. JUSTICE: Cleanse the wickedness in Benjamin. MERCY: wives found for survivors to preserve Benjamin as a remnant.
Battles of the Kingdom
The Philistines Capture the Ark of Covenant  – I Samuel 4:1–11 TACTICAL: bring near the Ark of the Covenant SURETY: Ichabod! JUSTICE: Philistines plagued, Dagon fallen. MERCY: Philistines send the Ark away with gifts.
Samuel Leads Israel to Repent and Repel the Philistines  – I Samuel 7 TACTICAL: A great thunder to deliver. SURETY: Ebenezer. JUSTICE: Philistine subdued. MERCY: The hand of Yahweh became heavy upon the Philistines all the days of Samuel.
Rescue of Jabesh Gilead from the Ammonites  – 1 Samuel 11 TACTICAL: SURETY: Zeal of Yahweh Fell Upon Saul, who acted to defend against apathy. JUSTICE: Ammonites Turned Back. MERCY: Renewal of the Kingdom.
The Battle at Michmash  – I Samuel 13:16–14:23; 14:47–48 TACTICAL: if they say, "come up to us" SURETY: such a confusion amidst the enemy, that even Hebrews who had joined the Philistines, were now turning back to Israel. JUSTICE: Israel released from hiding away. MERCY: Jonathan was let to live, despite unknowingly breaking the ban.
Saul Leads Israel against the Amalekites  – I Samuel 15:1–9,19,33 TACTICAL: extermination. SURETY: Yahweh orders the destruction of the Amalekites. JUSTICE: For Amalek having laid in wait for Israel, when they came out of Egypt. MERCY: Saul warns the Kenites in advance to flee.
The Battle of the Valley of Elah, David vs. Goliath  – I Samuel 17 TACTICAL: A shepherd's defense. SURETY: The Battle is the Lord's. JUSTICE: defiance & intimidation put down. MERCY: Philistines were chased away, their tents plundered, yet they were not made to be servants of Israel.
David Saves the City of Keilah and Out Maneuvers King Saul  – I Samuel 23; 21:1–15; 22:1–5 TACTICAL: in & out for Keilah, while being pursued by Saul. SURETY: positive on inquiry with Yahweh. JUSTICE: pushed back oppression of the Philistines. MERCY: despite further risk, the city is saved.
Saul's Pursuit of David in the En Gedi  – I Samuel 24 TACTICAL: sudden opportunity to prevail by stealth. SURETY: redirected upon reconsideration. JUSTICE: slay not Yahweh's anointed. MERCY: open confession produces a cessation of hostilities.
David's Strategic Movements  – I Samuel 26–27 TACTICAL: convinced Saul will continue to hunt him, David hides behind the Philistines. SURETY: confirmed: Saul is no longer trailing after David. JUSTICE: Refocusing Saul for his final acts. MERCY: No longer on the run.
David Recovers the Residents of Ziklag  – I Samuel 30 TACTICAL: come upon the captors during their celebration. SURETY: inquiry for success with Yahweh. JUSTICE: recovered all. MERCY: for 200 captives who had become faint along the way, and for the return of all living in Ziklag.
King Saul's Final Battle  – I Samuel 31 TACTICAL: At Endor, Saul had been forewarned of this rout. SURETY: Saul finds no other path. JUSTICE: David now need step up. MERCY: Israel poised to advance.
David's Judah vs. Ishbosheth's Israel  – II Samuel 2–4 TACTICAL: Persist to prevail. SURETY: transfer of the kingdom from Saul to David. JUSTICE: David's recompense for those who would destroy the members of Saul's house. MERCY: The kingdom now undivided.
King David's Conquest Establishes Jerusalem  – II Samuel 5:6-8 TACTICAL: Enemy became overly confident in an alleged weakness of David. SURETY: Against presumption. JUSTICE: "city of David" MERCY: ?
King David's Great Conquests  – II Samuel 8 TACTICAL: New garrisons established. SURETY: Yahweh prospering David. JUSTICE: David executed justice and judgment to all the people. MERCY: Servants were made of those truly subject to David.
The Ammonite Rebellion  – II Samuel 10 TACTICAL: Two fronts to function as one. SURETY: Syrians defeated as an ally of the Ammonites, whom yield into servitude. JUSTICE: Suspicion turned away. MERCY: David foregoes revenge for the cut beards & clothes.
Absalom's Rebellion  – II Samuel 18; II Samuel 13–17 TACTICAL: While Absalom seeks to subvert his father, David finds to walk a narrow path. SURETY: Perseverance JUSTICE: Absalom's subversion comes to an end. MERCY: Victory as a father mourns.
Sheba's Rebellion  – II Samuel 20 TACTICAL: Amasa did not return in time allotted by the king, so Joab found & killed him. SURETY: the King's commission to Abishai. JUSTICE: the wise handmaiden. MERCY: city Abel of Bethimaachah was sparred.
King David Avenges the Gibeonites  – II Samuel 21 TACTICAL: reconciliation SURETY: closure JUSTICE: atonement MERCY: a few sacrificed for the many.
Battles between Judah & Israel
Israel's King Ambushes Judah  – II Chronicles 13 TACTICAL: Ambush SURETY: God Himself is with us as our Captain. JUSTICE: Reversal of Ambush MERCY: a weakened Jeroboam, no longer a threat to others.
Ethiopia's Army of +1,000,000 comes against Judah  – II Chronicles 14 TACTICAL: Cry for Yahweh's help. SURETY: Yahweh faithful. JUSTICE: Ethiopia without cause. MERCY: Ethiopian campaign turned back.
King Jehoshaphat's Army of Judah Worships and Sings in the Face of Battle  – II Chronicles 20 TACTICAL: Advance intel to watch, sing & praise Yahweh. SURETY: this is not your fight JUSTICE: Nations condemned, now again turned away. MERCY:
King Ahab of Israel's Battles with Syria  – I Kings 20; 22 TACTICAL: Extortion. SURETY: Elohim of the hills and the valleys. JUSTICE: Ahab, disguised, would soon after die in battle with the Syrians. MERCY: An interval provided for repentance. REPROOF: Do not let what I have devoted go out of your hand.
Israel and Judah Joined Together to Defeat the Moabites  – II Kings 3 TACTICAL: Moab to fall into their own imagery of victory. SURETY: Water fills the valley in the wilderness of Edom. JUSTICE: King of Moab devotes his firstborn son, staving off Israel. MERCY: Kir-Haraseth.
The Syrian Army Arrives to Conquer Israel & Elisha  – II Kings 6:8–7:20 TACTICAL: Error; targeting the man of Elohim. SURETY: Chariots of fire round about Elisha. JUSTICE: The Syrian forces desist. MERCY: Treat your prisoners well; send them away fed.
Edom & Libnah Revolt against King Jehoram of Judah  – II Chronicles 21 TACTICAL: Strike them. SURETY: (none) JUSTICE: (inconclusive) MERCY: (none)
King Amaziah of Judah Wars against Edom  – II Chronicles 25:1–16 TACTICAL: Take only those of the Lord into the battle with you. SURETY: Amaziah sought to please Yahweh in this battle. JUSTICE: Amaziah sent back the hired men of Ephraim. MERCY: Amaziah had spared the children of those who killed his father.
King Amaziah Stirs Up Israel to Battle  – II Chronicles 25:17–24 TACTICAL: face-off driven by pride. SURETY: Encouraged by the defeat of Edom. JUSTICE: Pride comes before a fall. MERCY: Amaziah lost the vessels of the Temple to Joash of Israel; but lived to reign in Judah 15 more years.
King Uzziah of Judah Fights the Philistines  – II Chronicles 26:1–15 TACTICAL: Break down the walls of Philistine cities. SURETY: Yahweh helped him. JUSTICE: He did what Yahweh required of him. MERCY: Uzziah was able to build cities among the Philistines, and for presuming to burn incense, he did not die but was left as a leper.
King Jotham of Judah Fights the King of Ammon  – II Chronicles 27:1–5 TACTICAL: Seek tribute in conquest. SURETY: Doing what is right in the eyes of Yahweh. JUSTICE: Jotham recovered the realm well, after his father became disqualified with leprosy. MERCY: Satisfied with 3 years of tribute from Ammon.
Judah is Brought Low by King Ahaz  – II Chronicles 27 TACTICAL: Sacrifice to the gods of our Enemies. SURETY: (solicited the help of Assyria.) JUSTICE: (unknown) MERCY: Return of Judean captives via Jericho.
The Assyrian Invasion  – II Kings 18–19; II Chronicles 32:20–22 TACTICAL: Hezekiah spreads out the letter of Sennacherib before the Lord. SURETY: Isaiah brings the word of surety: I will defend this city. JUSTICE: Sennacherib goes to Nineveh, to perish there. MERCY: 15 years added to Hezekiah's life.
King Josiah Goes Out to War against Pharaoh Necho  – II Chronicles 35:20–27; II Kings 23:29–30 TACTICAL: Josiah Disguised SURETY: (unknown) JUSTICE: Josiah as ensample in foolish quest. MERCY: Josiah dies after return to Jerusalem.
The Babylonian Captivity of Judah  – II Kings 25 TACTICAL: Siegeworks SURETY: city was broken; men of war fled. JUSTICE: promised captivity arrived. MERCY: the poor were left behind to tend the vineyards.
Haman vs. the Queen of Persia  – Esther TACTICAL: Positioning for Yahweh's favor with the king. SURETY: Promise of deliverance. JUSTICE: Haman executed. MERCY: All Israel within the vast realm of Persia enabled to defend.
Battles of the Grace Era
The Destruction of Jerusalem  – Luke 19:41–44, 21:5-24, Matthew 24; Mark 13 TACTICAL: Destruction of the Temple. SURETY: Prophesy confirmed. JUSTICE: The people of the great city had missed the time of their inspection. MERCY:
The Christians' Spiritual Warfare  – John 18:36; II Corinthians 10:3–6; Romans 13:12; Ephesians 6:11–18 TACTICAL: SURETY: JUSTICE: MERCY:
The War in Heaven between Michael and Satan  – Revelation 12:1–17; 11:2 TACTICAL: SURETY: JUSTICE: MERCY:
The Defeat of the Beast in the Battle of Armageddon  – Revelation 19:11–21; 16:12–16 TACTICAL: SURETY: JUSTICE: MERCY:
The Final Victory  – Revelation 20:1–15 TACTICAL: SURETY: JUSTICE: MERCY: