The answer is: the Lord

Num 21:14

In the book of Numbers, there's a curious reference to "the Book of the Wars of the Lord," which piques interest because it implies there are recorded exploits of God in battle—a historical account lost to us but worthy of exploration. Why would a god who is often characterized by mercy and love be linked to wars?

First, it's key to recognize that many early biblical texts reflect a culture dominated by conflict and survival. The war narratives embody both a historical response to territorial disputes and a spiritual context where God's involvement was deemed necessary for victory. The mention of a fancy title does everything to signal its significance in the Israelite narrative, demonstrating their faith in divine intervention during tumultuous times.

Interestingly, this language resonates with other parts of scripture. For instance, you might recall the infamous war cry, "The Lord is a warrior!" from Exodus 15:3, where the climax of the crossing of the Red Sea inspires jubilant verses. The Israelites lived through a cyclical pattern of rebellion, retribution, and restoration woven through their history—a sort of dramatic story that speaks not just to their circumstances, but the broader understanding of right, wrong, struggle, and peace.

Moreover, you can see echoes of David's psalms, that declare God's prowess in war, demonstrating the intertwining of faith and conflict throughout Israel's heritage. Despite the challenging themes of warfare, these scriptures remind us of enduring faith and reflection on trust in the divine, regardless of our battles, both external and internal.