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There are many warriors in the Bible, fighting in both physical and spiritual wars. In this article, we will look at ten of the greatest warriors found in the Word of God, ending with Christ Jesus, who has fought (and won) the great war between righteousness and the spiritual forces of evil. This reveals the importance of relying on God as we fight as spiritual warriors.
Warriors in the Bible
This list of the ten greatest Warriors in the Bible and the accompanying Bible verses are pulled from Rebirth Global Fellowship.
Abraham
“They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eschol and Aner. These were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by right, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people.
Genesis 14:12-16 (ESV)
In Genesis 14, we encounter Abraham not only as a man of faith but also as a brave man of war and a leader. When Lot, Abraham’s nephew, is captured during a regional conflict between a coalition of four kings and five kings, Abraham quickly springs into action. Upon hearing of Lot’s capture, Abraham gathers 318 trained men from his own household and pursues the victorious kings. In a well-coordinated nighttime attack, Abraham defeats the kings, rescues Lot, and recovers all the stolen possessions.
Abraham’s actions emphasize his loyalty to family and his willingness to engage in battle for justice. Although he was primarily a peaceful nomad and shepherd, Abraham did not hesitate to take on the role of a warrior when necessary. His victory also reflects God’s favor upon him, as he triumphs over superior forces with a small yet capable force. Abraham was a man of both faith and action, prepared to defend his loved ones while relying on God’s guidance and divine power.
Adino the Eznite
“These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tachmonite, chief among the captains. He was called Adino the Eznite, because he had killed eight hundred men at one time.”
2 Samuel 23:8 (NKJV)
Adino the Eznite is mentioned in 2 Samuel as one of David’s mighty men, a group of elite warriors who performed extraordinary feats in battle. Adino is listed as the chief of the three top warriors among David’s group. He is credited with killing 800 enemies at one time with his spear, showcasing his exceptional strength and skill in combat.
However, there is some textual complexity in his mention. In the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 11:11, the name Jashobeam appears instead of Adino, leading some scholars to believe that “Adino the Eznite” may be a descriptive title rather than a personal name. The title might mean “the spear” or “the lifted one,” describing his prowess in battle rather than being a separate individual.
Regardless of the name, Adino’s significance lies in his extraordinary military achievements and his position as one of the most formidable warriors in King David’s army. He was one mighty man of valor among many who supported David during his rise to power.
Eleazar the Ahohite
“And next to him among the the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when the defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.”
2 Samuel 23:9-10 (ESV)
Eleazar the Ahohite is also one of King David’s three top warriors. Eleazar’s most notable feat occurred during a battle against the Philistines. While the Israelite army retreated, Eleazar stood his ground and fought alongside David, striking down the Philistines until his hand grew tired and froze to his sword. Despite being abandoned by others, Eleazar and David secured a great victory, and the Lord is credited with delivering the Philistines into their hands.
His courage and dedication made him one of David’s most trusted and celebrated warriors, symbolizing steadfastness and unwavering faith in God’s ability to deliver victory even in overwhelming odds.
Gideon
“So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the trumpets to blow.
Judges 7:19-22 (ESV)
And they cried out, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled. When they blew the 300 trumpets, the Lord set every man’s sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Bethshittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath.”
Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal, is a key figure in the Book of Judges (Chapters 6-8) in the Old Testament. He was a judge and military leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites. This powerful nomadic group had been devastating ancient Israel for seven years due to their unfaithfulness to God.
When Gideon is first introduced, he is a humble and hesitant man, threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. The Angel of the Lord appears to him, calling him a mighty warrior and telling him that he is chosen to deliver Israel. Gid
eon, unsure and doubtful, asks for multiple signs from God to confirm his calling, including the famous fleece test, where he asks God to make a fleece wet with dew while keeping the ground dry, and then vice versa. God patiently reassures him with these signs.
Gideon then gathers an army to fight the Midianites, but God instructs him to reduce the number of men from 32,000 to 300 to ensure that Israel recognizes their victory is from God, not their own strength. With only 300 men, Gideon leads a surprise attack on the Midianite camp, using torches, trumpets, and jars to confuse and frighten the enemy, leading to a miraculous victory.
After the defeat of the Midianites, Israel experienced peace for 40 years during Gideon’s lifetime. However, later in his last days, Gideon made a golden ephod (a priestly garment), which became an object of idolatry for the Israelites. This was a reminder that despite his faithfulness in battle, Israel still struggled with remaining faithful to God.
Gideon’s story as God’s warrior highlights themes of God using the weak to accomplish great things, the importance of obedience and faith, and the danger of turning away from God.
Jonathan
“Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.”
1 Samuel 14:13-15 (ESV)
Jonathan, the son of Saul and a close friend of David was a skilled and brave military leader. In 1 Samuel 13-14, he demonstrated his courage and trust in God when he led a daring attack against a Philistine outpost with just his armor-bearer. This action initiated a victory for Israel over the Philistines, showcasing his faith in God’s ability to deliver His people despite overwhelming odds. His bravery and leadership earned him respect and recognition as a capable warrior.
Joshua
“Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark.
Joshua 6:1-5 (ESV)
On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”
Joshua is one of the most prominent warriors in the Bible. His most famous conquest is the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6. Following God’s specific instructions, Joshua leads the Israelites in an unconventional strategy: marching around the city wall for seven days while carrying the Ark of the Covenant and blowing trumpets. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapse, allowing the Israelites to storm the city and claim victory. This event solidifies Joshua’s role as a leader who trusted God’s guidance over traditional warfare tactics.
Samson
“And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained. Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other.
Judges 16:26-30 (ESV)
And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life.”
Samson’s life was marked by a series of dramatic conflicts with the Philistines, ancient Israel’s oppressors at the time. He single-handedly carried out feats of physical strength, such as killing a lion with his bare hands, defeating a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey, and tearing the gates of a city off their hinges. However, Samson’s story is also one of personal flaws and impulsiveness, particularly when it came to his relationships with women. His downfall came through Delilah, a Philistine woman who betrayed him by discovering the secret of his strength and cutting his hair, leading to his capture.
In the end, Samson’s faith was restored as he called on the Lord of hosts one final time. Blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines, he was brought to their temple to be mocked. In a final act of strength, Samson prayed to God, asking for his strength to return, and he pulled down the pillars of the temple, killing himself along with thousands of Philistines. Samson’s life illustrates the tension between God’s calling and human weakness, demonstrating both the consequences of disobedience and the power of repentance and faith.
David
“So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it.”
1 Samuel 17:50-51 (ESV)
David, one of the most celebrated figures in God’s word, was not only a king and poet but also a formidable warrior. The story of David as a warrior began with his defeat of the giant Goliath. As a young shepherd, David showed remarkable courage and faith when he faced the Philistine champion with nothing but a sling and five smooth stones, declaring that “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17). His victory over Goliath was a turning point in Israel’s struggle against the Philistines and marked David as a hero among his people.
David’s military prowess continued as he became a commander in King Saul’s army. He led numerous successful military campaigns against Israel’s enemies, earning the admiration of the people, who famously sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). David’s success on the battlefield eventually made Saul jealous, leading to years of conflict between them.
Even while being pursued by Saul, David showed strategic brilliance, gathering a loyal band of men and engaging in guerrilla warfare while refusing to harm Saul, whom he still respected as the Lord’s anointed.
Later, as king, David expanded Israel’s borders through military conquest. He defeated the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and Arameans, establishing Israel as a dominant power in the region (2 Samuel 8). David’s leadership in battle, combined with his deep reliance on God, made him one of Israel’s greatest military leaders.
His warrior spirit was driven not just by a desire for victory but by a commitment to securing Israel’s future and fulfilling the will of God and His promises to His people. Despite his flaws, David’s role as a warrior laid the foundation for the peace and prosperity that his son Solomon would later inherit.
Elisha
And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria. As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.”
2 Kings 6:18-20 (ESV)
Elisha was a prominent prophet in the Bible, known for his powerful miracles and leadership in the spiritual life of Israel. He was the successor to the prophet Elijah and served as God’s messenger during a time of great political and religious turmoil in the northern kingdom of Israel.
Elisha also played a significant role in guiding Israel’s kings and military leaders. He provided counsel in times of war, as seen when he revealed the enemy’s plans to Israel’s army, ensuring their victory over the Arameans. Through his actions, Elisha emphasized God’s sovereignty and the importance of faithfulness to Him, continuing the legacy of the prophets who called Israel to repentance and trust in God.
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Jesus
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV)
While Jesus is often portrayed as a figure of peace, compassion, and love in the New Testament, there is also a sense in which He is depicted as a warrior, the ultimate warrior. This warrior aspect is not in the traditional sense of physical combat, but rather as one who fights against spiritual forces, sin, and the powers of darkness. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection demonstrate His battle against the forces of evil, ultimately leading to the defeat of sin and death for the sake of humanity.
In the Gospels, Christ Jesus confronts the powers of evil directly. Through casting out demons and healing the sick, He demonstrates His authority over the spiritual realm, showing that He is engaged in a battle against Satan and his dominion. In Matthew 12:29, Jesus speaks of binding the “strong man” (Satan) in order to plunder his house, symbolizing His mission to rescue humanity from the grip of sin and demonic oppression. Jesus’ miracles and teachings were all part of this spiritual warfare, where He fought not with weapons of violence but with truth, love, and the power of God.
The warrior imagery becomes even more pronounced in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 19:11-16, Jesus is depicted as a conquering king who rides on a white horse, wearing many crowns, and wielding a sharp sword. This portrayal shows Him coming to judge the world and to establish His eternal kingdom. Here, Jesus is no longer the suffering servant but the victorious warrior who defeats the forces of evil once and for all. His robe is dipped in blood, symbolizing His sacrifice on the cross, which was the ultimate victory over sin and death.
Thus, while Jesus’ primary mission on earth was to bring salvation through humility and sacrifice, He is also seen as the divine warrior of God who fights for righteousness and will one day triumph over all evil, establishing eternal peace.
The stories of these ten warriors in the Bible gives us a closer look at spiritual warfare, revealing how relying on our faith in God and His divine guidance allows us to achieve victories against seemingly insurmountable odds. This examination not only sheds light on their heroic deeds but also offers insights into the broader spiritual battles described in the Bible that we still face in our daily life today as the Holy Spirit fights against the desires of our flesh to transform us into the image of God.
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)
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ESV – “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
NKJV – Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.