THE COST OF CIVIL WAR

THE COST OF CIVIL WAR

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 20

Key Verses: Judges 20:18–21
"And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first. And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah. And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah. And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men." (Judges 20:18–21, KJV)

Description:
Civil war among God’s people always comes at a terrible cost. Even when the cause seems justified, division within the household of faith leads to destruction, grief, and the weakening of God’s people before their enemies. Unity brings victory, but internal strife brings devastation.

INTRODUCTION:
Civil war is one of the most tragic experiences any nation or people can face. Unlike battles against external enemies, civil war involves brother fighting against brother, tribe against tribe, and family against family. It is not just a clash of weapons but a tearing apart of relationships, heritage, and unity.

In Judges 20, we find a dark chapter in Israel’s history. The entire nation rose against one tribe—Benjamin—because of sin and iniquity committed in Gibeah. Though Israel sought counsel from God and went to battle with zeal, the outcome was devastating. Over 22,000 men fell in a single day, and the conflict dragged on with unimaginable loss on both sides.

This passage shows us the painful consequences of division among God’s people. Whenever the Church turns against itself, resources are wasted, lives are destroyed, and the mission of God is hindered. The cost of civil war is always too high to bear.

1. THE ROOT OF CIVIL WAR AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE

a) Sin and corruption provoke conflict (Judges 19:22–30).
When immorality and lawlessness go unchecked, it breeds anger and conflict among God’s people. The incident in Gibeah was a result of unchecked wickedness.

b) Failure of leadership leads to breakdown (Proverbs 29:18).
Where leaders fail to correct sin and uphold righteousness, people are driven to take matters into their own hands, leading to internal strife.

c) Lack of love and forgiveness fuels division (Colossians 3:13–14).
Instead of seeking reconciliation and repentance, bitterness and vengeance open the door for civil war among brethren.

d) Zeal without wisdom worsens conflict (James 1:20).
The children of Israel had zeal to defend righteousness but rushed into battle without humility and patience, resulting in huge loss.

Biblical Example: The quarrel between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36–40).
Though both were servants of God, their disagreement over John Mark led to separation, showing how even minor issues can escalate when not handled in love.

2. THE CONSEQUENCES OF CIVIL WAR

a) Heavy loss of lives (Judges 20:21).
Over 22,000 Israelites died in one day, and many more followed. Civil war drains the life of a people.

b) Wasted resources (Judges 20:25, 35).
Weapons, energy, and manpower that could have been used against external enemies were consumed internally.

c) Grief and sorrow among families (Judges 21:2).
Civil war leaves widows, orphans, and broken families in its aftermath.

d) Weakening of God’s people before the enemy (Galatians 5:15).
While Israel fought against itself, their real enemies—the surrounding nations—remained untouched, waiting for their opportunity.

Biblical Example: The civil war between David and Absalom (2 Samuel 18:6-8).
Though David won the battle, the price was the death of his son Absalom and grief that nearly broke the king.

3. LESSONS FROM THE CIVIL WAR IN JUDGES 20

a) Seeking God’s counsel requires humility (Judges 20:18).
Though Israel asked God, they may have been more interested in permission to fight than in true reconciliation.

b) God sometimes allows painful losses to teach His people (Judges 20:21, 25).
Twice Israel suffered defeat before gaining victory, reminding us that zeal must be matched with humility and brokenness.

c) Unity must be preserved at all costs (Psalm 133:1-3).
The blessings of God rest on His people when they dwell in unity.

d) Sin must be addressed, but with wisdom and love (Galatians 6:1).
Discipline in the household of faith should restore, not destroy.

Biblical Example: The reconciliation between Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:1-11).
Instead of continuing enmity, they chose forgiveness, avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.

CONCLUSION:
The story of Judges 20 reminds us that civil war among God’s people is always costly and tragic. Though the Israelites eventually defeated Benjamin, the cost in lives, grief, and brokenness was overwhelming. As the Church today, we must guard against divisions, avoid tale-bearing and strife, and pursue unity in love. Sin must be addressed firmly, but reconciliation and restoration must always be the goal.

When God’s people fight one another, everyone loses. But when we stand together in unity, the enemy is defeated, and God’s glory is revealed.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, forgive us for every division and strife among Your people.
2. Father, grant us wisdom to handle conflicts in the spirit of love.
3. Lord, uproot every seed of bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart.
4. Father, let unity and peace reign in the Body of Christ.
5. Lord, help me to always pursue reconciliation and restoration.
6. Father, silence every voice of division in my family and community.
7. Lord, deliver Your Church from wasted battles and unnecessary strife.
8. Father, heal every wound caused by conflict in my life and relationships.
9. Lord, make me an instrument of peace wherever I go.
10. Father, let the love of Christ bind us together in perfect unity.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will not be a victim of internal strife in Jesus’ name!
2. Every seed of division in your family is uprooted now!
3. God is releasing His peace into every troubled area of your life!
4. You shall not waste your strength on battles that do not profit you!
5. The enemy will not take advantage of divisions in your life!
6. Your home, your church, and your destiny will experience unity and peace!
7. Every wound caused by past conflicts is healed by the power of God!
8. You are rising above offences into a season of restoration!
9. You shall be a channel of peace and reconciliation wherever you go!
10. The unity of the Spirit will preserve your life and destiny in Jesus’ name!