Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "Defender" is often associated with God as the protector and advocate of His people. The concept of God as a defender is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting His role in safeguarding, delivering, and upholding justice for those who trust in Him.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament frequently portrays God as the defender of Israel and individuals who seek His refuge. In
Exodus 14:14, Moses reassures the Israelites as they face the Egyptian army: "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." This passage underscores God's role as a divine warrior who defends His people against their enemies.
In the Psalms, the theme of God as a defender is prevalent.
Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Here, God is depicted as a fortress and shield, providing protection and deliverance from adversaries.
Similarly,
Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." This imagery conveys the tender yet powerful protection God offers to those who trust in Him.
New Testament InsightsIn the New Testament, the concept of God as a defender is expanded through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate advocate and intercessor for believers. In 1
John 2:1, it is written, "My little children, I write these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Here, Jesus is identified as the defender who pleads on behalf of believers before the Father.
The Apostle Paul also emphasizes God's protective role in
Romans 8:31, stating, "What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" This rhetorical question highlights the assurance and confidence believers can have in God's defense against any opposition.
Theological ImplicationsThe depiction of God as a defender carries significant theological implications. It affirms God's sovereignty, power, and faithfulness in the lives of His people. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and justice, knowing that He is both willing and able to defend them against spiritual and physical threats.
Furthermore, the role of Jesus as an advocate underscores the grace and mercy available to believers through His sacrificial work on the cross. As the ultimate defender, Jesus not only protects but also redeems and restores those who place their faith in Him.
Practical ApplicationFor Christians, understanding God as a defender provides comfort and strength in times of trouble. It encourages believers to rely on God's protection and to seek His guidance in the face of adversity. The assurance of God's defense fosters a sense of peace and security, empowering believers to live boldly and faithfully in a world that often opposes their values and beliefs.
In prayer, Christians can call upon God as their defender, trusting in His promises and seeking His intervention in their lives. This reliance on God as a defender is a testament to the deep relationship between the Creator and His creation, marked by love, trust, and divine protection.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) One who defends; one who maintains, supports, protects, or vindicates; a champion; an advocate; a vindicator.
Greek
4992. soterios -- saving, bringing salvation... salvation. Neuter of the same as soteria as (properly, concretely) noun;
defender or (by implication) defence -- salvation. see GREEK soteria.
...223. Alexandros -- Alexander, a son of Simon of Cyrene, also a...
... Alexander. From the same as (the first part of) alektor and aner; man-defender;
Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man -- Alexander....
Strong's Hebrew
4013. mibtsar -- fortification... 11:15) mibtsarah {mib-tsaw-raw'}; from batsar; a fortification, castle, or fortified
city; figuratively, a
defender -- (de-, most) fenced, fortress, (most
...Library
The LonelyDefender of the Bible
... Nicolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig the Singer of Pentecost Chapter Twelve The Lonely
Defender of the Bible.... He became the lonelydefender of the Bible....
After all this You Dare to Say in Your Apology, that You are not...
... After all this you dare to say in your Apology, that you are not thedefender nor
the champion of Origen, though you think that Eusebius and Pamphilus said all...
You Say that You are not theDefender or the Champion of Origen...
... 15. You say that you are not thedefender or the champion of Origen; but I will
at once confront you with your own book of which you spoke in that notorious...
Now Compare the Words of Origen, which I have Translated Word for...
... There exists in Greek a dialogue between Origen and Candidus thedefender of the
heresy of Valentinian, in which I confess it seems to me when I read it that I...
Psalm VIII.
... such. "That Thou mayest destroy the enemy and thedefender." Whom but the
heretic? [291] For he is both an enemy and adefender, who...
Psalm CXV.
... for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." [5066] But that this
patience may endure to the end, "He is their helper anddefender." Do perhaps...
The Same Night which Saw the Red Glare of the Burning Monastery...
... But so far as Romanism is concerned,"we have a monarch whose proudest title isDefender
of the Faith"that isDefender of the Faith against Papal...
Psalm XVIII.
... "My God is My helper; and I will hope in Him." My God, who hast first afforded me
the help of Thy call, that I might be able to hope in Thee. "Mydefender, and...
How Simon Bears his Exposure.
... For the weakness in thedefender is not identical with the truth in the conquered
man.... For the weakness of thedefender is not the truth of the conqueror."....
Lyons. 10S and Praise of Divine Love.
... O worship the King, all-glorious above, And gratefully sing his wonderful love;
Our Shield andDefender, the Ancient of days, Pavilioned in splendor and...
Thesaurus
Defender (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Defender (6 Occurrences).
... Psalms 68:5 A father of the
fatherless, and a
defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.
...Protector (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, defends or shields from
injury, evil, oppression, etc.; adefender; a guardian; a patron....
Alexander (5 Occurrences)
... Alexander. Man-defender. (1.) A relative of Annas the high priest, present when
Peter and John were examined before the Sanhedrim (Acts 4:6)....
Great (10383 Occurrences)
... case of the latter of these, enraged at the delay occasioned by the resistance,
and emulous of his ancestor, Alexander dragged its gallantdefender Batis alive...
Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... the keeper of attached property; hence, one who saves from harm; adefender; a
preserver. 4. (n.) One who remains or keeps in a place or position....
Upholder (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) An upholsterer. 4. (n.) One who, or that which, upholds; a supporter; a
defender; a sustainer. Multi-Version Concordance Upholder (1 Occurrence)....
Greatness (63 Occurrences)
... as an archer," margin "master worker; Hebrew text obscure"; "a saviour, and a great
one," the Revised Version (British and American) "defender," margin "or a...
Ward (27 Occurrences)
... See the Note under Watch, n., 1. 2. (n.) One who, or that which, guards; garrison;
defender; protector; means of guarding; defense; protection....
Defenders (1 Occurrence)
Defended (4 Occurrences)
Resources
What does the Bible say about self-defense? | GotQuestions.orgWho was R.C. Sproul? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the rod and staff in Psalm 23? | GotQuestions.orgDefender: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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