Offensive war is when enemies are first set upon: which according to the causes given of offending an enemy, may be as just as defensive war. The causes are such as these.
1. Maintenance of Truth, and purity of Religion. This moved the Israelites in Canaan to think of making war against their brethren on the other side of Jordan, Jos. 22. 12. In this respect the wars of the Kings of the earth against Anti-Christ are commended, Dan. 11. 40. Rev. 17. 16.
2. Recovery of that which is unjustly taken away. For this end the Israelites in Samuel's and Davids time set upon the Philistines to recover the cities which they had taken away, 1 Sam. 7. 14. 2 Chron. 18. 1. This also was the cause of Abijah's war against Jeroboam, 2 Chro. 13. 5.
3. Execution of vengeance on such as have done public ⟨p. 216⟩wrong. This reason doth God render of sending Saul against Amalek, 1 Sam. 15. 2. For such a cause David made war against the Ammonites, 2 Sam. 10. 7.
4. Drawing away enemies from some dangerous plot that they have in hand. Thus to draw Saul from pursuing David, God stirred up the Philistines to invade Israel. Thus 1Asa set upon Baasha, to hinder the bulwarks which Baasha was making against Judah. If Asa had not distrustfully hired wicked instruments, he had done well in his war.
5. Weakening the power of open and profest enemies. For this end David set upon all enemies of Israel round about.2
6. Subduing of rebellious subjects that gather head, and will not be brought under law. For this end Abel of Bethmaachah was besieged by Davids men.
7. To help and assist friends and allies in like cases. So 3Abraham fought against them that with other Sodomites had taken Lot captive.4
Offensive warre is when enemies are first set upon: which according to the causes given of offending an enemy, may be as just as defensive warre. The causes are such as these.
1. Maintenance of Truth, and purity of Religion. This moved the Israelites in Canaan to think of making warre against their brethren on the other side of Iordan, Ios. 22. 12. In this respect the warres of the Kings of the earth against Anti-Christ are commended, Dan. 11. 40. Rev. 17. 16.
2. Recovery of that which is unjustly taken away. For this end the Israelites in Samuels and Davids time set upon the Philistines to recover the cities which they had taken away, 1 Sam. 7. 14. 2 Chron. 18. 1. This also was the cause of Abijahs war against Ieroboam, 2 Chro. 13. 5.
3. Execution of vengeance on such as have done publique ⟨p. 216⟩wrong. This reason doth God render of sending Saul against Amalek, 1 Sam. 15. 2. For such a cause David made warre against the Amonites, 2 Sam. 10. 7.
4. Drawing away enemies from some dangerous plot that they have in hand. Thus to draw Saul from pursuing David, God stirred up the Philistines to invade Israel. Thus 1Asa set upon Baasha, to hinder the bulwarks which Baasha was making against Iudah. If Asa had not distrustfully hired wicked instruments, he had done well in his warre.
5. Weakning the power of open and profest enemies. For this end David set upon all enemies of Israel round about.2
6. Subduing of rebellious subjects that gather head, and will not be brought under law. For this end Abel of Bethmaachah was besieged by Davids men.
7. To helpe and assist friends and allies in like cases. So 3Abraham fought against them that with other Sodomites had taken Lot captive.
- 11 Sam. 23. 27. 2 Chro. 16. 3.
- 22 Sam. 8.
- 32 Sam 20. 15.
- 4Gen. 14. 14.
