Big Ideas · 25 · The Soldier
In Joshua's wars, no one dies a hero
Joshua is full of battles, but the only Israelites who die are punished for misconduct. No one falls heroically, and no one stops to honor the fallen.
The Bible never glorifies death in battle.
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Samson's suicidal last stand comes at the end of Judges, among antiheroes. Saul's death is shameful: 'Tell it not in Gath.' Uriah's death is the only victory with Israelite casualties in the Bible, and it serves a king's conquest.
Bible reference: 2 Samuel 1:20
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 398–399
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