Raiding, as depicted in the Bible, often involves sudden attacks or incursions by one group against another, typically for the purpose of plundering or capturing resources. This practice is frequently mentioned in the context of ancient warfare and tribal conflicts, reflecting the turbulent and often hostile environment of the biblical world.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, raiding is a common occurrence, particularly among the nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes of the Near East. The Amalekites, Midianites, and Philistines are frequently noted for their raiding activities. For instance, the Amalekites conducted raids against the Israelites during their wilderness journey, as recorded in Exodus 17:8-16. The Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, were commanded to defend themselves and ultimately defeat the Amalekites.

The book of Judges provides numerous accounts of raiding, often as a consequence of Israel's disobedience to God. Judges 6:3-4 describes how the Midianites, along with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, would invade Israelite territory, destroying crops and livestock: "Whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys."

David, before becoming king, engaged in raiding activities while living among the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 27:8-9, David and his men raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites, leaving no survivors and taking livestock and goods. These raids were part of David's strategy to maintain favor with Achish, the Philistine king, while secretly supporting Israel.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on raiding in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual warfare can be seen as a metaphorical extension of the idea. Believers are encouraged to be vigilant and prepared for spiritual attacks, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, where Paul speaks of putting on the "full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a biblical perspective, raiding is often portrayed as a consequence of sin and disobedience. The Israelites faced raids when they turned away from God, serving as a form of divine judgment. However, when they repented and sought God's guidance, they were often delivered from their enemies.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in warfare. In Deuteronomy 20, God provides instructions for warfare, including the treatment of cities and peoples. These guidelines reflect a concern for ethical conduct even in the context of conflict.

Conclusion

Raiding in the Bible serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between good and evil, obedience and disobedience. It highlights the need for reliance on God for protection and deliverance, as well as the importance of maintaining faithfulness to His commandments.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Raid.

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... to the Prophet's imagination likely to be caused, in Judah by the advance of these
marauding hordes, and clearly reflect their appearance and manner of raiding ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

Brief Table of Contemporary Public Events
... known as the Eight of War. Meantime, Cione de' Salimbeni is raiding the
country around Siena. The roads through the Maremma are ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/brief table of contemporary public.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... weakness of Assyria"the Gambulu, the Pukudu, the Eutu, and the Itua"had a natural
tendency to join forces with Elam for the purpose of raiding the wealthy ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Bishop of Hippo
... Optatus, Bishop of Thimgad, a manifestation in advance of the Mussulman marabout
who preached the holy war against the Catholics, raiding, killing, burning ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... the raiding, for instance, of the regions of Arvad and of the Zahi by Thutmosis
III., described in the Annals, 11.4, 5. We are still in possession of the ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Choosing Her Course
... She was a most successful visitor. Saloon 'raiding' was, perhaps, our most difficult
work. We used 'The War Cry' as a means of entrance and introduction. ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ii choosing her course.htm

Off Duty
... After I had become a Salvationist and longed to work as she had worked, she accompanied
me to teach me the art of successful 'saloon-raiding.' She made several ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/xiv off duty.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... no more. They passed out of the Israelitish horizon; henceforth their raiding
bands never approached the frontiers of Israel. The ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Canaan
... He never lost the opportunity of raiding the inhabitants of the cultivated lands,
and escaping again into the desert with his booty before he could be ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... followed, and they were obliged henceforward to renounce any hope of an invasion
en masse, and to content themselves with a few raiding expeditions into the ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Raiding (11 Occurrences)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Raid. Multi-Version Concordance Raiding (11 Occurrences). ... The
bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel. (WEB NIV). ...
/r/raiding.htm - 10k

Raids (4 Occurrences)
... When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master.
The bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel. (See RSV). ...
/r/raids.htm - 7k

Raiders (12 Occurrences)

/r/raiders.htm - 9k

Jabneh (1 Occurrence)
... with the Syrians. It was garrisoned by the Seleucid kings, and served as a
base for raiding the territory of Judah. When Judas Maccabeus ...
/j/jabneh.htm - 10k

Jabneel (2 Occurrences)
... with the Syrians. It was garrisoned by the Seleucid kings, and served as a
base for raiding the territory of Judah. When Judas Maccabeus ...
/j/jabneel.htm - 11k

Marauding (3 Occurrences)
... When they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master.
The bands of Syria stopped raiding the land of Israel. (See NAS). ...
/m/marauding.htm - 7k

Lachish (22 Occurrences)
... also an Egyptian dependency. It was perhaps compelled to do so by the Khabiri
who were then raiding this region. The place was, like ...
/l/lachish.htm - 22k

Collected (55 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers, and dwelt in the land of Tob;
and worthless fellows collected round Jephthah, and went raiding with him. ...
/c/collected.htm - 23k

Worthless (103 Occurrences)
... Judges 11:3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers, and dwelt in the land of Tob;
and worthless fellows collected round Jephthah, and went raiding with him. ...
/w/worthless.htm - 35k

What does it mean that the kingdom of God suffers violence? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Rechab and Baanah? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Raiding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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