A "foray" typically refers to a sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, especially to obtain something. In the context of the Bible, forays are often military expeditions or raids conducted by one group against another. These actions are usually characterized by their swift and aggressive nature, often with the intent of plundering or achieving a strategic advantage.

Biblical Context and Examples

In the Old Testament, forays are frequently mentioned in the context of the various military campaigns and conflicts that the Israelites engaged in with neighboring nations. These incursions were often part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' struggle to establish and maintain their God-given inheritance in the Promised Land.

One notable example of a foray can be found in the actions of the Philistines, who were frequent adversaries of Israel. The Philistines often conducted raids into Israelite territory, as seen in the time of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 13:17-18 , it is recorded: "And raiders came out of the Philistine camp in three divisions. One headed toward Ophrah in the land of Shual, another toward Beth-horon, and the third down the border road overlooking the Valley of Zeboim facing the wilderness."

The Israelites themselves also engaged in forays, often under divine instruction or guidance. For instance, during the period of the Judges, the Israelites conducted raids against their oppressors. In Judges 6:3-4 , the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples are described as making forays into Israelite territory: "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."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, forays in the Bible often serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's sovereignty and justice. The success or failure of these military expeditions is frequently attributed to the faithfulness or disobedience of the Israelites to God's commandments. When the Israelites were obedient, God granted them victory over their enemies, as seen in the conquest narratives of Joshua. Conversely, when they turned away from God, they often faced defeat and oppression, as illustrated in the cyclical pattern of sin and redemption in the Book of Judges.

Forays also highlight the theme of divine retribution and protection. God used these military actions to punish the wickedness of nations and to protect His chosen people. In some instances, God directly intervened in battles, as in the case of Gideon's victory over the Midianites, where a small Israelite force defeated a much larger enemy through divine strategy and intervention (Judges 7:19-22).

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The concept of forays raises moral and ethical questions about warfare, justice, and the treatment of enemies. The Bible presents a complex view of warfare, where the righteousness of a cause is often determined by divine mandate. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, distinct from their neighbors, and their military actions were sometimes seen as instruments of God's judgment.

However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of mercy and justice. The prophets frequently called the Israelites to uphold these values, even in the context of conflict. For example, in Micah 6:8 , the prophet Micah reminds the people of what the Lord requires: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

In summary, forays in the biblical narrative serve as a means to explore themes of divine justice, human obedience, and the moral complexities of warfare. They are a testament to the ongoing struggle between good and evil, and the ultimate sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations.1. (n.) A sudden or irregular incursion in border warfare; hence, any irregular incursion for war or spoils; a raid.

2. (v. t.) To pillage; to ravage.

FORAY

for'-a (2 Samuel 3:22).

See WAR.

The War of Truth
... Gathering strength and courage from this successful foray, they then dared to attack
the whole host of Israel, which at that time must have amounted to two or ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the war of truth.htm

The Exile Continued.
... down from his height, was Gath; the glen where he had killed its champion was close
beside him,"every foot of ground was familiar by many a foray and many a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm

Saul Rejected
... the level of a solemn act of divine justice, of which Saul and his army were the
executors by divine mandate, to that of a mere cattle-lifting foray, in which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/saul rejected.htm

Foray (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To pillage; to ravage. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FORAY. for'-a
(2 Samuel 3:22). See WAR. Multi-Version Concordance Foray (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/foray.htm - 7k

Raid (15 Occurrences)
... 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. ...
/r/raid.htm - 11k

Forbad (11 Occurrences)

/f/forbad.htm - 9k

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought
in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he ...
/j/jo'ab.htm - 34k

Warfare (18 Occurrences)
... To the minor operations of war belong the raid, such as the Philistines made into
the Valley of Rephaim (1 Chronicles 14:9), the foray, the object of which was ...
/w/warfare.htm - 34k

Forasmuch (64 Occurrences)

/f/forasmuch.htm - 28k

War (529 Occurrences)
... To the minor operations of war belong the raid, such as the Philistines made into
the Valley of Rephaim (1 Chronicles 14:9), the foray, the object of which was ...
/w/war.htm - 64k

Plunder (118 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought
in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he ...
/p/plunder.htm - 37k

Spoil (140 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought
in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he ...
/s/spoil.htm - 40k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:22 Behold, the servants of David and Joab came from a foray, and brought
in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with David in Hebron; for he ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

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