Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of enemies is a recurring theme, and the faithful are often encouraged to seek God's deliverance from those who oppose them. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on how believers should respond to their enemies, emphasizing prayer as a powerful tool for seeking divine intervention and protection.Old Testament Context The Old Testament is replete with instances where God's people faced adversaries and sought His deliverance. The Psalms, in particular, are rich with prayers for deliverance from enemies. David, a central figure in the Psalms, frequently cried out to God for protection and vindication. In Psalm 59:1-2 , David pleads, "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed." The Israelites, as a nation, often found themselves surrounded by hostile nations. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a formidable alliance of enemies. In response, he led the people in prayer, acknowledging their powerlessness and seeking God's help. The Lord answered by delivering them without a battle, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ introduces a radical approach to dealing with enemies. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This teaching underscores the transformative power of prayer, not only for deliverance but also for the spiritual growth of the believer. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 12:19-21 , where he advises, "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." Spiritual Warfare The Bible also frames the struggle against enemies in terms of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Prayer is depicted as an essential weapon in this spiritual battle, as believers are encouraged to "pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18). Examples of Deliverance Throughout Scripture, there are numerous accounts of God delivering His people from their enemies in response to prayer. Daniel, when faced with the threat of the lions' den, prayed and was delivered by God's intervention (Daniel 6). Similarly, Peter was freed from prison by an angel after the church earnestly prayed for him (Acts 12:5-11). Conclusion The biblical call to pray for deliverance from enemies is a testament to the power of faith and reliance on God. Through prayer, believers are invited to trust in God's justice, mercy, and ultimate authority over all adversaries. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 12:10And they cried to the LORD, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken the LORD, and have served Baalim and Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 17:9 Psalm 59:1 Psalm 64:1 Library The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin. Wandering Thoughts A Song of Deliverance Songs of Deliverance Paul and his Requests for Prayer Melanchthon -- the Safety of the virtuous Praying Without Doubting Dilemma and Deliverance A Stanza of Deliverance 2 Cor. Ii. 12, 13 Resources What is imprecatory prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust? | GotQuestions.org What does Psalm 137:9 mean when it says, “Happy is the one who seizes your infants and dashes them against the rocks”? | GotQuestions.org Enemies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Enemies of Saints, God Will Destroy Enemies: Be Affectionately Concerned For Enemies: Christ Prayed for His Enemies: Desire not the Death of Enemies: Made to be at Peace With Saints Enemies: Praise God for Deliverance From Enemies: Pray for Deliverance From Enemies: Rejoice not at the Failings of Enemies: Rejoice not at the Misfortunes of Enemies: should be Overcome by Kindness Enemies: The Friendship of, Deceitful Enemies: The Goods of, to be Taken Care of Enemies: The Lives of, to be Spared Related Terms |
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