In the context of the Bible, stratagems refer to clever plans or schemes designed to achieve a particular end, often in the face of opposition or adversity. These tactics can be seen throughout the biblical narrative, employed by both God and humans to fulfill divine purposes or personal objectives. The use of stratagems highlights the complexity of human nature and the sovereignty of God in guiding the course of history.

Old Testament Examples

1. Jacob and Esau: One of the earliest examples of a stratagem in the Bible is found in the account of Jacob and Esau. Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau, his elder brother (Genesis 27:1-29). This act of cunning, though morally questionable, plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises to Abraham's descendants.

2. The Midwives in Egypt: In Exodus 1:15-21, the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, employ a stratagem to save the lives of Hebrew male infants. When commanded by Pharaoh to kill the newborn boys, they claim that the Hebrew women give birth before the midwives arrive. Their fear of God and cleverness preserve the future of Israel.

3. Joshua and the Battle of Ai: In Joshua 8, God instructs Joshua to use a stratagem to conquer the city of Ai. Joshua sets an ambush behind the city, drawing the men of Ai out with a feigned retreat. This tactical maneuver leads to a decisive victory for the Israelites, demonstrating God's guidance in military strategy.

4. Gideon's Victory over the Midianites: In Judges 7, Gideon employs a stratagem under divine instruction to defeat the Midianites. With only 300 men, Gideon uses trumpets, jars, and torches to create the illusion of a vast army, causing panic and confusion among the Midianites. This victory underscores God's power to save through unconventional means.

New Testament Insights

1. Jesus and the Pharisees: Jesus often used parables and questions as stratagems to confound the Pharisees and other religious leaders who sought to trap Him in His words. For instance, when asked about paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus cleverly responds, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s" (Matthew 22:21), avoiding their trap and teaching a profound truth.

2. Paul's Appeal to Roman Citizenship: In Acts 22:25-29, the Apostle Paul uses his Roman citizenship as a stratagem to avoid unlawful scourging. By asserting his rights, Paul not only protects himself but also gains an opportunity to further his mission of spreading the Gospel.

Theological Considerations

Stratagems in the Bible often raise questions about ethics and morality. While some actions may appear deceitful or manipulative, they are sometimes portrayed as necessary for the fulfillment of God's purposes. The Bible presents these accounts without always providing explicit moral judgments, inviting readers to discern the complexities of human actions in light of divine sovereignty.

The use of stratagems also highlights the wisdom and discernment required to navigate a fallen world. Believers are encouraged to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16), balancing shrewdness with integrity in their interactions with the world.

Ultimately, the biblical narrative affirms that God's purposes will prevail, often through unexpected and ingenious means. The stratagems recorded in Scripture serve as reminders of God's providence and the call for His people to act with wisdom and faithfulness.

Electioneering Stratagems.
... Homily II. Chapter XXIV."Electioneering Stratagems. "He being absent in
Egypt for the practice of magic, and John being killed ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxiv electioneering stratagems.htm

In Order to Forearm the Orthodox against the Stratagems of the ...
... In order to forearm the orthodox against the stratagems of the Arians? In order
to forearm the orthodox against the stratagems of the Arians, St. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi in order to.htm

Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ...
... Concerning John Of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems Against The Plots John Laid
Against Him And Recovers Certain Cities Which Had Revolted From Him. ...
/.../chapter 21 concerning john of.htm

Whether These vices Arise from Covetousness?
... Objection 3: Further, men make use of stratagems not only in laying hold of other
people's goods, but also in plotting murders, the former of which pertains to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether these vices arise from.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... At the last incursion which they had made into the Phocaean territory, they had
been defeated by means of stratagems in a manner which tended greatly to vex ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

How the Sedition was Again Revived Within Jerusalem and yet the ...
... who spake to them thus]: These Jews, who are only conducted by their madness, do
every thing with care and circumspection; they contrive stratagems, and lay ...
/.../chapter 3 how the sedition.htm

Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil.
... force of himself and his angels for three years and six months; and those with whom
he makes war shall have power to withstand all his violence and stratagems. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of the binding and.htm

On the Feast of St Michael and all Angels
... they themselves have been cast out. The stratagems to which they constantly
have recourse, are incredible. Man ought to be very ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxiv on the feast.htm

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... is to deceive and to take by artifice or contrivance; a thing which takes place
both in the case of the arts, and by words, and actions, and stratagems, in the ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

The Clementine Homilies
... Chapter XXII.--Doctrines of Simon. Chapter XXIII.--Simon a Disciple of the Baptist.
Chapter XXIV.--Electioneering Stratagems. Chapter XXV.--Simon's Deceit. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the clementine homilies/

Stratagems (2 Occurrences)
...Stratagems (2 Occurrences). Ephesians 6:11 Put on the complete armour of God, so
as to be able to stand firm against all the stratagems of the Devil. (WEY). ...
/s/stratagems.htm - 7k

Wily (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Full of tricks, or stratagems; clever; using craft
or stratagem to accomplish a purpose; mischievously artful; subtle. ...
/w/wily.htm - 7k

David (1052 Occurrences)
... in various ways. He conceived a bitter hatred toward him, and by various
stratagems sought his death (1 Samuel 18-30). The deep-laid ...
/d/david.htm - 93k

Practice (71 Occurrences)
... 17. (vi) To learn by practice; to form a habit. 18. (vi) To try artifices or stratagems.
19. (vi) To apply theoretical science or knowledge, esp. ...
/p/practice.htm - 28k

Stratagem (2 Occurrences)

/s/stratagem.htm - 7k

Strategic (1 Occurrence)

/s/strategic.htm - 6k

Firm (111 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS NIV). Ephesians 6:11 Put on the complete armour of God, so as to be able
to stand firm against all the stratagems of the Devil. (WEY NAS). ...
/f/firm.htm - 34k

Complete (246 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Ephesians 6:11 Put on the complete armour of God, so as to be able to
stand firm against all the stratagems of the Devil. (WEY). ...
/c/complete.htm - 37k

Course (87 Occurrences)
... of their kingdom, when the transgressors have completed their transgression, there
shall stand up a king of fierce countenance, and understanding stratagems. ...
/c/course.htm - 38k

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