The Enemies Destroy Themselves
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The theme of enemies turning against themselves is a recurring motif in the Bible, illustrating God's sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. This phenomenon is often seen as a divine intervention where God causes confusion among the adversaries of His people, leading to their self-destruction. Several biblical narratives highlight this theme, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people without them having to engage in battle.

1. Gideon and the Midianites (Judges 7:22):
One of the most notable instances occurs during the time of Gideon. The Lord instructs Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men to ensure that Israel recognizes that their victory is from God and not by their own strength. As Gideon's men surround the Midianite camp, they blow trumpets and break jars, causing panic among the Midianites. Judges 7:22 states, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set every man’s sword against his companion throughout the camp, and the army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath." This miraculous victory underscores God's ability to save His people through unconventional means.

2. Jehoshaphat and the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (2 Chronicles 20:22-23):
During the reign of King Jehoshaphat, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites form a coalition to attack Judah. In response, Jehoshaphat seeks the Lord, and the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Jahaziel, who assures the king that the battle belongs to God. As the people of Judah begin to sing and praise, the Lord sets ambushes against the enemy. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 records, "At the moment they began their shouts and praises, 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 inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another." This event highlights the power of worship and faith in God's deliverance.

3. Saul and the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:20):
In the early days of King Saul's reign, his son Jonathan initiates an attack on a Philistine outpost, leading to panic in the Philistine camp. 1 Samuel 14:20 describes the scene: "Then Saul and all his troops assembled and went into battle, and indeed every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great confusion." This confusion among the Philistines results in their defeat, demonstrating how God can use even a small act of faith to bring about a significant victory.

4. The Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 7:6-7):
During a severe famine in Samaria, the Arameans besiege the city. However, God causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, leading them to believe that the Israelites have hired foreign armies to attack them. In their panic, they flee, leaving behind their camp and supplies. 2 Kings 7:6-7 states, "For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, 'Look, the king of Israel has hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.' So they got up and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents, horses, and donkeys. The camp was left just as it was, and they ran for their lives." This miraculous deliverance underscores God's provision and the futility of opposing His plans.

These accounts serve as powerful reminders of God's ability to protect and deliver His people through divine intervention, often turning the plans of the wicked against themselves. The theme of enemies destroying themselves is a testament to God's ultimate control over the affairs of nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
Subtopics

Enemies

Enemies of Saints, God Will Destroy

Enemies: Be Affectionately Concerned For

Enemies: Christ Prayed for His

Enemies: Curse Them Not

Enemies: Desire not the Death of

Enemies: God Defends Against

Enemies: God Delivers From

Enemies: Made to be at Peace With Saints

Enemies: Praise God for Deliverance From

Enemies: Pray for Deliverance From

Enemies: Rejoice not at the Failings of

Enemies: Rejoice not at the Misfortunes of

Enemies: should be Assisted

Enemies: should be Loved

Enemies: should be Overcome by Kindness

Enemies: should be Prayed For

Enemies: The Friendship of, Deceitful

Enemies: The Goods of, to be Taken Care of

Enemies: The Lives of, to be Spared

Related Terms

Enemy (134 Occurrences)

Foe (23 Occurrences)

Gloat (11 Occurrences)

Intreaty (1 Occurrence)

Intreat (13 Occurrences)

Traitor (4 Occurrences)

Triumphed (8 Occurrences)

Revenge (13 Occurrences)

Retreat (10 Occurrences)

Delivereth (49 Occurrences)

Barak (14 Occurrences)

Captives (69 Occurrences)

Surrender (18 Occurrences)

Overthrown (44 Occurrences)

Revile (28 Occurrences)

Gideon (45 Occurrences)

Oppress (57 Occurrences)

Captive (123 Occurrences)

Foes (95 Occurrences)

Asmoneans

Entreat (55 Occurrences)

Adversary (100 Occurrences)

Trodden (42 Occurrences)

Adversaries (93 Occurrences)

Triumph (52 Occurrences)

Hammeda'tha (5 Occurrences)

Oppression (67 Occurrences)

Devil (58 Occurrences)

Quarter (33 Occurrences)

Neighbor (123 Occurrences)

Open (586 Occurrences)

Leviathan (5 Occurrences)

Geba (22 Occurrences)

Inflict (25 Occurrences)

Fight (265 Occurrences)

Trample (34 Occurrences)

Taunt (38 Occurrences)

Threat (7 Occurrences)

Ransom (46 Occurrences)

Reproaches (19 Occurrences)

Reproacheth (12 Occurrences)

Ram (96 Occurrences)

Revengeful (3 Occurrences)

Revenger (5 Occurrences)

Reviles (5 Occurrences)

Reproached (27 Occurrences)

Rescue (92 Occurrences)

Darnel (9 Occurrences)

Mightier (21 Occurrences)

Mire (21 Occurrences)

Barricade (5 Occurrences)

Bulwark (29 Occurrences)

Countervail (1 Occurrence)

Confessed (19 Occurrences)

Chase (14 Occurrences)

Ambush (39 Occurrences)

Aha (11 Occurrences)

Ag'agite (5 Occurrences)

Agagite (5 Occurrences)

Straiten (4 Occurrences)

Sowed (20 Occurrences)

Sinneth (25 Occurrences)

Self-avenger (2 Occurrences)

Sows (18 Occurrences)

Spurned (16 Occurrences)

Devoureth (27 Occurrences)

Palaces (37 Occurrences)

Devours (26 Occurrences)

Protect (32 Occurrences)

Pursueth (28 Occurrences)

Jael (6 Occurrences)

Enmity (23 Occurrences)

Plunder (118 Occurrences)

Appointment (16 Occurrences)

Siege (63 Occurrences)

Magnified (34 Occurrences)

Ruins (84 Occurrences)

Thirsty (38 Occurrences)

Tread (60 Occurrences)

The Enemies
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