The term "forcibly" refers to the use of physical power or strength to achieve an objective, often against resistance or opposition. In the context of the Bible, acts of force can be seen in various narratives, laws, and teachings, reflecting both human actions and divine interventions.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the use of force is often depicted in the context of warfare, conquest, and divine judgment. The Israelites, under God's command, engaged in battles to claim the Promised Land. For instance, in the conquest of Canaan, the Israelites were instructed to take the land by force. Joshua 6:20 describes the fall of Jericho: "So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city."

The use of force is also evident in the enforcement of justice and law. The Mosaic Law prescribed certain punishments that involved physical force, such as stoning for specific transgressions (Leviticus 20:2). These acts were seen as necessary to maintain holiness and order within the community.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of force takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ's ministry often highlighted the contrast between worldly power and spiritual authority. In Matthew 11:12, Jesus states, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it." This passage has been interpreted to mean that the kingdom of God advances despite opposition and that entering it requires earnestness and determination.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently uses the metaphor of warfare to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes, "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." Here, the force is not physical but spiritual, emphasizing the believer's need to stand firm in faith against spiritual adversaries.

Divine Intervention

Throughout the Bible, God's intervention often involves acts of force to accomplish His purposes. The plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) are examples of God's mighty power displayed forcibly to deliver His people. These acts demonstrate God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human history with overwhelming force when necessary.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible also addresses the ethical implications of using force. Proverbs 3:31 advises, "Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways," highlighting the moral danger of resorting to violence. Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount advocate for peace and reconciliation, urging believers to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) and to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44).

In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the reality and necessity of force in certain contexts, it ultimately points towards a higher calling of peace, justice, and spiritual strength. The use of force is to be measured against God's righteousness and the pursuit of His kingdom.(adv.) In a forcible manner.405. andrapodistes -- a slave dealer
... andrapodistes Phonetic Spelling: (an-drap-od-is-tace') Short Definition: an enslaver,
a kidnapper Definition: an enslaver, one who forcibly enslaves, a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/405.htm - 6k

971. biazo -- to force
... I use force, violence, suffer violence Definition: (a) mid: I use force, force my
way, come forward violently, (b) pass: I am forcibly treated, suffer violence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/971.htm - 6k

He is Forcibly Goaded on by the Love of Praise.
... Book X. Chapter XXXVII."He is Forcibly Goaded on by the Love of Praise. 60. By these
temptations, O Lord, are we daily tried; yea, unceasingly are we tried. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxvii he is forcibly goaded.htm

The Holy Synod Has Decreed that those who Forcibly Carry Off Women ...
... Canon XXVII. The holy Synod has decreed that those who forcibly carry
off women under pretence of? The holy Synod has decreed ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxvii the holy synod.htm

Marcion; his Dualism; Derives his System from Empedocles; Sketch ...
... When, however, Friendship makes unity out of plurality, and associates with unity
separated entities, Discord, again, forcibly severs them from unity, and ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xvii marcion his dualism derives.htm

Refutation of Another Argument Adduced by the Marcionites, that ...
... It is just as if any free man, being forcibly carried away by another, and serving
him for many years, and increasing his substance, should be thought, when he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxx refutation of another argument.htm

Letter ccxxv. To Demosthenes, as from the Synod of Bishops.
... He has therefore been compelled, forcibly detained by your soldiers as he was, to
be conveyed to some quiet spot, where he could have his maladies attended to ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxxv to demosthenes as.htm

Whether Rape is a Species of Lust, Distinct from Seduction?
... the force employed in rape differs in another way, because sometimes a maid is taken
away by force from her parents' house, and is forcibly violated: while ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether rape is a species.htm

Preface to the First Edition.
... There are two opposite parties whom I cannot hope to please, viz., those who will
forcibly make all things new, and fancy, in their folly, that they can shake ...
/.../preface to the first edition.htm

Sunday Before Lent
... of you also to the things of others." By way of illustration, he would pass sentence
upon himself should he be thus blameworthy; this more forcibly to warn ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday before lent.htm

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... At last, then, she laid hold of my garments, forcibly dragging me to have
connection with her. When, therefore, I saw that in her ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Concerning the Lord's Supper
... But what strikes me most forcibly of all, and thoroughly convinces me, is that saying
of Christ: "This is my blood, which is shed for you and for many, for the ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/concerning the lords supper.htm

Forcibly (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a forcible manner. Multi-Version
Concordance Forcibly (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 28:31 Thine ...
/f/forcibly.htm - 6k

Stamp (25 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To strike beat, or press forcibly with the bottom of the foot, or by thrusting
the foot downward. ... 9. (vi) To strike the foot forcibly downward. 10. ...
/s/stamp.htm - 16k

Forcing (25 Occurrences)

/f/forcing.htm - 15k

Violate (14 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To do violence to, as to anything that should be held sacred or respected;
to profane; to desecrate; to break forcibly; to trench upon; to infringe. ...
/v/violate.htm - 10k

Kidnapper (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who steals or forcibly carries away a human being;
a manstealer. Multi-Version Concordance Kidnapper (1 Occurrence). ...
/k/kidnapper.htm - 6k

Lash (2 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To strike forcibly and quickly, as with a lash; to beat, or beat upon, with
a motion like that of a lash; as, a whale lashes the sea with his tail. ...
/l/lash.htm - 8k

Gideon (45 Occurrences)
... They came first as marauders and pillagers at the time of the harvests, but later
they forcibly took possession of lands, and thus inflicted permanent injury ...
/g/gideon.htm - 36k

Wall (227 Occurrences)
... to prevent the possibility of any further profanation, and Paul would have been
torn in pieces, had not the Roman commander and his soldiers forcibly prevented ...
/w/wall.htm - 49k

Imposing (8 Occurrences)
... n.) of Impose. 2. (a.) Laying as a duty; enjoining. 3. (a.) Adapted to impress forcibly;
impressive; commanding; as, an imposing air; an imposing spectacle. ...
/i/imposing.htm - 9k

Inflict (25 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if
by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear ...
/i/inflict.htm - 14k

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