Topical Encyclopedia The term "The Night Raid" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, it can be associated with several biblical events where significant actions took place during the night. These events often highlight themes of divine intervention, deliverance, and judgment. Below are notable instances that can be considered under the concept of a "Night Raid."1. Gideon's Night Attack (Judges 7:9-25): One of the most famous night raids in the Bible is Gideon's attack on the Midianite camp. The Lord instructed Gideon to reduce his army to just 300 men to ensure that Israel would recognize that their victory was by God's hand and not by their own strength. "That night the LORD said to him, 'Get up and go down against the camp, because I have given it into your hands'" (Judges 7:9). Gideon divided his men into three companies, and with trumpets and jars containing torches, they surprised the Midianites, causing confusion and leading to a miraculous victory. 2. Saul's Pursuit of David (1 Samuel 26): Another significant night event is when David spared King Saul's life. Saul was pursuing David in the wilderness of Ziph. David and Abishai infiltrated Saul's camp at night while the king and his men were sleeping. "So David took the spear and the water jug by Saul’s head, and they departed. No one saw or knew about it, nor did anyone wake up. They all remained asleep, because a deep sleep from the LORD had fallen on them" (1 Samuel 26:12). This act demonstrated David's respect for God's anointed and his reliance on God's timing for deliverance. 3. The Assyrian Army Defeated (2 Kings 19:35-36): In a dramatic instance of divine intervention, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp during the night, delivering Jerusalem from the siege laid by King Sennacherib. "That night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!" (2 Kings 19:35). This event underscored God's power to protect His people against overwhelming odds. 4. Peter's Miraculous Escape from Prison (Acts 12:6-11): In the New Testament, Peter's escape from prison is another example of a night-time divine intervention. Herod had imprisoned Peter, intending to bring him to trial after Passover. However, an angel of the Lord appeared at night, and Peter's chains fell off, leading him out of the prison. "Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists" (Acts 12:7). This miraculous escape emphasized the power of prayer and God's sovereignty over human authorities. 5. Paul's Vision in Troas (Acts 16:9-10): While not a raid in the traditional sense, Paul's vision at night in Troas was pivotal for the spread of the Gospel. "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us'" (Acts 16:9). This vision led to the missionary journey that brought the Gospel to Europe, demonstrating how God can use night-time revelations to guide His servants. These events, characterized by divine intervention and strategic action during the night, illustrate the biblical theme of God working in unexpected ways and times to accomplish His purposes. Subtopics Night: Continued Until Sunrise Night: Divided Into Four Watches by the Romans Night: Eastern Fishermen Continued Their Employment During Night: Eastern Shepherds Watched Over Their Flocks During Night: Favourable to the Purposes of the Wicked Night: Frequently: Accompanied by Heavy Dew Night: Frequently: Cold and Frosty Night: Frequently: Exceeding Dark Night: General Scriptures Concerning Night: God Frequently: Executed his Judgments In Night: God Frequently: Revealed his Will In Night: God Frequently: Visited his People In Night: Originally Divided Into Three Watches Night: Regular Succession of Established by Covenant Night: Regular Succession of Ordained for the Glory of God Night: Seasons of Severe Calamities Night: Seasons of Spiritual Desertion Night: The Darkness First Called Night: The Heavenly Bodies Designed to Separate Day From Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Prayer Night: The Jews in Affliction Spent, in Sorrow and Humiliation Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Allow Malefactors to Hang During Night: The Jews: Forbidden to Keep the Wages of Servants During Night: The Jews: Often Kept Lamps Burning During Night: The Moon and Stars Designed to Rule and Give Light By Night: Unsuitable for Travelling Night: Wearisome to the Afflicted Night: Wild Beasts Go Forth in Search of Prey During Related Terms |