Definition and Context:
The concept of "fighting back" in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. It involves the response to aggression, oppression, or spiritual warfare. The Bible provides guidance on when and how believers should engage in fighting back, emphasizing reliance on God's strength and wisdom.

Old Testament Examples:
In the Old Testament, fighting back often involved physical battles. The Israelites, under God's command, engaged in warfare to claim the Promised Land. For instance, in the Book of Joshua, God instructs Joshua to lead the Israelites in battle against the inhabitants of Canaan. Joshua 1:9 states, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

King David is another example, known for his military prowess and reliance on God for victory. In 1 Samuel 17, David fights Goliath, declaring in 1 Samuel 17:47 , "And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands."

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament shifts the focus from physical to spiritual battles. Jesus teaches about turning the other cheek in Matthew 5:39 , "But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." This teaching emphasizes a non-retaliatory approach to personal offenses.

However, the New Testament also acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are encouraged to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual attacks (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Principles for Fighting Back:
1. Rely on God: Throughout Scripture, reliance on God's strength and guidance is paramount. Psalm 144:1 says, "Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."

2. Discernment and Wisdom: Believers are called to exercise discernment in knowing when to fight back. Ecclesiastes 3:8 acknowledges, "a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

3. Spiritual Preparedness: Spiritual readiness is crucial. 1 Peter 5:8-9 advises, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in your faith."

4. Peace and Reconciliation: While fighting back is sometimes necessary, the ultimate goal is peace and reconciliation. Romans 12:18 encourages, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone."

Conclusion:
The Bible provides a balanced view of fighting back, emphasizing spiritual readiness, reliance on God, and the pursuit of peace. Believers are called to engage in battles, both physical and spiritual, with wisdom and discernment, always seeking God's guidance and strength.Proverbs 28:25
He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
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2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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Revelation 19:11-21
And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war.
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At Dilligen
... His hair had grown gray in battles of the soul, in fighting back heresy,
in strengthening weak hearts through that age of trial. ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter xi at dilligen.htm

Meekness and Rest
... corrupt imaginings; instead of peacemakers we find men quarrelsome and resentful;
instead of rejoicing in mistreatment we find them fighting back with every ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/ix meekness and rest.htm

Pellonia is a Goddess Mighty to Drive Back Enemies. ...
... Pellonia is a goddess mighty to drive back enemies. Whose enemies, say, if it is
convenient? Opposing armies meet, and fighting together, hand to hand, decide ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/4 pellonia is a goddess.htm

Turning Back in the Day of Battle
... They turned back at the only time when they were of any sort of use. ... of any particular
use to his country, that I know of, except when there is fighting to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/turning back in the day.htm

Praying is Fighting.
... Such a man"praying"drives back these hosts of the traitor prince. ... and watching
thereunto""sleepless vigilance; watching is ever a fighting word; watch ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/praying is fighting.htm

One must Show Fortitude in Fighting against all vices...
... One must show fortitude in fighting against all vices, especially against avarice. ...
and the legions, whilst busy with their booty, have called back upon them ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxxix one must show.htm

That Bacchides was Again Sent Out against Judas; and How Judas ...
... Was Again Sent Out Against Judas; And How Judas Fell As He Was Courageously Fighting. ...
Let not the sun ever see such a thing, that I should show my back to the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 that bacchides was.htm

A Rich Man who was a Thief
... In the letter, he said, "Place Uriah in the front line where there is the fiercest
fighting, then draw back from behind him, that he may be struck down and die ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a rich man who was.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... Then King Saul sent out messengers to sound the war-horns up and down the valleys,
and gather his fighting-men to drive back their old enemies. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Jehovah
... Climbing into the conveyance, but still keeping his burden on his back, he sat there ...
Moses realized that the Lord was fighting for them, and he built an altar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

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