In biblical literature, "The Enticers" refers to individuals or groups who attempt to lead others away from the worship and obedience of the one true God, Yahweh, towards idolatry or sinful practices. The concept of enticement is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, warning believers of the spiritual and moral dangers posed by such influences.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several instances where enticers are mentioned, often in the context of leading Israel astray from their covenantal relationship with God. One of the clearest warnings against enticers is found in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, where Moses instructs the Israelites on how to deal with prophets or dreamers who encourage the worship of other gods:

"If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes to pass, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold Him fast. Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. He has tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you."

This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the act of enticement, equating it with rebellion and prescribing severe consequences for those who lead others astray.

Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs also addresses the issue of enticement, particularly in the context of peer pressure and the allure of sinful behavior. Proverbs 1:10-15 warns:

"My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. 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. We will find all manner of precious goods; we will fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us; let us all share one purse'—my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path."

Here, the fatherly advice is clear: resist the temptation to join those who pursue violence and ill-gotten gain, as such paths lead to destruction.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of enticement continues, with warnings against false teachers and deceptive doctrines. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently cautions the early church against those who would distort the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Paul expresses concern:

"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the one you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it way too easily."

Paul's warning highlights the subtlety with which enticers can operate, often presenting a distorted version of the truth that can lead believers away from their devotion to Christ.

Apostolic Warnings

The Apostle Peter also addresses the issue of enticement in 2 Peter 2:1-3, where he warns of false prophets and teachers:

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep."

Peter's admonition serves as a reminder of the ever-present danger of enticement within the church, urging believers to remain vigilant and discerning.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently portrays enticers as a significant threat to the spiritual well-being of God's people. Whether through idolatry, false teaching, or immoral behavior, the enticers' goal is to divert believers from their commitment to God. The Scriptures call for a steadfast adherence to God's commandments and a discerning spirit to recognize and resist such influences.