Topical Encyclopedia
Raiding, as depicted in the Bible, often involves sudden attacks or incursions by one group against another, typically for the purpose of plundering or capturing resources. This practice is frequently mentioned in the context of ancient warfare and tribal conflicts, reflecting the turbulent and often hostile environment of the biblical world.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, raiding is a common occurrence, particularly among the nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes of the Near East. The Amalekites, Midianites, and Philistines are frequently noted for their raiding activities. For instance, the Amalekites conducted raids against the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as recorded in
Exodus 17:8-16. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were commanded to defend themselves and ultimately defeat the Amalekites.
The book of Judges provides numerous accounts of raiding, often as a consequence of Israel's disobedience to God.
Judges 6:3-4 describes how the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israelite territory, destroying crops and livestock: "Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys."
David, before becoming king, engaged in raiding activities while living among the Philistines. In
1 Samuel 27:8-9, David and his men raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, leaving no survivors and taking livestock and goods. These raids were part of David's strategy to maintain favor with Achish, the Philistine king, while secretly supporting Israel.
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not focus on raiding in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual warfare can be seen as a metaphorical extension of the idea. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and prepared for spiritual attacks, as described in
Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul speaks of putting on the "full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsFrom a biblical perspective, raiding is often portrayed as a consequence of sin and disobedience. The Israelites faced raids when they turned away from God, serving as a form of divine judgment. However, when they repented and sought God's guidance, they were often delivered from their enemies.
The Bible also emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in warfare. In
Deuteronomy 20, God provides instructions for warfare, including the treatment of cities and peoples. These guidelines reflect a concern for ethical conduct even in the context of conflict.
ConclusionRaiding in the Bible serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between good and evil, obedience and disobedience. It highlights the need for reliance on God for protection and deliverance, as well as the importance of maintaining faithfulness to His commandments.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Raid.
Library
Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... to the Prophet's imagination likely to be caused, in Judah by the advance of these
marauding hordes, and clearly reflect their appearance and manner ofraiding...
Brief Table of Contemporary Public Events
... known as the Eight of War. Meantime, Cione de' Salimbeni israiding the
country around Siena. The roads through the Maremma are...
Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... weakness of Assyria"the Gambulu, the Pukudu, the Eutu, and the Itua"had a natural
tendency to join forces with Elam for the purpose ofraiding the wealthy...
The Bishop of Hippo
... Optatus, Bishop of Thimgad, a manifestation in advance of the Mussulman marabout
who preached the holy war against the Catholics,raiding, killing, burning...
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... theraiding, for instance, of the regions of Arvad and of the Zahi by Thutmosis
III., described in the Annals, 11.4, 5. We are still in possession of the...
Choosing Her Course
... She was a most successful visitor. Saloon 'raiding' was, perhaps, our most difficult
work. We used 'The War Cry' as a means of entrance and introduction....
Off Duty
... After I had become a Salvationist and longed to work as she had worked, she accompanied
me to teach me the art of successful 'saloon-raiding.' She made several...
The Nations of the South-East
... no more. They passed out of the Israelitish horizon; henceforth theirraiding
bands never approached the frontiers of Israel. The...
Canaan
... He never lost the opportunity ofraiding the inhabitants of the cultivated lands,
and escaping again into the desert with his booty before he could be...
The Close of the Theban Empire
... followed, and they were obliged henceforward to renounce any hope of an invasion
en masse, and to content themselves with a fewraiding expeditions into the...
Thesaurus
Raiding (11 Occurrences)... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Raid. Multi-Version Concordance
Raiding (11 Occurrences).
... The
bands of Syria stopped
raiding the land of Israel. (WEB NIV).
...Raids (4 Occurrences)
... When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master.
The bands of Syria stoppedraiding the land of Israel. (See RSV)....
Raiders (12 Occurrences)
Jabneh (1 Occurrence)
... with the Syrians. It was garrisoned by the Seleucid kings, and served as a
base forraiding the territory of Judah. When Judas Maccabeus...
Jabneel (2 Occurrences)
... with the Syrians. It was garrisoned by the Seleucid kings, and served as a
base forraiding the territory of Judah. When Judas Maccabeus...
Marauding (3 Occurrences)
... When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master.
The bands of Syria stoppedraiding the land of Israel. (See NAS)....
Lachish (22 Occurrences)
... also an Egyptian dependency. It was perhaps compelled to do so by the Khabiri
who were thenraiding this region. The place was, like...
Collected (55 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers, and dwelt in the land of Tob;
and worthless fellows collected round Jephthah, and wentraiding with him....
Worthless (103 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers, and dwelt in the land of Tob;
and worthless fellows collected round Jephthah, and wentraiding with him....
Resources
What does it mean that the kingdom of God suffers violence? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgRaiding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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