The concept of divine judgment upon the enemies of God's people is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This judgment is portrayed as a manifestation of God's justice and protection over His chosen ones. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where God intervenes to deliver His people and execute judgment upon their adversaries.

Old Testament Examples

1. Egyptians at the Red Sea: One of the most dramatic instances of divine judgment is the destruction of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea. After Pharaoh's heart was hardened, he pursued the Israelites, but God intervened. In Exodus 14:27-28 , it is recorded, "So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were fleeing toward it, the LORD swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived."

2. Canaanite Kings: The conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership involved numerous judgments upon the enemies of Israel. In Joshua 10:11 , during the battle at Gibeon, it is noted, "As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth-horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites."

3. Assyrian Army: In 2 Kings 19:35 , the Assyrian army, which threatened Jerusalem, faced divine judgment: "That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!"

New Testament Assurance

1. Protection of the Church: The New Testament continues the theme of divine protection and judgment. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8 , Paul writes, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus."

2. Final Judgment: The ultimate judgment upon the enemies of the saints is depicted in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 19:11-16 describes the return of Christ as a warrior king: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, white and pure, follow Him on white horses. And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords."

Theological Implications

The judgments inflicted upon the enemies of the saints underscore the sovereignty and righteousness of God. They serve as a reminder of God's commitment to justice and His protective care over His people. These acts of judgment are not only historical events but also prophetic assurances of God's ultimate victory over evil. The faithful are encouraged to trust in God's justice and to remain steadfast in the face of persecution, knowing that God will vindicate His people in His perfect timing.Jeremiah 30:16
Therefore all they that devour you shall be devoured; and all your adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and they that spoil you shall be a spoil, and all that prey on you will I give for a prey.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest.
... that it might not feel the punishment inflicted on it ... of God; to overcome the power
of mercies, judgments, and even ... in a moment; yet would they run upon all this ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter v the great misery.htm

Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ...
... the exact righteousness of all his judgments, and to ... the positive punishment which
shall be inflicted upon them in ... is, those of them who hit upon the greatest ...
/.../xiii proposition xiii fourthly all.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... forsake My law, and walk not in My judgments; if they ... to pour oil into the wounds
then inflicted is visible ... the people of God"a hope based upon the experience ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ...
... hast omitted, and all the curses and judgments that are ... of fulness which shall be
inflicted upon both soul ... ready to pronounce his sentenoe upon thee; beneath ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations of the misery of.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... The stroke was inflicted by the hand of ... those visible and alarming judgments, which,
contrary ... procedure, he sometimes executes upon distinguished transgressors ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm

Acts iv. 36, 37
... man, in respect of the death inflicted, and the ... The Lord is known by executing
judgments." (Psalm 9 ... covetousness, contempt of God, impiety; and upon these too ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xii acts iv 36.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... the promise,""They shall teach Jacob thy judgments and Israel ... of his promise, had
put his Spirit upon him ... He submitted to the injuries inflicted on him by his ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... The chastisements, moreover, which God inflicted on the ... literal fulfilment in the
awful judgments which they ... the resurrection which takes place upon our Lord's ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... He inflicted difference of speech upon them, in order that they ... that the providence
of God does not bring upon us punishment ... For his judgments are unsearchable ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
... For the Jews through envy have inflicted on themselves, and those coming after them,
dreadful judgments. ... upon the earth, was raised upon the cross ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostles peter and paul/acts of the holy apostles.htm

What are all the different judgments in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus