Bible Vets

Nearly every man in the Hebrew Scriptures used a weapon in combat during some point in his life. There are even a few women who delivered military victories to the army of Israel. Some of these veterans show the symptoms of  combat stress. Here is a brief synopsis.

Lot: He is the nephew to Abraham, and in Gen 14 he becomes a POW. After his experience he cannot stand to be in cities or crowds. He lapses into self-medication and sexual deviancy.

Samson: His story can be found in Judges 13-16. His signature characteristic is going beserk in the heat of battle. He also has difficulties falling asleep, and he suffers from  suicidal ideations that led him to a completed suicidal act.

Saul: Former king of Israel whose story is told in 1 and 2 Samuel.  Saul suffered from recurrent episodes of depression. He had sleep issues and some paranoia. He became homicidal and suicidal, finally taking his own life by assisted suicide.

The record of exemplary service and bravery is also found in the war narratives of the Bible. King David had his own version of SEAL Team 6. The Bible calls these warriors David’s “Mighty Men” or “The Thirty” and “The Three.” Their exploits can be found in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11-12.