Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "foe" refers to an enemy or adversary, often in both physical and spiritual senses. The concept of foes is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the ongoing conflict between good and evil, as well as the personal and communal struggles faced by the people of God.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently encountered foes in the form of neighboring nations and peoples who opposed them. These adversaries often threatened their physical safety and spiritual integrity. For instance, the Philistines were a persistent foe of Israel, as seen in the narrative of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The Israelites' battles against their foes were not merely military but also spiritual, as they were called to trust in God's deliverance and protection. The Psalms frequently address the theme of foes, with the psalmists often crying out to God for deliverance from their enemies. Psalm 3:1-2 states, "O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me! Many say of me, 'God will not deliver him.'" Here, the psalmist acknowledges the reality of foes while expressing trust in God's salvation. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of foes takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus teaches about loving one's enemies, a radical departure from the traditional view of dealing with foes. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs, "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." This teaching emphasizes the transformative power of love and forgiveness, challenging believers to reflect God's grace even towards their adversaries. The Apostle Paul also addresses the spiritual nature of foes in Ephesians 6:12 , stating, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Here, Paul highlights that the true foe is not human but spiritual, urging believers to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against these forces. Spiritual Warfare The Bible presents the ultimate foe as Satan, the adversary of God and His people. Throughout Scripture, Satan is depicted as the deceiver and accuser, seeking to lead people away from God. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are warned, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This verse underscores the need for vigilance and reliance on God's strength in the face of spiritual foes. God's Deliverance Despite the presence of foes, the Bible consistently affirms God's power to deliver His people. In Romans 8:31 , Paul declares, "What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" This assurance of God's sovereignty and protection provides comfort and hope to believers facing any adversary. The biblical narrative of foes, both physical and spiritual, serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between good and evil. It calls believers to trust in God's deliverance, love their enemies, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that ultimate victory belongs to the Lord. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who entertains personal enmity, hatred, grudge, or malice, against another; an enemy.2. (n.) An enemy in war; a hostile army. 3. (n.) One who opposes on principle; an opponent; an adversary; an ill-wisher; as, a foe to religion. 4. (v. t.) To treat as an enemy. Greek 4661. skulon -- arms stripped from a foe, ie spoils ... arms stripped from a foe, ie spoils. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: skulon Phonetic Spelling: (skoo'-lon) Short Definition: spoil taken from a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4661.htm - 6k 2190. echthros -- hostile Strong's Hebrew 341. oyeb -- enemy, foe... oyeb. 342 . enemy, foe. Transliteration: oyeb Phonetic Spelling: (o-yabe') Short Definition: enemy. Word Origin active participle of ayab, qv. enemy, foe ... /hebrew/341.htm - 5k 6862c. tsar -- adversary, foe 6146. ar -- foe 6696b. tsur -- to show hostility to, treat as foe 6862. tsar -- narrow, tight 8130. sane -- to hate 7790. shur -- perhaps enemy 6145. ar -- perhaps adversary Library A Stubborn Foe Routed. O Man, Forgive Thy Mortal Foe, Was Fuercht'st Du, Feind Herodes, Sehr? Why, Herod, Unrelenting ... Confidence in God. Ps. 27. 1 God is My Strong Salvation; what Foe ... Despised and Rejected by Friend and Foe Tobacco. Praying is Fighting. That in the Time of this Work a Perfect Soul Hath no Special ... How God Makes Trial of the Strength of Man's Will by Means of his ... Redemption Thesaurus Foe (23 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) One who opposes on principle; an opponent; an adversary; an ill-wisher; as, a foe to religion. 4. (vt) To treat as an enemy. ...Foe (23 Occurrences). ... /f/foe.htm - 12k Adversary (100 Occurrences) Nahum (3 Occurrences) Judith (1 Occurrence) Asmoneans Fodder (9 Occurrences) Ahab (85 Occurrences) Samson (37 Occurrences) Premillennial Millennium Resources How can I overcome the pain of betrayal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the key to living a victorious Christian life? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be an enemy of God? | GotQuestions.org Foe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Foe (23 Occurrences)Acts 13:10 Esther 7:6 Psalms 7:4 Psalms 8:2 Psalms 44:10 Psalms 55:12 Psalms 60:11 Psalms 61:3 Psalms 68:23 Psalms 74:10 Psalms 78:42 Psalms 78:61 Psalms 106:10 Psalms 107:2 Psalms 108:12 Jeremiah 30:14 Lamentations 1:5 Lamentations 1:7 Lamentations 2:4 Lamentations 4:12 Habakkuk 1:15 Zechariah 8:10 Zechariah 10:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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