In the context of the Bible, the concept of defending encompasses both the physical and spiritual realms. It involves the protection of oneself, others, and the faith against various forms of attack or threat. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings on the importance and methods of defense, both in the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, defending often takes on a military aspect, as the Israelites were frequently engaged in battles to protect their land and people. One of the most notable examples is the account of David and Goliath, where David defends the honor of Israel and the name of the Lord against the Philistine giant (1 Samuel 17). David's reliance on God for victory is a recurring theme, as seen in his declaration: "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37).

The role of God as a defender is also emphasized throughout the Psalms. Psalm 18:2 states, "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 imagery portrays God as a divine protector who provides safety and security to His people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the focus shifts more towards spiritual defense. Believers are called to defend their faith against false teachings and spiritual attacks. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, describes the "armor of God" as essential for spiritual defense: "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes" (Ephesians 6:11). This armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, all of which equip believers to stand firm in their faith.

The Apostle Peter also exhorts Christians to be prepared to defend their faith intellectually and spiritually: "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). This verse highlights the importance of being ready to articulate one's beliefs while maintaining a Christ-like demeanor.

Defending Others

The Bible also speaks to the responsibility of defending others, particularly the vulnerable and oppressed. Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy." This call to action emphasizes the moral duty to protect and advocate for those who cannot defend themselves.

Divine Defense

Ultimately, the Bible assures believers of God's sovereign defense over His people. In 2 Chronicles 20:15 , during a time of impending battle, the Spirit of the Lord speaks through Jahaziel, saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s." This assurance of divine intervention and protection is a recurring theme, providing comfort and confidence to those who trust in the Lord.

Throughout Scripture, the concept of defending is multifaceted, encompassing physical protection, spiritual readiness, and advocacy for others, all underpinned by the assurance of God's ultimate defense.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Defend.626. apologeomai -- to give an account of oneself, hence to defend ...
... Word Origin from apo and logos Definition to give an account of oneself, hence to
defend oneself NASB Word Usage defend (1), defending (2), make a defense (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/626.htm - 8k8104. shamar -- to keep, watch, preserve
... 4), being careful (1), beware (8), bodyguard* (1), careful (32), careful to keep
(1), cares (1), charge (4), confine (1), confined (1), defending (1), did (1 ...
/hebrew/8104.htm - 7k

Defending Field Preaching
... Chapter 7. Severe Weather; Ireland; Wesley's Protest against Lawlessness
cWesley and Faith-healing Defending Field Preaching. Between ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/defending field preaching.htm

Whether an Advocate Sins by Defending an Unjust Cause?
... OF INJUSTICE IN JUDGMENT ON THE PART OF COUNSEL (FOUR ARTICLES) Whether
an advocate sins by defending an unjust cause? Objection ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an advocate sins by.htm

In Charging Basil with not Defending his Faith at the Time of the ...
... Book I. Section 9. In charging Basil with not defending his faith at the time
of the Trials,' he lays himself open to the same charge. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 9 in charging basil.htm

The Example Set us by the Martyrs, whom no Force could Hinder from ...
... Chapter V. The Example set us by the Martyrs, whom no force could hinder
from defending the? The Example set us by the Martyrs ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter v the example set.htm

Three Pictures of one Reality
... 'As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also He
will deliver it; and passing over He will preserve it'"Isaiah 31:5. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/three pictures of one reality.htm

Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ...
... Then follows an obstinate battle between truth asserting itself, and prejudice
defending itself: truth maintains its ground and prejudice resists. ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book x it is manifest.htm

There Is, Let us Say, a Certain Filthy Rookery in Hoxton...
... Things he would never have dreamed of defending, except as crude necessities, things
like common kitchens or infamous asbestos stoves, begin to shine quite ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 9 there is let.htm

What are the Duties Required in the Ninth Commandment?
... and rejoicing in their good name; sorrowing for, and covering of their infirmities;
freely acknowledging of their gifts and graces, defending their innocency ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 144 0 0 what are the.htm

Excursus on the Words Gennethenta Ou Poiethenta .
... on the distinction between ktizein and gennan, justifying the use of the latter
term as applied to the divinity of the Son, and defending the statement in the ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the words gennethenta.htm

Whether a Man who is Condemned to Death May Lawfully Defend ...
... the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist, purchase to themselves
damnation." Now a condemned man, by defending himself, resists the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a man who is.htm

Defending (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Defend. Multi-Version
Concordance Defending (6 Occurrences). Acts 25:16 My reply was ...
/d/defending.htm - 8k

Shepherd (76 Occurrences)
... He is usually aided in the keeping and the defending of the sheep by a dog (Job
30:1). In Syria the Kurdish dogs make the best protectors of the sheep, as ...
/s/shepherd.htm - 42k

Defend (38 Occurrences)
... the Romans to give up any one for punishment before the accused has had his accusers
face to face, and has had an opportunity of defending himself against the ...
/d/defend.htm - 17k

Armenia (2 Occurrences)
... He ruled most of Armenia, defending it against the Assyrians, and apparently,
inflicting a check on Shalmaneser II in 833 BC He introduced the cuneiform ...
/a/armenia.htm - 21k

Gorget
... 1. (n.) A piece of armor, whether of chain mail or of plate, defending the throat
and upper part of the breast, and forming a part of the double breastplate of ...
/g/gorget.htm - 8k

Watchman (19 Occurrences)
... of "careful watcher" (being applied even to besiegers from outside: Jeremiah 4:16,
"watchers"), while shomer also embraces the idea of "defending" or "guarding ...
/w/watchman.htm - 14k

Witnessing (11 Occurrences)
... the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also witnessing with
them, and between one another the thoughts accusing or else defending, (YLT). ...
/w/witnessing.htm - 10k

Flying (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 31:5 As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending
also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it. ...
/f/flying.htm - 12k

Flank (3 Occurrences)
... which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the curtain, the flank and
face of the opposite bastion; any part of a work defending another by a fire ...
/f/flank.htm - 8k

Free (454 Occurrences)
... 16. (superl.) Not arbitrary or despotic; assuring liberty; defending individual
rights against encroachment by any person or class; instituted by a free people ...
/f/free.htm - 38k

Who were the early church fathers? | GotQuestions.org

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Defending: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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