Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of a "spoiler" can be understood as one who despoils, plunders, or brings ruin. The term is often associated with destruction and the act of taking by force, reflecting a broader theme of judgment and divine retribution found throughout Scripture.
Old Testament ContextThe Hebrew word often translated as "spoiler" is "shadad," which means to devastate or ruin. This term is frequently used in the context of God's judgment against nations and peoples who have turned away from His commandments. For instance, in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet warns of impending judgment upon Babylon, a nation that acted as a spoiler to many:
"Behold, I am against you, O destroying mountain, who destroys the whole earth," declares the LORD. "I will stretch out My hand against you, roll you down from the cliffs, and make you a burnt mountain." (
Jeremiah 51:25)
Here, Babylon is depicted as a "destroying mountain," a spoiler that will itself face destruction as a consequence of its actions. The imagery of a spoiler is used to convey the seriousness of divine justice and the certainty of God's sovereign plans.
New Testament ContextWhile the specific term "spoiler" is less frequently used in the New Testament, the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The New Testament often speaks of spiritual forces and false teachers as spoilers who seek to lead believers astray. In
John 10:10, Jesus contrasts His mission with that of the thief:
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." (
John 10:10)
Here, the thief can be seen as a spoiler, one who seeks to destroy the spiritual well-being of individuals. This passage highlights the protective and redemptive role of Christ, who offers life in contrast to the destruction brought by spiritual spoilers.
Theological ImplicationsThe theme of the spoiler in the Bible underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the ongoing battle between good and evil. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining vigilant against those who would seek to lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel. The presence of spoilers in the biblical narrative also points to the ultimate victory of God over all forms of evil and destruction.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the concept of a spoiler serves as a call to discernment and faithfulness. Christians are encouraged to be aware of the spiritual and moral threats that can spoil their relationship with God. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (
Ephesians 6:11). This call to spiritual readiness is a defense against the spoilers of faith and integrity.
In summary, the biblical portrayal of spoilers is multifaceted, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions of destruction. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance, faithfulness, and reliance on God's strength in the face of opposition.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who spoils; a plunderer; a pillager; a robber; a despoiler.
2. (n.) One who corrupts, mars, or renders useless.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SPOILERspoil'-er (ha-shodhedh, "the spoiler"): A favorite expression of the prophet Jeremiah by which he describes generally the enemies that invade and devastate a country-with special reference to enemies that invade Judah (Jeremiah 12:12;Jeremiah 15:8); to enemies who devastate Moab (48:8, 18); to enemies from the North who are to assail Babylon (51:48), and in one case (6:26) to Nebuchadrezzar making an irresistible advance upon Jerusalem. the American Standard Revised Version uniformly renders "destroyer."
Strong's Hebrew
8154. shasah -- to spoil, plunder... destroyer, rob,
spoiler. Or shasah (Isa. 10:13) {shaw-saw'}; a primitive root; to
plunder -- destroyer, rob, spoil(-er). 8153, 8154. shasah or shasah. 8155 >
...7998. shalal -- a prey, spoil, plunder, booty
... Word Origin from shalal Definition a prey, spoil, plunder, booty NASB Word Usage
booty (11), gain (1), plunder (3), possessions (1), spoil (57),spoiler (1)....
7843. shachath -- perhaps to go to ruin
... ie (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively) -- batter, cast off,
corrupt(-er, thing), destroy(-er, -uction), lose, mar, perish, spill,spoiler, X...
7703. shadad -- to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin
... waste (1), robbers (1), ruined (6). dead, destroyer, oppress, robber,spoiler,
utterly, lay waste. A primitive root; properly, to...
Library
TheSpoiler
... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 16. TheSpoiler. "Let mine outcasts dwell
with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face...
Antichrist in Jeremiah
... people, gird thee with sackcloth, and wallow thyself in ashes: make thee mourning,
as for an only son, most bitter lamentation: for theSpoiler (Destroyer, as...
Antichrist in Isaiah
... tell why they were outcasts, outcasts from Palestine: "Let Mine outcasts dwell with
thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of theSpoiler: for the...
John ix. 34-36
... By laying down the distinguishing marks both of the shepherd, and of him who is
a deceiver and aspoiler, and from these affording them opportunity of...
Order and Argument in Prayer
... body!" nor even, "Oh that I might see my children restored from the jaws of the
grave, and my property once more brought from the hand of thespoiler!" but the...
Lupus of Troyes.
... of Troyes, the contemporary and friend of Germanus, saved his city from impending
destruction, by his powerful influence over the barbarousspoiler who spread...
The Tears of Christ.
... Still looking back, we see the hand of thespoiler and the oppressor busy with the
city which had forgotten God"forgotten the things which concerned its peace...
Introduction
... Rod" of God's anger (10:5); then as "the Wicked" (11:4); then as "the King of Babylon"
(14:11-20 and cf 30:31-33); and also as the "Spoiler" " Destroyer (16:4...
The Third Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary.
... kept intact. And for what purpose was she espoused? In order that the
spoiler might not learn the mystery prematurely. For that...
The Scales of Judgment
... said, "I shall see no sorrow," nevertheless, the Lord brought her low, and made
her grind in the dust of captivity, and gave her riches to thespoiler, and her...
Thesaurus
Spoiler (11 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) One who corrupts, mars, or renders useless. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SPOILER.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Spoiler (11 Occurrences).
...Ceaseth (21 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from
the face of thespoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, thespoiler...
Covert (18 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 16:4 Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from
the face of thespoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, thespoiler...
Spoilers (19 Occurrences)
Noon-day (8 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 15:8 Their widows are multiplied to me above the sand of the seas: I have
brought upon them against the mother of the young men aspoiler at noon-day...
Jaazer (12 Occurrences)
... passed over the sea, they reached to the sea of Jaazer. Thespoiler is
fallen upon thy summer fruits and upon thy vintage. (DBY)....
Weeps (7 Occurrences)
... O vine of Sibmah, Thy branches have passed over a sea, Unto the sea of Jazer they
have come, On thy summer fruits, and on thy harvest, Aspoiler hath fallen....
Inhabitress (12 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:18 Come down from thy glory and sit in the drought, O inhabitress, daughter
of Dibon; thespoiler of Moab is come up against thee, thy strongholds...
Ravager (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, ravages or lays waste;
spoiler. Multi-Version Concordance Ravager (2 Occurrences)....
Recompences (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 51:56 Because thespoiler is come upon her, even upon Babylon, and her
mighty men are taken, every one of their bows is broken: for the LORD God of...
Resources
Who is the destroying angel? | GotQuestions.orgSpoiler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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