Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "fighter" can refer to individuals who engage in physical combat or spiritual warfare. The Bible presents various figures who embody the characteristics of a fighter, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. These individuals often demonstrate courage, faith, and reliance on God's strength to overcome adversaries.
Old Testament Fighters1.
David: One of the most renowned fighters in the Bible, David's combat prowess is first highlighted in his battle against Goliath, the Philistine giant. Armed with faith and a sling, David declares, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (
1 Samuel 17:45). David's victory over Goliath is a testament to his reliance on God rather than human strength.
2.
Joshua: As Moses' successor, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, engaging in numerous battles. His leadership and obedience to God's commands were crucial in the conquest of Canaan. The Lord's assurance to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land that I swore to their fathers I would give them" (
Joshua 1:6), underscores the divine support behind his military endeavors.
3.
Gideon: Called by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression, Gideon initially doubted his ability to lead. However, with God's guidance, he reduced his army to 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention.
Judges 7:7 records God's promise: "With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand."
New Testament Fighters1.
Paul: While not a fighter in the physical sense, the Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of warfare to describe the Christian life. In
2 Timothy 4:7 , he writes, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Paul's letters often encourage believers to put on the "full armor of God" (
Ephesians 6:11) to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.
2.
Jesus Christ: Although Jesus did not engage in physical combat, He is depicted as a spiritual warrior who triumphs over sin and death.
Revelation 19:11 describes Him as a rider on a white horse, called Faithful and True, who judges and wages war in righteousness. His ultimate victory is achieved through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
Spiritual WarfareThe concept of spiritual warfare is prevalent throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the believer's role as a fighter against spiritual forces of evil.
Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are called to be vigilant, prayerful, and equipped with spiritual armor to withstand these battles.
ConclusionThe Bible portrays fighters as individuals who rely on God's strength and guidance to overcome both physical and spiritual challenges. Whether through the literal battles of the Old Testament or the spiritual struggles depicted in the New Testament, the theme of fighting underscores the importance of faith, obedience, and divine support in achieving victory.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) One who fights; a combatant; a warrior.
Greek
2341. theriomacheo -- to fight with wild beasts... From a compound of therion and machomai; to be a beast-
fighter (in the gladiatorial
show), ie (figuratively) to encounter (furious men) -- fight with wild
...Library
Wesley and the Cock-Fighter
... Chapter 5. Wesley Refused Sacraments at Epworth; Cornwall and the Scilly Isles;
Natural Amphitheater at Gwennap; Wesley in Danger Wesley and the Cock-fighter....
Theodoret and Chalcedon.
... shouted out: Do not call him a bishop! He is not a bishop! Cast out thefighter
against God! Cast out the Jew!' The Easterns and the...
Early Days
... Think of how many times you may have grinned, cowardly, at a gross remark or shady
story of a comrade - because you were notfighter enough to resent it!...
Psalm CXLIX.
... They scorn the poor, because the people shouteth not that the poor should be given
to, but the people do shout that thefighter with wild beasts be given to....
Psalm CIII.
... As then he who giveth to thefighter of beasts, giveth not to the man, but to a
most infamous profession; for if he were only a man, and not afighter of beasts...
The Journal of John Wesley
... Introduction. Wesley Refused the Sacrament at Epworth. Wesley and the Cock-fighter.
Wesley in Seven Dials. Wesley's Horses Give Trouble. Wesley Goes to Cornwall...
Our Ally
... The 'truth' is His instrument; that is to say, the Spirit of God sent by Jesus Christ
is the Strengthener, the Encourager, the Comforter, theFighter for us...
That I May Refute More Thoroughly These Charges, I Will Show that...
... lave with human blood. It is the blood of a beast-fighter, you say. Is
it less, because of that, the blood of a man? [87] Or is...
Prayer is Projecting One's Spirit Personality.
... It is a fiercely contested conflict. Satan is a trained strategist, and an obstinate
fighter. He refuses to acknowledge defeat until he must....
Love Makes Suns
... Prophetess she was,fighter she was, she could burst into triumphant approval of
Jael's bloody deed; and yet with the same lips could speak this profound word....
Thesaurus
Fighter (8 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fighter (8 Occurrences). 1 Timothy 3:3 Not quickly moved
to wrath or blows, but gentle; no
fighter, no lover of money; (BBE).
...Fighters (12 Occurrences)
Lines (42 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:23 And while he was talking to them, thefighter, the Philistine of
Gath, Goliath by name, came out from the Philistines' lines and said the same...
Goad (2 Occurrences)
... The ancient goad was probably similar to this instrument. It could do villainous
work in the hands of an experiencedfighter (Judges 3:31)....
Tall (41 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Samuel 17:4 And afighter came out from the tents of the Philistines, named
Goliath of Gath; he was more than six cubits tall. (BBE NIV)....
David's (142 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 17:23 And while he was talking to them, thefighter, the Philistine of
Gath, Goliath by name, came out from the Philistines' lines and said the same...
Polygamy
... The chief or the most heroicfighter would assert his right to choice of captives,
and thus concubinage or what is the same thing-polygamy-would be set up....
Night (3322 Occurrences)
... It fed on wing at night and constantly uttered weird cries. Lastly, it was a
fiercefighter when disturbed in brooding or raising its young....
Hawk (6 Occurrences)
... It fed on wing at night and constantly uttered weird cries. Lastly, it was a
fiercefighter when disturbed in brooding or raising its young....
Quickly (254 Occurrences)
... come. (WEB ASV YLT NAS RSV). 1 Timothy 3:3 Not quickly moved to wrath or
blows, but gentle; nofighter, no lover of money; (BBE). 1...
Resources
Who was Benaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about androgyny? | GotQuestions.orgFighter: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
