Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of God sending panic into the hearts of Israel's enemies is a recurring theme that underscores His sovereignty and power in warfare. This divine intervention often results in confusion and defeat for those who oppose God's chosen people, demonstrating that victory in battle is ultimately determined by God's will rather than human strength or strategy.One of the most notable instances of God sending panic is found in the account of Gideon. In Judges 7, God instructs Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men to ensure that Israel recognizes that their victory is from the Lord and not their own might. During the night, Gideon's men surround the Midianite camp, and at the sound of trumpets and the breaking of jars, the Lord causes panic among the Midianites. Judges 7:22 (BSB) states, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp, and the army fled." This panic leads to a decisive victory for Israel, highlighting God's direct involvement in the battle. Another example is found in 1 Samuel 14, where Jonathan and his armor-bearer attack a Philistine outpost. Their bold action, coupled with their faith in God, results in a panic sent by the Lord. 1 Samuel 14:15 (BSB) describes the scene: "Then panic struck the whole Philistine army—the camp and the field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was a panic sent by God." This divine-induced chaos leads to a rout of the Philistines, further illustrating how God can use panic to deliver His people. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faces a vast coalition of enemies. In response to his prayer, God assures him that the battle is not his but God's. As the Israelites begin to sing and praise, the Lord sets ambushes against the enemy, causing them to turn on each other in confusion. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 (BSB) recounts, "At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them." This passage emphasizes that God can use panic to fulfill His purposes and protect His people. The theme of God sending panic is not limited to physical battles but also extends to spiritual warfare. In Deuteronomy 28:7 (BSB), God promises Israel that if they obey His commands, "The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven." This promise reflects the broader principle that God is the ultimate source of victory and that His intervention can turn the tide of any conflict. Throughout Scripture, the instances of God sending panic serve as a reminder of His omnipotence and His commitment to His covenant people. These accounts encourage believers to trust in God's power and providence, recognizing that He is able to deliver them from their adversaries through means that transcend human understanding. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 15:14-16The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Nave's Topical Index Library The End The Holy War, Letter cix. To Julian, Bishop of Cos. The House of Offense Providence Watching the Horizon Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Papal Tombs. Resources What is the just war theory? | GotQuestions.orgIs the war in Iraq a just war? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about war? | GotQuestions.org War: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics War with Endurance of Hardness War with Steadfastness in the Faith War without Earthly Entanglements War: Be Clothed in White Clothing War: Be Confessed by Christ in the Presence of God the Father War: Be Pillars in the Temple of God War: Called "The Armor of God" War: Called "The Armor of Light" War: Called "The Armor of Righteousness" War: Called the Good Fight of Faith War: Eat from the Tree of Life War: Enemy Harangued by the General of the Opposing Side War: Frequently Long Continued War: Frequently Sore and Bloody War: God: Gives the Victory In War: God: Scatters Those Who Delight In War: God: Strengthens his People For War: God: Taught his People the Art of War: Have a White Stone, and in It a New Name Written War: Have Power Over the Nations War: Have the Name of God Written Upon Them by Christ War: Large Armies Frequently Engaged In War: Mere Professors do not Maintain War: Not be Hurt by the Second Death War: Not Have Their Names Blotted out of the Book of Life War: Often Arises from the Opposition of Friends or Relatives War: Often Attended by Cruelty War: Often Attended by Devastation War: Often Attended by Pestilence War: Often Sent As a Punishment for Sin War: Originates in the Lusts of Men War: Over all That Exalts Itself War: Preceded by Great Preparation War: Saints are all Engaged In War: Sit With Christ on his Throne War: Strengthened by Christ In War: Symbolized by a Red Horse War: The Breastplate of Righteousness War: The Contest Between Antichrist and the Church War: The Contest of Saints With the Enemies of Their Salvation War: The Jews: Frequently Engaged in (See Joshua Chapters 6 Through 11) War: The Malignity of the Wicked War: The Preparation of the Gospel War: Those Who Overcome In, Will Eat of the Hidden Manna War: To be on the Right Hand and Left, an Idiom Meaning: "To Attack and to Defend." War: Under Christ, As Our Captain Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |