Throughout the biblical narrative, hostility against God's people is met with divine retribution and serves as a recurring theme that underscores the protective nature of God towards His chosen ones. This entry explores the consequences faced by those who oppose God's people, drawing from various scriptural accounts.

Old Testament Examples

1. Pharaoh and Egypt: The book of Exodus provides a vivid account of the consequences faced by Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their oppression of the Israelites. Despite multiple warnings through Moses, Pharaoh's hardened heart led to a series of devastating plagues. The culmination of these divine judgments was the death of the firstborn in Egypt, prompting Pharaoh to release the Israelites (Exodus 12:29-31). The pursuit of the Israelites to the Red Sea resulted in the destruction of the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:26-28).

2. The Amalekites: In Exodus 17:8-16, the Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. As a consequence, God declared perpetual enmity against Amalek, stating, "I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven" (Exodus 17:14). This divine decree was fulfilled in subsequent generations, as seen in 1 Samuel 15, where King Saul was commanded to destroy the Amalekites.

3. The Canaanite Nations: The inhabitants of Canaan, who opposed Israel's entry into the Promised Land, faced severe consequences. God commanded the Israelites to conquer and dispossess these nations due to their idolatry and wickedness (Deuteronomy 9:4-5). The fall of Jericho (Joshua 6) and the defeat of various Canaanite kings (Joshua 10-12) illustrate the divine judgment upon those who resisted God's people.

New Testament Insights

1. Herod Agrippa I: In Acts 12, Herod Agrippa I persecuted the early church, executing James and imprisoning Peter. His hostility culminated in a public display of arrogance, where he accepted worship as a god. Consequently, "an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died" (Acts 12:23).

2. Saul of Tarsus: Before his conversion, Saul was a fierce persecutor of Christians. On the road to Damascus, he encountered the risen Christ, who asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" (Acts 9:4). This divine intervention not only halted Saul's persecution but transformed him into the Apostle Paul, a pivotal figure in the spread of Christianity.

Prophetic Warnings and Promises

1. Nations and Peoples: The prophets frequently warned of the consequences for nations that opposed Israel. In Zechariah 2:8, God declares, "For whoever touches you touches the apple of My eye" , emphasizing the protective relationship between God and His people. Similarly, Joel 3:2 speaks of judgment upon nations that scattered Israel and divided their land.

2. End Times Prophecies: Revelation 19:11-21 describes the ultimate defeat of the enemies of God's people at the return of Christ. The imagery of the Rider on the white horse, who is "Faithful and True," executing judgment, underscores the finality of divine retribution against those who oppose God's kingdom.

Theological Reflections

The biblical accounts of hostility against God's people reveal a consistent pattern of divine justice. God's intervention on behalf of His people serves as both a warning to oppressors and a reassurance to the faithful. The consequences faced by those who oppose God's people highlight the seriousness with which God regards His covenant relationship and His commitment to vindicate His name and His people.