The term "demoralized" refers to a state of being deprived of spirit, courage, discipline, or morale. In the context of the Bible, it often describes individuals or groups who have lost their resolve or faith, usually due to external pressures, fear, or sin. The concept of being demoralized is not explicitly named in the Bible, but the condition is depicted through various narratives and teachings.

Biblical Instances and Themes

1. Israelites in the Wilderness: One of the most vivid examples of a demoralized group is the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they frequently lost heart. In Numbers 14:1-4 , the Israelites express their despair: "Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, 'If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness!'"

2. Gideon's Army: In Judges 7, Gideon faces the daunting task of defeating the Midianites with a significantly reduced army. Initially, 22,000 men were demoralized and left when given the option to return home due to fear (Judges 7:3): "Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained."

3. Elijah's Despair: The prophet Elijah experienced a period of demoralization after his victory over the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 19:3-4 , Elijah flees from Queen Jezebel and prays for death: "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself traveled on a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, LORD,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.'"

4. The Disciples' Fear: After Jesus' crucifixion, the disciples were demoralized and fearful, hiding behind locked doors. John 20:19 describes their state: "It was the first day of the week, and that evening, while the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them. 'Peace be with you,' He said to them."

Causes of Demoralization

· Fear and Intimidation: Fear is a common cause of demoralization, as seen in the Israelites' fear of the giants in Canaan (Numbers 13:31-33) and the disciples' fear after Jesus' death.
· Sin and Disobedience: Sin can lead to a loss of morale, as it separates individuals from God and His strength. The Israelites' repeated disobedience led to periods of demoralization.
· External Oppression: Oppression by enemies or harsh circumstances can demoralize God's people, as seen in the oppression by the Midianites during Gideon's time.

Responses to Demoralization

· Divine Encouragement: God often responds to demoralization with encouragement and reassurance. For instance, He reassured Gideon of victory despite the odds (Judges 7:9-15).
· Renewed Faith and Obedience: Returning to faith and obedience can restore morale. The Israelites' eventual entry into the Promised Land came after a renewed commitment to God's commands.
· Community Support: Encouragement from fellow believers can uplift the demoralized. The early church provided support and encouragement to one another, as seen in Acts 2:42-47.

Scriptural Encouragement

The Bible offers numerous passages to counter demoralization, emphasizing God's presence and strength. Isaiah 41:10 provides comfort: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Similarly, Philippians 4:13 reminds believers of their source of strength: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

In summary, while the Bible does not use the term "demoralized," it addresses the condition through various narratives and teachings, offering guidance and hope to those who find themselves in such a state.(imp. & p. p.) of Demoralize.1238b. baqaq -- to empty
... root Definition to empty NASB Word Usage completely laid waste (1), demoralized
(1), devastate (1), devastators have devastated (1), lays the waste (1), make ...
/hebrew/1238b.htm - 5k

5048. neged -- in front of, in sight of, opposite to
... nagad Definition in front of, in sight of, opposite to NASB Word Usage against
(3), aloof* (3), away (1), before (60), broad (1), demoralized* (1), directly (1 ...
/hebrew/5048.htm - 6k

3707. kaas -- to be vexed or angry
... root Definition to be vexed or angry NASB Word Usage anger (3), angry (4), demoralized*
(1), make me angry (1), provoke (5), provoke him to anger (2), provoke ...
/hebrew/3707.htm - 6k

The Tangled Web
... warfare, and slaughtered, set fire to engines, destroyed banks and threw down
fortifications and retreated within the gates before the demoralized Romans could ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm

Significance of Compulsory Service.
... authority"be they emperors, ministers, governors, or police officers"are always,
simply from the possession of power, more liable to be demoralized, that is ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter vii significance of compulsory.htm

The Shout of Faith
... Henceforward the forces of sin are a defeated and demoralized foe; and, if we believe
the words of Christ, we can meet them without fear, since we have been ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 14 the shout of.htm

The Way to the Sea
... The flower of the military was with him; the Pharaoh was incapable and Egypt
demoralized. The success of the traitor seemed assured. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

Preventive against Backsliding.
... months or years till the young converts had become thoroughly disheartened because
of the disappointments of the way, thoroughly demoralized by encountering ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter vi preventive against backsliding.htm

Sensual and Spiritual Excitement.
... when he expects to find himself as the gods, knowing good and evil, he discovers
that he is unexpectedly degraded, his health wrecked, and his heart demoralized ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/ix sensual and spiritual excitement.htm

Vocation.
... for, let each and every one be directed in the choice of his post by the whims and
caprices of nature, assuredly society will soon become demoralized, even as ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xii vocation.htm

False Civilization
... lest they should give way to that same luxury and profligacy in which the Israelites
indulged"and especially lest they should be demoralized by that ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon vi false civilization.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... The life of Badman is a very interesting description, a true and lively portraiture,
of the demoralized classes of the trading community in the reign of King ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

The Epistles to the Thessalonians.
... restraining power. The hope of the near advent had degenerated into an
enthusiastic adventism which demoralized the every-day life. He ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 89 the epistles to.htm

Demoralized (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Demoralize. Multi-Version Concordance
Demoralized (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 4:5 and don't ...
/d/demoralized.htm - 6k

Den (19 Occurrences)

/d/den.htm - 16k

Demophon

/d/demophon.htm - 6k

Daphne
... In Tiberim defluxit Orontes, says Juvenal (iii.62), indicating one main source
of the corruption that demoralized the imperial city. ...
/d/daphne.htm - 8k

Bowman (5 Occurrences)
... reliefs it seems that it was their practice to overwhelm their enemies with the
bow, and to use sword and spear only when the foe had been demoralized and put ...
/b/bowman.htm - 9k

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