Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:Strategy, in a biblical context, refers to the planning and execution of actions to achieve a specific goal or outcome. It involves wisdom, discernment, and often divine guidance. The Bible provides numerous examples of strategic thinking, both in military and spiritual contexts, demonstrating the importance of preparation, foresight, and reliance on God.
Biblical Examples:1.
Joshua and the Battle of Jericho: One of the most notable examples of strategy in the Bible is the Battle of Jericho. God provided Joshua with a unique strategy to conquer the city. Instead of a direct assault, the Israelites were instructed to march around the city once a day for six days, and seven times on the seventh day, followed by the blowing of trumpets and a great shout. This divine strategy led to the miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls (
Joshua 6:1-20).
2.
Gideon's Victory over the Midianites: Gideon was called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. God instructed him to reduce his army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that the victory would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Gideon's strategy involved a surprise attack at night using trumpets, jars, and torches, causing confusion and panic among the Midianites (
Judges 7:1-22).
3.
David's Military Tactics: King David was known for his strategic prowess in battle. He often sought God's guidance before engaging in warfare. For instance, when facing the Philistines, David inquired of the Lord and received specific instructions on how to position his troops, leading to successful outcomes (
2 Samuel 5:17-25).
4.
Nehemiah's Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls: Nehemiah demonstrated strategic leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He assessed the situation, motivated the people, and organized the work efficiently. Nehemiah also implemented security measures to protect the workers from potential attacks, showing a blend of practical planning and reliance on God (
Nehemiah 4:1-23).
Spiritual Strategy:1.
Jesus' Teachings on Counting the Cost: Jesus emphasized the importance of strategic planning in spiritual matters. In
Luke 14:28-32, He used the analogy of a builder and a king going to war to illustrate the need for careful consideration and planning in discipleship. This passage highlights the necessity of understanding the cost and commitment involved in following Christ (
Luke 14:28-32).
2.
Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul exhibited strategic thinking in his missionary work. He targeted major cities, established churches, and trained leaders to ensure the spread of the Gospel. Paul's letters often reflect his strategic approach to ministry, addressing specific issues and providing guidance to strengthen the early Christian communities (Acts 13-28).
Principles of Biblical Strategy:·
Dependence on God: Biblical strategy often begins with seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
·
Wisdom and Discernment: Effective strategy requires wisdom and discernment.
James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that it will be given generously.
·
Preparation and Planning: The Bible underscores the importance of preparation.
Proverbs 21:5 states, "The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty."
·
Unity and Cooperation: Successful strategy often involves working together in unity.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 highlights the strength found in cooperation, stating, "Two are better than one... a cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
Conclusion:While the Bible provides numerous examples of strategy, it consistently points to the necessity of aligning one's plans with God's will, emphasizing that true success comes from divine guidance and wisdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The science of military command, or the science of projecting campaigns and directing great military movements; generalship.
2. (n.) The use of stratagem or artifice.
Greek
1820. exaporeo -- to be utterly at a loss, be in despair... sum, 1820 () relates to someone (apparently) "left in the straits" (with no way
out) -- ie in "extreme exposure," without a good alternative ("no exit
strategy...Strong's Hebrew
6098. etsah -- counsel, advice... 2), counsel (52), counselor* (1), counselors* (1), counsels (1), designs (1), plan
(8), plans (2), purpose (6), scheme (1), schemes (1),
strategy (1).
...Library
How Moses Discharged the Part of a Military Leader.
... Military Leader. Our Moses then is a prophet, a legislator, skilled in military
tactics andstrategy, a politician, a philosopher. And...
The Conflict with Evil
... social order. Thestrategy of the Kingdom of God, therefore, involves a
study of the social problem of evil. DAILY READINGS. First...
Joshua's Conquest.
... He is resourceful, brave, straightforward, fertile instrategy, and quick to strike
(1:10-11; 2:1 etc.). In the councils of peace he was wise and generous....
The Early Training of a Race.
... In the wilderness they also learned the art of nomadic warfare which, to win victories,
depended not so much upon open attack as uponstrategy....
A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... stronghold. At first the inhabitants of Jericho, accustomed to Arabstrategy,
undoubtedly held themselves ready for defence. When...
Chapter xlii
... There was a very appropriatestrategy as well as psychology about this
imprisonment. Thestrategy involved what Dods has stated...
Providential Preparations for the Discovery of America --Spiritual...
... with the New. That was highstrategy in the warfare the advancement of
the kingdom of God in the earth. What possibilities, even...
Beyond Cincinnati
... until he came to be depended upon in every sphere of diocesan life, serving on the
Standing Committee, the Bishop and Chapter, the Board ofStrategy and Finance...
Conflicts with Giant Mistake
... One of my greatest joys is to teach pilgrims thestrategy of spiritual warfare and
tell them how to overcome the Anakims of Canaan [2 Corinthians 10:4]....
The Project of French Empire and Evangelization --Its Wide and...
... that its entering at last upon enterprises of colonization and missions should be
with large forecasting of the future and with the methods of a grandstrategy...
Thesaurus
Strategy (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Strategy (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 18:20 Sayest thou that
a mere word of the lips is counsel and strength for the war?
...Battle (282 Occurrences)
... 1. The Political Situation 2. Joshua'sStrategy 3. Joshua's Command to the Sun and
Moon 4. The Astronomical Relations of the Sun and Moon 5. The "Silence" of...
Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... 1. The Political Situation 2. Joshua'sStrategy 3. Joshua's Command to the Sun and
Moon 4. The Astronomical Relations of the Sun and Moon 5. The "Silence" of...
Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... 1. The Political Situation 2. Joshua'sStrategy 3. Joshua's Command to the Sun and
Moon 4. The Astronomical Relations of the Sun and Moon 5. The "Silence" of...
Warfare (18 Occurrences)
... men of war," "soldiers"; polemos, polemein, strateuesthai, stratia): 1. Religious
Significance 2. Preliminaries 3. Operations of War 4.Strategy 5. Important...
War (529 Occurrences)
... men of war," "soldiers"; polemos, polemein, strateuesthai, stratia): 1. Religious
Significance 2. Preliminaries 3. Operations of War 4.Strategy 5. Important...
Asmoneans
... But Simon, the sole survivor of the sons of Mattathias, now stepped in the breach,
foiled all the treacherous plans of Tryphon, metstrategy withstrategy...
Straw (21 Occurrences)
Obedience (61 Occurrences)
... attitude toward the authorities and the great movements and religious requirements
of His day was a part of His loyalty to God, and of thestrategy of His...
Jael (6 Occurrences)
... deed. Some critics suggest that Sisera was not asleep when murdered, and
thus try to convert Jael's treachery intostrategy. But...
Resources
Should a Christian play Pokémon? Should a Christian play Yu-Gi-Oh!? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus choose Peter, James, and John to be His inner circle? | GotQuestions.orgStrategy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
