“God made them as stubble to our swords.”
- April 25, 1599 – September 3, 1658
- English
- Military and Political Leader, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland
table of contents
Quote
“God made them as stubble to our swords.”
Explanation
This quote is a triumphal declaration of divine sanction in warfare, suggesting that God rendered the enemy weak and destined for destruction—as insubstantial as “stubble” before the blade. Cromwell invokes the imagery of biblical judgment, portraying his army’s military success not as mere strategy, but as a direct act of God’s will. The quote reflects a worldview in which victory is not only political or military, but spiritual.
Cromwell reportedly spoke these words after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, where his forces routed a larger Scottish army. For Cromwell, a devout Puritan, military victories were proof of God’s favor and evidence that his cause was righteous. His enemies were not merely political opponents, but those resisting what he believed to be a divine mandate. The phrase echoes the Old Testament language of holy war, used to justify brutal outcomes as acts of divine justice.
In a modern context, this quote raises profound ethical questions. It serves as a stark reminder of how religious conviction, when fused with power, can be used to justify violence. While the belief in divine support can empower, it can also dehumanize opponents and close the door to mercy or compromise. The quote is historically significant not only as a window into Cromwell’s mindset, but as a cautionary example of what can happen when faith is used to sanctify war.
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