Contemporary Insights from Biblical Combat Veterans through the Lenses of Moral
Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This article summarizes the discusses the previous attempts “psychological
exegesis” (Grimell, 2018, p. 241) has made at discussing different passage of
Scripture. c The focus of this article is to look at four prominent warriors in First and
Second Samuel through the lens of moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). c These characters are Saul, David, Joab, and Uriah. c Before looking at the
biblical characters a summation of moral injury and PTSD in brief.
“While aggressive and brutal behavior in combat could be explained by the stress
and the need to survive an extreme life-and-death situation, dysfunctional
behaviors in civilian society and life … may suggest potential indications of combat
trauma and psychological wounds” (Grimell, 2018, p. 243). c The stories of Saul,
David, Joab, and Uriah are told in such ways as to highlight incidents and
symptoms of moral injury or PTSD. c From this telling Grimell establishes types
based on each person.
The Saul type has simple or complex PTSD and “struggles with the aftermath of
military service and civilian life” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246). c This type may be at risk of
suicide to escape their psychological wound. c The Saul type “struggles and suffers
from a similar perceived silence and/or lack of acceptance from God” (Grimell,
2018, p. 246).
The David type is not unaffected but shows resilience in combat and after. c “David
always recovers” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246). The David type may utilize different
forms of art to express and sustain himself. c He maintains his relationship with God
and draws great strength from it.
The Joab type has been affected by leadership and has sustained a moral injury. c
These are “loyal and efficient combat veterans who at some point in their service
perceive a betrayal in a high-stakes situation” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246). c This may be
expressed through “rage, revenge, and disobedience” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246). c This
is made more complex by struggling with loyalty to his battle buddies on one hand
and leadership on the other.
The Uriah type is “the unfalteringly loyal type of a warrior … committed to battle
buddies, commanders, and missions” (Grimell, 2018, pp. 246-247). c Unfortunately,
“the risk may be that the realities of war with time could eventually transition Uriah-
type individuals into Joab or Saul types” (Grimell, 2018, p. 247).
A benefit of utilizing this typology is that instead of only focusing on themselves
and their issues “contemporary combat veterans could be connected to a timeless
community of warriors who can be recognized in the Bible” (Grimell, 2018, p. 247). c
Telling the story of another who suffered similarly may bring a new type of
expression to someone suffering today. c Turning their concerns into a story about
someone else may make it easier to tell.
I have an ongoing relationship with a Vietnam Veteran who was selected by the
CIA to accompany them on their missions. c His stories are guarded and filled with
shame. He found more solace in 30 minutes of talking with another combat
veteran (me) more helpful than months of therapy from the civilian therapists at the
Veterans Affairs (they cannot relate to his experiences). c Giving him a collection of
“fellow” warriors with whom he can relate can turn reading the Bible into a group
session. c How amazing!
My ministry to Service Members has not ended since I left the Army. c It has only
changed venue and focus. c I look forward to doing more research on this concept
in efforts of aligning ancient warriors with those of today.
Dr. Grimell stated multiple times in his article that he was only getting as detailed in
his approach as would fit in the article. c He clearly has no qualms about bringing
Freud, Jung, and Erikson into discussions with Scripture. c Thus, I believe this
clearly fits into the Allies integration model as discussed by Entwistle seeking a
“holistic understanding of human behavior” (Entwistle, 2015, p. 248).
Resources
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity: An
introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of
integration. Cascade Books.
Grimell, J. (2018). Contemporary insights from biblical combat veterans through the
lenses of moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Pastoral Care
& Counseling: Advancing Theory and Professional Practice through Scholarly and
Reflective Publications, 72(4), 241–250. https://doi.org/10.1177/1542305018790218
