Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical contexts, the term "stragglers" refers to individuals who lag behind or fall away from a group, often due to weakness, fatigue, or lack of vigilance. This concept is illustrated in various passages of Scripture, where stragglers are depicted as vulnerable and in need of protection or assistance.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the most notable references to stragglers is found in the account of the Amalekites' attack on the Israelites during their journey from Egypt. In
Deuteronomy 25:17-18 , Moses reminds the Israelites: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, how they met you on your journey when you were weary and worn out, and they attacked all your stragglers at the rear." This passage highlights the danger faced by those who fall behind, as they become easy targets for enemies.
The Amalekites' attack on the stragglers underscores the importance of community and vigilance within the people of God. It serves as a reminder of the need to protect and support those who are weak or vulnerable, ensuring that no one is left behind.
New Testament PrinciplesWhile the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "stragglers," the principles of caring for the weak and ensuring unity within the body of Christ are evident. In
1 Thessalonians 5:14 , Paul exhorts the church: "And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone." This call to support and uplift those who may be struggling reflects the spirit of community and mutual care that is central to the Christian faith.
Additionally, the parable of the lost sheep in
Luke 15:3-7 illustrates God's concern for those who have strayed or fallen behind. Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that is lost, demonstrating the value and importance of each individual within the flock.
Spiritual ImplicationsThe concept of stragglers can also be applied to spiritual life, where believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.
Hebrews 12:1 urges Christians to "throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." This metaphor of a race emphasizes the need to stay focused and not fall behind in one's spiritual journey.
In summary, the biblical portrayal of stragglers serves as a powerful reminder of the need for community, vigilance, and care for the vulnerable. It calls believers to support one another, ensuring that all members of the body of Christ are encouraged and strengthened in their walk of faith.
Strong's Hebrew
2826. chashal -- to shatter... to shatter. Transliteration: chashal Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-shal') Short Definition:
stragglers.
... root Definition to shatter NASB Word Usage
stragglers (1).
...Library
Introduction
... and storms of the troubled sea of East London society at its very worst, and from
a myriad wrecks of manhood and womanhood, snatching thestragglers not yet...
The Ecclesiastical Trial
... up the slope to the city, through the gates, along the silent streets, the procession
passed, with Jesus in the midst; midnightstragglers, perhaps, hurrying...
S. Mary Magdalene
... Were once sin's loose and tempting spies; But now are fix??d stars, whose light.
Helps such darkstragglers to their sight. Self-boasting Pharisee! how blind....
The Shepherds
... All towards Bethlem walk. To see their souls' great Shepherd, Who was come. To bring
allstragglers home; Where now they find Him out, and, taught before,....
The Life of Captain John Paton.
... Whereupon some of thestragglers came west plundering, and took up their residence
for some time in the muirs of Loudon, Egletham and Fenwick, which made the...
The Shepherd of Pella
...Stragglers that lost interest dropped back with him from time to time; but finding
him dumb and immensely distressed, they disappeared eventually and returned...
John Chapter xv. 1-3.
... part. of rvs, to depart [from God], and so, perhaps, "stragglers," ie "straggling
branches of [a strange vine];" or, as in English version, "degenerate branches...
A Leap Year Sermon *
... and we are not saved." Ah! but our Lord has a blessed way of picking up the
stragglers behind the army. When the main body has marched...
Strong Christians.
... When Napoleon retreated from Moscow, and the main body had passed by, the mounted
Cossacks hovered around thestragglers, who, overcome by cold and fatigue...
Marvellous Increase of the Church
... always continue so! Whatever is said of one of us, let it be said of all
of us. Do not let us bestragglers. Those who fall into...
Thesaurus
Stragglers (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Stragglers (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 25:18
How, meeting you on the way, he made an attack on you when
...Straggler (1 Occurrence)
Warfare (18 Occurrences)
... the King James Version "rereward," in the Revised Version (British and American)
"rearward") to give protection on the march or to bring instragglers (Judges 7...
War (529 Occurrences)
... the King James Version "rereward," in the Revised Version (British and American)
"rearward") to give protection on the march or to bring instragglers (Judges 7...
Straight (196 Occurrences)
Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... Thus we read that Amalek "smote the hindmost" (Deuteronomy 25:18), which may either
mean thestragglers unable to keep up when "weary," or perhaps those in the...
Israel (27466 Occurrences)
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
