“What Does Covenant Have to Do with War?”

This presentation explores the concept of covenant as a foundational element for understanding the dynamics of war and peace, both historically and in modern times. It examines how the covenant between God and His people shaped the geopolitical landscape in the Bible, emphasizing repentance and hope as paths to peace. The session will also connect these ancient principles to contemporary conflicts, focusing on the ongoing strife in the Holy Land.

Dr. Elaine Phillips

After receiving her undergraduate degree in social psychology from Cornell University, the Master of Divinity from Biblical Theological Seminary, and her M.A. at the Institute for Holy Land Studies (now Jerusalem University College), Elaine Phillips, along with her husband, Perry, studied and taught for three years in Israel at JUC. Upon their return, they taught at a small Christian junior college outside of Philadelphia from 1979-1992. During that time, Elaine earned her PhD in rabbinic literature and also served as church organist and choir director. From 1993 until her retirement in 2020, she taught in the Biblical Studies department at Gordon College. She and Perry regularly brought Gordon students to JUC, teaching the three-week summer field study program in historical geography. She has published a book-length commentary on Esther in The Expositor's Bible Commentary; a devotional book, With God, Nothing is Impossible (now in its second edition); An Introduction to Reading Biblical Wisdom Texts, and most recently, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary series. She received both the Junior and Senior Distinguished Faculty Awards at Gordon College and at the commencement ceremonies in May 2014 was granted the inaugural Distinguished Professor award, and also was honored with the Harold John Ockenga Chair until her retirement.