To say  God is a Warrior, is like raising a red banner in the midst of  the cross currents of angry voices wanting to get rid of patriarchy.  A warrior God is viewed with deep suspicion in our day when all the structures of patriarchy are being questions.  For some, warrior gives them confidence that God will be victorious, defeating  evil and establishing a reign of God’s kingdom in the end.  For others, “warrior” is a word to be “flagged,” signaling a hateful, angry presence, who will trampling on the weak and vulnerable.  But the God of scripture is called a Warrior.  The Lord gives us a warning.  Ps. 78:65 tells us,  “Then the Lord awoke as from sleep. as a man wakes from the stupor of wine.” 

In Exodus 15, as the Israelites  were escaping the mighty army of Pharaoh, standing on dry ground, they watched as the entire army drown in the sea behind them.  “They sank to the depths like a stone.” (Ex. 15:5)  In response, Moses, Miriam and the people sang to the Lord.  “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name” (Ex. 15:3).  They declared in song,  “Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretch out your right hand and the earth swallowed them.” (Ex. 15:11-12).

Having experienced Pharaoh’s mighty army being drowned, Miriam, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women joined her, with tambourines.  They danced and sang. “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted.  For horse and driver he has hurled into the sea” (Ex. 15:20-21).  They celebrated in joyful worship, singing joyfully, “By the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up.  The surging waters stood up like a wall” (Ex. 15:8).  

They were in awe of their mighty God.  “Who among the gods is like you, Lord?  Who is like you – majestic in holiness, awesome in glory working wonders?” (Ex. 15:11).  They even sang about the love of God.  “You stretch our your right hand, and the earth swallows your enemies.  In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed” (Ex. 15:13).   

Just before they entered the sea to escape Pharaoh’s army, Moses had told the people, “Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Ex 14:13-14).  Imagine being told to stand firm and see how God will save you from the mightiest army on earth.  Moses was confident they would see God’s deliverance.  He know without a doubt that their God as a “warrior.”

If anyone doubts God is a warrior, Revelation 19 describes the loving and compassionate Jesus of the Gospels as the heavenly warrior who has defeated the beast (the devil).  “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns.  He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.  He is dressed in a robe dipping in blood, and his name is the Word of God.” (Rev. 19:12). 

At the end of history, Jesus, the Son of God, is pictured as a victorious rider on a white horse.  He is “dressed in a robe dipped in blood…..out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.” (Rev 19:13 &15)  But Jesus also called the “lamb.”  The enemies makes war against the lamb.  But we read, “They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord or Lords and King of kings.” (Rev. 17:14)