In the biblical narrative, the concept of enemies and the judgments pronounced upon them are multifaceted, reflecting both physical and spiritual dimensions. The Bible provides numerous examples of how God’s people encountered various types of enemies and the divine judgments that followed. These enemies can be categorized into external nations, internal adversaries, spiritual forces, and personal foes.

1. External Nations:

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites faced numerous external enemies, often as instruments of divine judgment or as a result of their own disobedience. The Philistines, Amalekites, Moabites, and Assyrians are notable examples. God’s judgments on these nations were often severe, reflecting His sovereignty and justice.

· Philistines: The Philistines were a persistent threat to Israel. In 1 Samuel 7:13, the Lord’s hand was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel, demonstrating divine intervention in response to Israel’s repentance and faithfulness.

· Amalekites: God commanded the complete destruction of the Amalekites due to their unprovoked attack on Israel (Exodus 17:14-16). This judgment was reiterated in 1 Samuel 15:2-3, where Saul was instructed to annihilate them.

· Assyrians: The Assyrian Empire was used as an instrument of judgment against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, God also pronounced judgment on Assyria for its arrogance and cruelty (Isaiah 10:12-19).

2. Internal Adversaries:

Internal enemies often arose from within the community of Israel, leading to division and strife. These adversaries were sometimes individuals or groups who opposed God’s appointed leaders or led the people into idolatry and sin.

· Korah’s Rebellion: In Numbers 16, Korah and his followers challenged Moses’ leadership. God’s judgment was swift and decisive, as the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels (Numbers 16:31-33).

· Absalom’s Revolt: Absalom, King David’s son, conspired against his father, leading to a civil war. Despite David’s love for Absalom, the rebellion ended with Absalom’s death, illustrating the tragic consequences of rebellion against God’s anointed (2 Samuel 18:9-15).

3. Spiritual Forces:

The New Testament expands the understanding of enemies to include spiritual forces of evil. These adversaries are not flesh and blood but are spiritual entities that oppose God’s purposes and His people.

· Satan: The chief adversary, Satan, is depicted as a roaring lion seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus’ victory over Satan through His death and resurrection is a central theme, highlighting the ultimate judgment and defeat of spiritual enemies (Colossians 2:15).

· Demonic Forces: Believers are warned to put on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil and his forces (Ephesians 6:11-12). The spiritual battle requires vigilance and reliance on God’s power.

4. Personal Foes:

On a personal level, individuals may encounter enemies who oppose them due to their faith or righteousness. The Bible provides guidance on how to respond to such adversaries.

· Love for Enemies: Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This radical approach reflects the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to emulate Christ’s love.

· Vengeance Belongs to God: Believers are reminded that vengeance is the Lord’s, and they are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:19-21). This principle underscores the trust in God’s righteous judgment and timing.

In summary, the Bible presents a comprehensive view of enemies and the judgments associated with them, emphasizing God’s justice, sovereignty, and the call for His people to respond in faith and obedience.2 Samuel 24:13
So Gad came to David, and told him, and said to him, Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? or will you flee three months before your enemies, while they pursue you? or that there be three days' pestilence in your land? now advise, and see what answer I shall return to him that sent me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter xi. Mental Cultivation. Reading.
... But each of these different kinds of reading requires a ... (1.) History is divided into
two kinds, sacred and ... repentance, or they are just judgments, intended for ...
/.../letter xi mental cultivation reading.htm

David's Prohibited Desire and Permitted Service
... give him rest from all his enemies round about ... heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments
which the ... is that various epochs and men have different kinds of duties ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture g/davids prohibited desire and permitted.htm

The Great Teacher
... account of his life work to his enemies""I sat ... till he had spoken of nine different
kinds of blessing ... where earth's failings Have such kindly judgments given. ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the great teacher.htm

From the Latin.
... who shall transgress the law; different kinds of purifications ... those public and private
enemies [2947] whom ... own words: "How unsearchable are God's judgments! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/from the latin.htm

Elements of Prophetic Interpretation.
... ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ... it represents
are of the same, or they are of different species, kinds, or rank ...
/.../a brief commentary on the apocalypse/elements of prophetic interpretation.htm

On the Formation of the Character of Believers, and on Giving of ...
... He was not unable to produce different kinds, so neither ... He disdained to exercise
a different providence towards ... and unsearchable in Thy judgments; whose life ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the formation of.htm

On Pentecost.
... dishonours at the hands of the enemies of Christ ... Divine Economy, and of his unsearchable
judgments, with which ... is not said, I know, of different kinds, but of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xli on pentecost.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... by departing from thy precepts and thy judgments," (Dan.9:5 ... have overlooked, that
there are two kinds of divine ... the correction of David a very different form of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ...
... and knowledge of God; how unsearchable are his judgments and his ... although this be
now true of various kinds of men who have come from different nations to ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/selections from the work against 2.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... his mercy shall follow me all the days enemies. ... He blends together the different
kinds of parallelism as ... present time, foretelling the mighty judgments of God ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

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