The term "lier-in-wait" refers to an individual or group who lies in ambush, often with the intent to harm or deceive. This concept is found throughout the Bible, illustrating the dangers of deceit and the malicious intent of those who plot against the innocent. The imagery of lying in wait is used both literally and metaphorically to describe the actions of the wicked.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 1:11-12 : "If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause; let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.'" This passage warns against the enticement of sinners who plot violence against the innocent. The "liers-in-wait" here are those who seek to harm others for their own gain, illustrating the moral corruption that can lead individuals to such treachery.

2. Judges 9:32 : "Now then, tonight you and the people with you are to come and lie in wait in the fields." In this historical account, Abimelech instructs his followers to ambush the city of Shechem. The use of ambush tactics in warfare is a common theme in the Old Testament, highlighting the strategic and often ruthless nature of ancient conflicts.

3. Psalm 10:9 : "He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless." This verse describes the wicked as predators who prey on the vulnerable. The imagery of lying in wait underscores the stealth and premeditated nature of their actions, serving as a warning of the ever-present danger posed by evil.

4. Jeremiah 5:26 : "For among My people are wicked men. They watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap; they catch men." Here, the prophet Jeremiah condemns those within Israel who exploit and deceive others. The metaphor of a fowler lying in wait to trap birds is used to depict the cunning and deceitful nature of these individuals.

Theological Implications:

The concept of lying in wait is often associated with sin and moral depravity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive potential of human wickedness. In a spiritual sense, it also reflects the tactics of Satan, who is described as a deceiver and accuser, always seeking to ensnare the faithful (1 Peter 5:8).

The Bible consistently calls believers to be vigilant and discerning, aware of the schemes of those who lie in wait to do harm. The call to righteousness and justice stands in stark contrast to the actions of the wicked, who are condemned for their treachery and deceit.

Moral Lessons:

The imagery of lying in wait serves as a cautionary tale against the allure of sin and the ease with which one can be led astray by the promise of quick gain or power. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and the protection of the innocent. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and to seek His guidance in avoiding the snares set by those who lie in wait.1455. egkathetos -- hired to lie in wait, lying in wait
... spy. From en and a derivative of kathiemi; subinduced, ie Surreptitiously suborned
as a lier-in-wait -- spy. see GREEK en. see GREEK kathiemi. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1455.htm - 6k6120. aqeb -- overreacher
... heel, a lier in wait. From aqab in its denominative sense; a lier in wait -- heel
(by mistake for aqeb). see HEBREW aqab. see HEBREW aqeb. 6119, 6120. ...
/hebrew/6120.htm - 6k

6119. aqeb -- heel, footprint, hind part
... rear guard (1), steps (1), trail (1). heel, horsehoof, last, lier in wait.
Or (feminine) hiqqbah {ik-keb-aw'}; from aqab; a heel ...
/hebrew/6119.htm - 6k

Epistle Lxviii. To Eusebius of Thessalonica.
... as becomes ministers of Almighty God, that each keep himself from this kind of poisoned
infection, and give no place to the cunning lier-in-wait, since this ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxviii to eusebius of.htm

Epistle Lxxx. To the Clergy and Nobles of Corsica.
... your souls. For, if the care of a shepherd be wanting to a flock, it easily
falls into the snares of the lier in wait. Accordingly ...
/.../gregory/the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle lxxx to the clergy.htm

How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those ...
... For the lier-in-wait suggests wrong things; the flesh submits itself to delight;
and at last the spirit, vanquished by delight, consents. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxix how they are.htm

How those are to be Admonished who have had Experience of the Sins ...
... They are to be admonished to be aware that the more prominent be the place they
stand on, so much the more frequent are the arrows of the lier-in-wait by which ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxviii how those are.htm

1 Cor. xv. 35, 36
... thyself that man hath not taken him, but God who made him, who more than thyself
cares for him and knows what is good for him: who is no enemy nor lier-in-wait ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xli 1 cor xv.htm

Lier-in-wait (2 Occurrences)
Lier-in-wait. Lier, Lier-in-wait. Liers . Multi-Version Concordance
Lier-in-wait (2 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 22:13 And ...
/l/lier-in-wait.htm - 7k

Lier (1 Occurrence)
... day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us,
and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the lier-in-wait by the ...
/l/lier.htm - 6k

Liers (11 Occurrences)

/l/liers.htm - 10k

Delivereth (49 Occurrences)
... of the first month, to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God hath been upon us,
and He delivereth us from the hand of the enemy and the lierinwait by the ...
/d/delivereth.htm - 19k

Aha'va (3 Occurrences)
... day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us,
and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and lier-in-wait by the way. ...
/a/aha'va.htm - 7k

What does it mean to wait on the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

How long did Abraham and Sarah have to wait for Isaac? | GotQuestions.org

I am in the process of getting a divorce. Can I start dating, or do I have to wait until the divorce is final? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus