Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, raids were a common military tactic used by various groups and nations to plunder, conquer, or exert dominance over others. The concept of a raid involves a sudden attack on an enemy, often with the intent to seize goods, livestock, or territory. Raids are mentioned throughout the Bible, illustrating both the challenges faced by the Israelites and the strategies employed by their adversaries.Old Testament Context Raids are frequently depicted in the Old Testament, often involving the Israelites and their neighboring nations. One notable example is found in the book of 1 Samuel, where the Amalekites conducted a raid on Ziklag, a town given to David by the Philistine king Achish. The Amalekites "raided the Negev and Ziklag. They attacked Ziklag and burned it down" (1 Samuel 30:1). This raid resulted in the capture of the women and children, prompting David to seek the Lord's guidance and ultimately pursue and defeat the Amalekites to recover the captives and possessions. The Midianites also conducted raids against Israel during the time of Gideon. Judges 6:3-4 describes how "whenever the Israelites planted crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples invaded the country. They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys." These raids were part of the oppression that led to the rise of Gideon as a judge and deliverer of Israel. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not focus on military raids in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of sudden and unexpected attacks can be seen metaphorically in the teachings of Jesus. For instance, Jesus warns of the suddenness of His return, likening it to a thief coming in the night: "But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into" (Matthew 24:43). This metaphor underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness among believers. Spiritual Implications From a spiritual perspective, raids can symbolize the attacks of the enemy, Satan, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Believers are encouraged to be spiritually vigilant, wearing the full armor of God to stand firm against such attacks (Ephesians 6:10-18). The suddenness and destructiveness of raids serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual readiness and reliance on God's protection and guidance. Historical and Cultural Insights In the ancient Near East, raids were a common aspect of warfare and survival. They were often conducted by nomadic tribes or smaller nations against more settled communities. The purpose of these raids was not only to acquire resources but also to weaken the enemy and assert dominance. The biblical narratives of raids reflect the historical realities of the time and provide insight into the socio-political dynamics of the ancient world. Overall, the concept of a raid in the Bible serves as both a historical account of the challenges faced by God's people and a metaphorical lesson on the importance of spiritual vigilance and reliance on divine strength. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A hostile or predatory incursion; an inroad or incursion of mounted men; a sudden and rapid invasion by a cavalry force; a foray.2. (n.) An attack or invasion for the purpose of making arrests, seizing property, or plundering; as, a raid of the police upon a gambling house; a raid of contractors on the public treasury. 3. (v. t.) To make a raid upon or into; as, two regiments raided the border counties. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RAIDrad (1 Samuel 27:10). Strong's Hebrew 6584. pashat -- to strip off, make a dash, raid... 6583, 6584. pashat. 6585 . to strip off, make a dash, raid. Transliteration: pashat Phonetic Spelling: (paw-shat') Short Definition: strip. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/6584.htm - 6k 1464. gud -- to invade, attack 1416. gedud -- a band, troop Library Making the Best of Trouble Special Efforts Turning Back in the Day of Battle On the Government of God Authority and the Adventurer A Little Jewish Maid. Appendix. But the Important Point Here is Only that You Cannot Anyhow Get ... The Daily Cross. Index of the Original Welsh First-Lines, Corresponding to the ... Thesaurus Raid (15 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) An attack or invasion for the purpose of making arrests, seizing property, or plundering; as, a raid of the police upon a gambling house; a raid of ... /r/raid.htm - 11k Raided (6 Occurrences) Road (155 Occurrences) Raiding (11 Occurrences) Ziklag (13 Occurrences) Amal'ekites (24 Occurrences) Negeb (37 Occurrences) Negev (39 Occurrences) Amalekites (36 Occurrences) Warfare (18 Occurrences) Resources Who are the Branch Davidians? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Amalekites? | GotQuestions.org Raid: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Raid (15 Occurrences)Genesis 49:19 Judges 15:9 1 Samuel 23:27 1 Samuel 27:8 1 Samuel 27:10 1 Samuel 30:1 1 Samuel 30:14 2 Samuel 3:22 1 Chronicles 7:21 1 Chronicles 14:9 1 Chronicles 14:13 Job 1:15 Job 1:17 Proverbs 24:15 Hosea 7:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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