Topical Bible: Enemies: Desire not the Death of

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In the biblical context, the treatment of enemies is a significant theme that reflects the broader principles of love, mercy, and justice. The Bible consistently teaches that believers should not desire the death or destruction of their enemies, but rather seek their repentance and reconciliation with God.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament provides foundational teachings on how to regard one's enemies. In Ezekiel 33:11 , God declares, "As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live." This verse underscores God's desire for repentance over retribution, setting a divine example for His followers.

Proverbs 24:17-18 advises, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn His wrath away from him." This passage warns against taking pleasure in the misfortune of enemies, emphasizing that such attitudes are displeasing to God.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops this theme, particularly through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This radical command calls believers to transcend natural inclinations towards vengeance and instead embody the love and grace of God.

Romans 12:19-21 echoes this sentiment: "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.' On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Here, the Apostle Paul reiterates the call to leave judgment to God and to respond to hostility with kindness.

Theological Reflections

The biblical injunction against desiring the death of enemies is rooted in the understanding of God's character as just and merciful. Believers are called to reflect God's nature by extending grace and seeking the ultimate good of all people, including their adversaries. This perspective aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and reconciliation, where God's desire is for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Furthermore, the call to love enemies is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. It challenges believers to live counter-culturally, demonstrating the love of Christ in a world often marked by division and enmity. By choosing to love rather than hate, Christians bear witness to the hope and peace found in Christ, who reconciled humanity to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 3:11
And God said to him, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life; neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies; but have asked for yourself understanding to discern judgment;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Effects of the Death of Christ, of his Triumph after It ...
... all His deeds of valour done against His enemies, He had ... with them, for they too
perhaps do not desire to be with those who have not prepared themselves nor ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/37 of the effects of.htm

Valentinian's Vagaries About the Abolition of Death Refuted.
... Now sinners are called enemies of God"enemies, that is, of the commands ... desired did
not belong to us, does not teach us not to entertain desire, as those ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiii valentinians vagaries about the.htm

That God's Lover Forsakes the World, Idleness and Irksomeness: and ...
... worthily provoke the wrath of God for they desire, not to be ... a miser is he that
he dare not eat, save ... terram lingent; that is to say: His enemies shall lick ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter x that gods lover.htm

The Death of Joseph [Herod's Brother] which had Been Signified to ...
... army, when about six thousand of his enemies came running ... were led on by an unreasonable
desire of change ... Pappus and his party, they were not terrified either ...
/.../chapter 17 the death of.htm

Hebrews x. 13-Aug
... How then dost Thou "not wish ... how dost Thou in another place "desire," which is a
sign of ... right hand of God, from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xviii hebrews x 13-aug.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 19, "Why could not we Cast ...
... not malignant, cruel, bloody, turbulent, and enemies of the ... These blessings let us
desire with all eagerness, let us ask with all perseverance, not with length ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxx on the words.htm

To Olympias. Do not be Anxious on My Behalf, nor Rack Yourself ...
... 4. Do not then now desire death, nor neglect the means ... Therefore do not show me words
but facts, and, if ... know, is a great annoyance and vexation to my enemies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias do not be.htm

Out of the Deep of Death.
... upon the Cross in the utterness of His desire to save ... under His feet, and the last
of His enemies which shall ... Death is not death if it kills no part of us save ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/vi out of the deep.htm

Psalm CXXXVII.
... those who imitate Esau, who are elder brethren, yet enemies. ... Be built upon the Rock,
if ye desire not to be ... and we shall triumph with our King, without death. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm

Of the Most Excellent Exercise we Can Make in the Interior and ...
... assurance and repose of mind that though the enemies' sword was ... not think of remedies,
for I do not know what might serve for my cure; I might desire one thing ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xv of the most.htm