Definition and Context:
The term "terrorize" refers to the act of instilling intense fear or dread in others, often through threats or acts of violence. In a biblical context, terror can be both a tool of divine judgment and a tactic employed by enemies of God's people. The Bible addresses the concept of fear and terror in various contexts, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the protection He offers to those who trust in Him.

Biblical Instances and Themes:

1. Divine Judgment:
Throughout the Scriptures, God uses terror as a means of judgment against nations and peoples who oppose His will. In Deuteronomy 2:25, God declares, "This very day I will begin to put the dread and fear of you upon the peoples everywhere under heaven, who, when they hear the report of you, will tremble and be in anguish because of you." Here, God promises to instill fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies as they enter the Promised Land.

2. Enemies of Israel:
The enemies of Israel often sought to terrorize the people of God. In 1 Samuel 17, the Philistine giant Goliath terrorized the Israelite army with his size and threats, challenging them to send a warrior to fight him. This account highlights the psychological warfare used by Israel's enemies to instill fear and doubt.

3. God's Protection:
Despite the presence of terror, the Bible consistently reassures believers of God's protection. Psalm 91:5-6 states, "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the calamity that destroys at noon." This passage emphasizes that those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High are shielded from fear and terror.

4. Fear of the Lord:
The Bible distinguishes between the fear instilled by human threats and the reverential fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 teaches, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This fear is not terror but a profound respect and awe for God's holiness and authority.

5. New Testament Perspective:
In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to stand firm in the face of persecution and terror. Jesus, in Matthew 10:28, instructs, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." This teaching redirects fear from human threats to a focus on eternal realities.

6. Overcoming Fear:
The apostle Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:7, reminds believers, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline." This verse encourages Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome fear and terror, trusting in God's power and love.

Conclusion:
The Bible addresses the concept of terror in various ways, often contrasting the fear instilled by human threats with the peace and protection offered by God. Believers are called to trust in God's sovereignty and to cultivate a reverential fear of the Lord, which leads to wisdom and security.(v. t.) To impress with terror; to coerce by intimidation.6973. quts -- to feel a loathing, abhorrence, or sickening dread
... root Definition to feel a loathing, abhorrence, or sickening dread NASB Word Usage
abhorred (2), dread (3), loathe (2), terrorize (1), tired (1). ...
/hebrew/6973.htm - 6k

Letter Lxxxii. To Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria.
... Why do they use the name of your holiness to terrorize us, when your letter"strange
contrast to their harsh and menacing words"breathes only peace and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxii to theophilus bishop.htm

The Design and Unity of Luke's History
... It is a more serious evil that a disposition is sometimes shown to terrorize the
investigator by the array of learned opinion on the opposite side, and to ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 2 the design and.htm

ii.
... Charles V. had captured Rome, and a terrible pestilence had well-nigh destroyed
the French troops in Italy, the Emperor was again free to terrorize over Germany ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/first principles of the reformation/ii.htm

Terrorize (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To impress with terror; to coerce by intimidation.
Multi-Version Concordance Terrorize (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/terrorize.htm - 6k

Terrorized (2 Occurrences)

/t/terrorized.htm - 6k

Terrorists (1 Occurrence)

/t/terrorists.htm - 6k

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