Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "attacker" can refer to individuals, groups, or spiritual entities that pose a threat or engage in acts of aggression against others. The concept of attackers is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, often highlighting the struggles between good and evil, the faithful and the wicked, and the physical and spiritual battles faced by God's people.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, attackers are frequently depicted as foreign nations or armies that threaten the Israelites. For example, the Philistines are recurrent attackers of Israel, as seen in the narrative of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The Philistines' aggression against Israel serves as a backdrop for God's deliverance through David, illustrating the theme of divine intervention against attackers. The Assyrians and Babylonians are also notable attackers, used by God as instruments of judgment against Israel and Judah for their disobedience. In 2 Kings 18-19, the Assyrian king Sennacherib attacks Judah, but God miraculously delivers Jerusalem in response to King Hezekiah's prayer. This event underscores the belief that God is a protector and defender against attackers when His people turn to Him in faith. Spiritual Attackers The Bible also addresses spiritual attackers, primarily embodied by Satan and his demonic forces. In the book of Job, Satan acts as an accuser and attacker, challenging Job's righteousness and seeking to undermine his faith (Job 1-2). This narrative highlights the spiritual dimension of attacks, where the ultimate goal is to disrupt the relationship between God and His people. The New Testament further elaborates on spiritual attackers, emphasizing the need for spiritual vigilance. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For 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." Believers are encouraged to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these spiritual attackers (Ephesians 6:11-17). New Testament Context In the New Testament, attackers can also be seen in the form of persecution against the early church. The apostles and early Christians faced hostility from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Acts 8:1-3 describes the severe persecution led by Saul (later Paul) against the church, which resulted in the scattering of believers. Despite these attacks, the church continued to grow, demonstrating the resilience and faithfulness of God's people in the face of adversity. Jesus Himself was subject to attacks, both physical and spiritual. The Gospels recount numerous instances where religious leaders sought to trap Him with their questions or plotted to kill Him (e.g., Matthew 22:15, John 11:53). Jesus' ultimate victory over these attackers is seen in His resurrection, affirming His authority and power over all forms of opposition. Divine Protection and Deliverance Throughout the Bible, God's protection and deliverance from attackers are recurring themes. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This assurance of divine protection is a source of comfort and strength for believers facing both physical and spiritual attacks. The Bible encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His guidance and protection in times of trouble. Prayer, faith, and reliance on God's Word are essential tools for overcoming attackers, as exemplified by the faithful throughout Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) One who attacks.Library Introduction Thesaurus Attacker (14 Occurrences)... (n.) One who attacks. Multi-Version Concordance Attacker (14 Occurrences). Esther 7:6 And Esther said, Our hater and attacker is this evil Haman. ... /a/attacker.htm - 10k Attackers (41 Occurrences) Overpowering (4 Occurrences) Downfall (46 Occurrences) Roads (34 Occurrences) Vile (59 Occurrences) Lowland (34 Occurrences) Shutting (43 Occurrences) Attacked (93 Occurrences) Hater (72 Occurrences) Resources What were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgDoes Deuteronomy 22:28-29 command a rape victim to marry her rapist? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God collects our tears in a bottle? | GotQuestions.org Attacker: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Attacker (14 Occurrences)Esther 7:6 Job 41:9 Psalms 44:10 Jeremiah 6:25 Jeremiah 18:17 Jeremiah 48:8 Jeremiah 48:18 Lamentations 1:5 Lamentations 1:6 Lamentations 1:9 Lamentations 2:3 Lamentations 2:7 Amos 3:11 Zechariah 8:10 Subtopics Related Terms |