Originally posted by: CaptainSpark
Yes he has several times wanted to pick up weapons after war began.
But Krishna knew Arjun well considering they were close friends, so he knew his nature and reluctance. Moreover he clearly wants to stop war in pre Geeta Gyan. Krishna still thinks convincing and trusting ARJUN is better than himself doing the work is strange to me. Technically as being in Pandavas side, he could easily fight from their side if Arjun says he won't fight (doesn't have to be a charioteer either). Also, why would he give his army to Duryodhan? Removing divinity, he honestly had no way to know what will happen in war and giving away army is a weak move. Also why say no to picking up weapons? Technically Arjun stopped Krishna from killing Bhishma because he didn't want him to break his vow of remaining weaponless. Vow was not needed tbh to be a charioteer.
Why is it necessary for ARJUN only to fight when he is saying no why go on trying to convince instead do it urself? (PRE WAR INSTANCES)
Question: Is there any instance where Krishna fought in a war? Is it possible his decision was something to do with his warrior skills.
Krishna was an exceptional warrior except Jarasandh incident, There's a whole list of his wars in a thread created by Proreeti in DD Mahabharata forum
If we consider Krishna taking weapon and letting Arjuna go
Would Yudhishtir and Bhima agree to fight without Arjuna, Arjuna's sons?
If they did go to war without Arjuna, what would happen to Arjuna?
Krishna loved Arjuna alot, as much is clear with the link I gave you, he couldn't let Arjuna leave the battle and be shunned by his family and people
Arjuna fighting was inevitable, He was just having cold feet on first day then you have to read how he fought, but he didn't wish to kill Bhishma, for which Krishna picked up weapon on day 9 as Arjuna was fighting mildly, Arjuna promises that he will defeat Bhishma and he did the next day
Again Killing Drona wasn't upto Arjuna, Drishtdumya had to do it and Drona was a fierce warrior, he was able to waste Krishna and Arjun's time on day 14 but here Krishna came with a mind to fight
Krishna didn't get a chance to fight because Arjuna agreed to everything he said
___________
About Duryodhan, I don't have a citation for it but I feel Samba's attempt on Laxmanaa land Krishna in a difficult position with Duryodhan, His son wronged Duryodhana's daughter so he HAD to give him something, Arjuna chose Krishna and Duryodhan chose Narayani Sena