Is the Second Amendment a God-given Right? Part 2

I last week pointed out Bible passages endorsing our right to self-defense. Critics will point out guns are not mentioned in the Bible.

True. They also are not mentioned in the Second Amendment, which states we have the right to “keep and bear arms.” This should be interpreted by the courts as meaning we can carry whatever weapon we want to protect ourselves and our liberties, but it’s not.

Before someone says I don’t believe in any limitations and accuses me of saying I support private ownership of nuclear weapons, which I don’t, it should be pointed out bear arms implies easy portability. Even so-called suitcase nukes are heavy and hard to carry around.

But getting back to the Bible, there are passages containing principles pertaining to the right the Founding Fathers put in our constitution. One is 1 Samuel, chapter 13, verses 19-22.

Here we have Saul installed as Israel’s first king and facing his first big fight. Israel is oppressed by the tyrannical Philistines at the time, and they have imposed strict controls on the ownership of weapons by Israelites. The passage reads…

Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.” But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads.

So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and Jonathan his son had them. ESV

The only two swords in Israel as it began its rebellion against its oppressors belonged to the king and prince. All others fought with farm tools. The context points to this being a severe disadvantage for Israel and all the more reason to give God credit for its miraculous victory.

For many years thereafter, Israel’s military defenses consisted largely of a citizen army. When needed, the king would put out a call and able-bodied men were expected to report for duty, each bringing his own weapons. It’s a model the Founding Fathers envisioned for America, and one followed by some other countries today, most notably Switzerland.

Space constraints won’t allow me further exposition on this subject, so I’ll summarize the Biblical perspective on the Second Amendment.

1. The Bible affirms a right to self-defense, including use of deadly force to protect oneself and others, but condemns vigilantism.

2. Jesus didn’t prohibit two disciples from carrying swords. When one was used in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus told Peter to sheath it, not get rid of it.

3. There are many Old Testament references to Godly individuals who were armed.

4. The Bible mentions disarming a people group as a means of oppression.

5. While the Bible never states believers should disarm, it does warn that those carrying weapons face additional risks and responsibilities. Those who live by the gun, risk dying by it.

And finally, don’t counter this column with, “Dan, can you really ever see Jesus with a weapon?” I hope to. Scripture teaches Jesus will be armed when He returns (Revelation 19:15-21), when all who are unrepentant and rebel against Him will perish.