Topical Encyclopedia
The term "hounded" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of being pursued relentlessly, often with malicious intent, is a theme that appears throughout Scripture. This entry explores the biblical understanding of being "hounded" through various narratives and teachings.
Old Testament Examples1.
David and Saul: One of the most vivid examples of being hounded is the relationship between David and King Saul. After David's victory over Goliath and his subsequent rise in popularity, Saul became intensely jealous and sought to kill him. David was forced to flee and live as a fugitive, constantly pursued by Saul's forces. In
1 Samuel 23:14 , it is recorded, "David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not deliver David into his hands."
2.
Elijah and Jezebel: The prophet Elijah experienced being hounded after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Queen Jezebel, enraged by the defeat of her prophets, vowed to kill Elijah. In
1 Kings 19:2 , Jezebel sends a message to Elijah, saying, "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them."
New Testament Examples1.
Jesus Christ: Jesus Himself was hounded by the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees and Sadducees frequently sought to trap Him in His words and ultimately plotted His death. In
John 11:53 , it is noted, "So from that day on they plotted to kill Him."
2.
The Apostles: The early apostles faced relentless persecution as they spread the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in particular, was pursued by both Jewish and Roman authorities. In
2 Corinthians 11:24-26 , Paul recounts his sufferings: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea; in my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen and from Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers."
Spiritual ImplicationsThe experience of being hounded can serve as a metaphor for spiritual warfare. Believers are often pursued by spiritual adversaries, as described in
1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." The Bible encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's protection and deliverance.
God's DeliveranceThroughout Scripture, those who are hounded often find refuge and deliverance in God.
Psalm 34:17 assures, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." This theme of divine rescue is a source of hope and encouragement for believers facing relentless pursuit or persecution.
ConclusionThe biblical narrative provides numerous examples of individuals who were hounded by enemies, both human and spiritual. These accounts highlight the reality of opposition in the life of faith, while also affirming God's faithfulness and deliverance for those who trust in Him.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Hound.
Library
The Christ Crowned, the Fact
... seen, the bold talking to the crowds of foreign Jews of God's mighty power, the
faithful witnessing about the crucified Jesus in the city thathounded Him to...
Precious Deaths
... How different also is the Lord's estimate from that of persecutors! They havehounded
the saints to death, considering that they did God service....
J. The Death and Burial. Ch. 23:44-56
... The crowds of Jews had little real desire for the crucifixion of Jesus; they had
beenhounded by their rulers to cry out for his death, but they now returned...
Two Shepherds and Two Flocks
... The unwelcome necessity, by which men that have their portion in this world are
hounded and herded out of all their sunny pastures and abundant feeding, is the...
The Apostle's Theme
... He had been imprisoned in Philippi; he had been smuggled away by night from
Thessalonica; he had beenhounded from Berea; he had all but wholly failed to make...
A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
... river Jordan; on the east with Hippeae and Gadaris, and also with Ganlonitis, and
the borders of the kingdom of Agrippa; its northern parts arehounded by Tyre...
Brother Hugh
... The holy man is harboured by our good Cistercian brothers of Pontigny, where
he makes hay and reaps and see visions. He ishounded thence....
'Constrained by the Word'
... The prison at Philippi, the riots thathounded him out of Thessalonica, the stealthy,
hurried escape from Beroea, the almost entire failure of his first...
Christ
... evil spoken of and his reputation assailed (as was his before the Sanhedrin"in the
mock trial given him there), when such a man has beenhounded from one end...
What the Historic Christ Taught About his Death
... or dumb. He did not die because He washounded by hostile priests, but
He came on purpose that He might so end His career. I need...
Thesaurus
Hounded (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Hound. Multi-Version Concordance
Hounded (2 Occurrences). Psalms 109:16 because he didn't
...Hound (1 Occurrence)
Hour (124 Occurrences)
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