Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the treatment of enemies and the sparing of their lives is a theme that reflects the broader principles of mercy, justice, and divine sovereignty. The Bible provides numerous instances where the lives of enemies are spared, often highlighting the moral and spiritual lessons that accompany such acts.Old Testament Examples 1. David and Saul: One of the most notable examples is the relationship between David and King Saul. Despite Saul's relentless pursuit to kill David, David refrains from taking Saul's life when given the opportunity. In 1 Samuel 24:10, David says, "This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hand in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you, saying, 'I will not lift my hand against my master, because he is the LORD’s anointed.'" David's decision to spare Saul underscores a profound respect for God's anointed and a trust in God's justice. 2. Elisha and the Arameans: In 2 Kings 6:21-23, the prophet Elisha leads the blinded Aramean army into Samaria. When the king of Israel asks if he should kill them, Elisha instructs him to spare them and instead prepare a feast for them. After being treated with kindness, the Aramean raiders cease their attacks on Israel. This act of mercy leads to peace, demonstrating the power of compassion over vengeance. 3. Joseph and His Brothers: Although not enemies in the traditional sense, Joseph's brothers acted with hostility when they sold him into slavery. Years later, when Joseph rises to power in Egypt, he has the opportunity to exact revenge. Instead, he chooses to forgive and spare them, saying in Genesis 50:20, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." New Testament Teachings 1. Jesus' Teachings: Jesus Christ's teachings in the New Testament further emphasize the importance of loving and sparing one's enemies. 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 call to love and pray for enemies challenges believers to transcend natural inclinations towards retaliation. 2. The Parable of the Good Samaritan: In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, where a Samaritan helps a wounded Jew, traditionally considered an enemy. This parable illustrates the call to show mercy and compassion to all, regardless of enmity or prejudice. 3. Paul's Exhortation: The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus' teachings in Romans 12:20-21, quoting Proverbs 25:21-22: "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." Paul encourages believers to overcome evil with good, highlighting the transformative power of kindness. Theological Implications The sparing of enemies' lives in the Bible is not merely an act of human kindness but is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is merciful and just. It reflects the divine principle that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35) and that human beings are called to reflect God's mercy. The sparing of enemies serves as a testament to the power of forgiveness and the potential for reconciliation, pointing ultimately to the redemptive work of Christ, who, while we were still enemies, died for us (Romans 5:10). Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 24:10Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered you to day into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill you: but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the LORD's anointed. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 16:10,11 Library The Message Heeded The Destruction of Jerusalem John Huss (Ad 1369-1414) Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ... Gamaliel's Counsel Lives of Faith and Trust For Whereas we are Composed of Two Distinct Natures... Letter cli. (AD 413 or 414. ) Of those who Fancy That, on Account of the Saints' Intercession ... Carried Captive into Babylon 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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