A military engagement between individuals or armies. In the Bible there are many references to battles, with occasional hints of strategy (Josh 8:1-25) and frequent claims that divine activity is more important than the strength of the soldiers (Exod 15:1-18). Battles are recorded with various Canaanite cities and with neighboring countries. From a purely political viewpoint some of these battles were offensive (Josh 1-12) and some were defensive (Judg 6:1-8:21). In the NT, Paul uses battle as a metaphor for the Christian life (1Cor 14:8), and the conflict between God and evil is also depicted in the Revelation to John as a battle (Rev 9:7; Rev 9:9; Rev 16:14; Rev 20:8).
