In the context of the Bible, "ambushers" refers to individuals or groups who lie in wait to attack or surprise others, often in a military or strategic context. The concept of ambushing is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where it is used as a tactic in warfare and conflict. The use of ambushes is depicted both as a strategy employed by the Israelites and as a method used by their enemies.

Biblical Instances of Ambushers:

1. Joshua's Conquest of Ai:
One of the most notable instances of ambushing in the Bible is found in the Book of Joshua. After the initial defeat at Ai, God instructed Joshua to set an ambush behind the city. Joshua 8:2 states, "And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city." This strategic move led to the successful capture of Ai, demonstrating the effectiveness of ambush tactics when guided by divine instruction.

2. The Battle Against the Benjamites:
In Judges 20, the Israelites used an ambush to defeat the tribe of Benjamin. Judges 20:29 records, "So Israel set men in ambush around Gibeah." This ambush was part of a larger strategy that ultimately led to the near destruction of the Benjamite forces, illustrating the use of ambushes in inter-tribal conflict within Israel.

3. David and the Philistines:
David, before becoming king, also employed ambush tactics against the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 23:28 , it is noted, "So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call that place the Rock of Escape." Although not a direct ambush, the strategic movements and positioning of forces played a crucial role in David's evasion and survival.

4. The Ambush of Absalom:
Absalom, in his rebellion against his father King David, used ambush tactics to gain support and attempt to seize the throne. 2 Samuel 15:10 states, "Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: 'When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’" While not a physical ambush, the use of spies and surprise was intended to undermine David's rule.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

The use of ambushes in the Bible often raises questions about the morality and ethics of such tactics. In many instances, ambushes are depicted as divinely sanctioned strategies, particularly when used by the Israelites under God's command. This suggests that the righteousness of an ambush is contingent upon divine approval and the broader context of God's plan for His people.

Conversely, when ambushes are employed by Israel's enemies or in acts of rebellion against God's anointed leaders, they are often portrayed negatively. This dichotomy underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will and the consequences of using deceitful tactics for personal gain or in opposition to divine authority.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications:

Beyond the literal use of ambushes in warfare, the Bible also uses the concept metaphorically to describe spiritual and moral dangers. Proverbs 1:11 warns, "If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause.'" This passage highlights the dangers of succumbing to sinful schemes and the importance of resisting the temptation to harm others through deceitful means.

In the New Testament, the idea of spiritual ambush is echoed in the warnings against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11 advises believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." Here, the ambush is not physical but spiritual, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of spiritual warfare.

Overall, the concept of ambushers in the Bible serves as a reminder of the complexities of human conflict, the necessity of divine guidance in warfare, and the ever-present spiritual battles faced by believers.Ambushers (5 Occurrences)

Judges 20:33
All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of Maareh Geba.
(WEB)

Judges 20:36
So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck; for the men of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah.
(WEB)

Judges 20:37
The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.
(WEB)

Judges 20:38
Now the appointed sign between the men of Israel and the ambushers was that they should make a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city.
(WEB)

2 Chronicles 20:22
When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck.
(WEB)

Ambushers (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ambushers (5 Occurrences). Judges 20:33 All the
men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves ...
/a/ambushers.htm - 7k

Ambush (39 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at Baal Tamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their ...
/a/ambush.htm - 19k

Rushed (24 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew
themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. ...
/r/rushed.htm - 14k

Deployed (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew
themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. ...
/d/deployed.htm - 8k

Sudden (33 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 20:37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers
drew themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. ...
/s/sudden.htm - 15k

Gibeah (52 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck; for the men
of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted the ambushers whom they ...
/g/gibeah.htm - 30k

Dash (30 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew
themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. ...
/d/dash.htm - 19k

Ambushes (7 Occurrences)

/a/ambushes.htm - 8k

Drew (162 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew
themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. ...
/d/drew.htm - 36k

Geba (22 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:33 All the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at Baal Tamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their ...
/g/geba.htm - 17k

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