Topical Encyclopedia The term "rifled" does not appear directly in the Bible; however, the concept of rifling, which involves the act of ransacking or plundering, can be related to various biblical narratives and teachings concerning theft, looting, and the moral implications of such actions. In the context of biblical history and teachings, rifling can be understood as an act of taking by force or stealth, often associated with warfare, judgment, or divine retribution.Biblical Context and Usage 1. Plundering in Warfare: Throughout the Old Testament, the act of rifling or plundering is often associated with the aftermath of battles. For instance, when the Israelites conquered cities, they were sometimes commanded by God to take spoils as part of divine judgment against those nations. In 1 Samuel 30:16-20, David and his men recover their possessions and plunder the Amalekites after they had raided Ziklag. This narrative illustrates the concept of rifling as part of reclaiming what was unjustly taken. 2. Divine Judgment: The prophets frequently spoke of rifling as a form of divine judgment against nations that had turned away from God. In Isaiah 10:6, God uses the Assyrian army as an instrument of His wrath, allowing them to plunder nations as a form of punishment: "I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to seize the spoil, to take the prey, and to trample them down like clay in the streets." 3. Moral and Ethical Teachings: The Bible consistently condemns theft and unjust gain. The Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), underscores the moral prohibition against rifling or taking what does not belong to oneself. Proverbs 22:22-23 warns against exploiting the poor or oppressing the afflicted, emphasizing God's justice: "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." 4. Spiritual Implications: In the New Testament, the concept of rifling can be extended metaphorically to spiritual matters. Jesus speaks of the thief who comes to "steal and kill and destroy" (John 10:10), contrasting this with His mission to bring life abundantly. This highlights the spiritual battle against forces that seek to "rifle" or disrupt the spiritual well-being of believers. 5. Restoration and Redemption: The Bible also speaks of restoration following acts of rifling. Joel 2:25-26 promises that God will restore the years that the locusts have eaten, symbolizing the restoration of what has been lost or taken: "I will repay you for the years eaten by locusts—the swarming locust, the young locust, the destroying locust, and the devouring locust—My great army that I sent against you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are satisfied. You will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you." In summary, while the specific term "rifled" is not found in the biblical text, the concept is woven throughout Scripture in the context of warfare, divine judgment, moral teachings, and spiritual lessons. The Bible provides a comprehensive view of the consequences of rifling and the hope of restoration through God's justice and mercy. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Rifle.Library Plenteous Redemption To the Honourable Mr Yorke. Lessons. The Mourner's Creed. Chapter twenty-seven Prayer Concerns Three. The Life of Mr. Alexander Moncrief. Some of the Guards Report to the Jewish Rulers. On the Overthrow of Petrus and the Introduction of Lucius the ... The Battle of Armageddon. Thesaurus Rifled (2 Occurrences)...Rifled (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 13:16 Their infants also shall be dashed in pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be rifled, and their wives ravished. ... /r/rifled.htm - 7k Land (19790 Occurrences) Ravished (8 Occurrences) Raped (6 Occurrences) Rifts (1 Occurrence) Ransacked (3 Occurrences) Rie (1 Occurrence) Exiled (14 Occurrences) Menelaus Babes (18 Occurrences) Resources Rifled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rifled (2 Occurrences)Isaiah 13:16 Zechariah 14:2 Subtopics Related Terms |