Definition and Context:
The term "liers-in-wait" refers to individuals or groups who hide with the intent to ambush or attack unsuspecting victims. This concept is frequently associated with deceit, treachery, and violence. In the biblical context, liers-in-wait are often depicted as adversaries who plot harm against the righteous or unsuspecting individuals. The imagery of lying in wait is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical References:

1. Judges 9:25 · "The leaders of Shechem set men in ambush against him on the mountaintops, and they robbed everyone who passed by them on the road. So it was reported to Abimelech."
In this passage, the leaders of Shechem set liers-in-wait to ambush travelers, demonstrating the use of deceit and violence to achieve their goals. This act of treachery is part of the larger narrative of Abimelech's rise and fall, highlighting the destructive nature of betrayal and ambition.

2. Proverbs 1:11 · "If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause.'"
Here, the father warns his son against joining those who plot harm against the innocent. The imagery of lying in wait for blood underscores the moral depravity and senseless violence of such actions. This passage serves as a caution against succumbing to peer pressure and engaging in wicked schemes.

3. Jeremiah 5:26 · "For My people are among wicked men. They watch like fowlers lying in wait; they set a trap; they catch men."
The prophet Jeremiah uses the metaphor of liers-in-wait to describe the corrupt leaders and false prophets among the people of Israel. These individuals are likened to hunters setting traps, illustrating their deceitful and predatory nature. This imagery emphasizes the spiritual and moral corruption that had infiltrated the nation.

4. Psalm 10:9 · "He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net."
The psalmist describes the wicked as predators lying in wait to exploit the vulnerable. This vivid imagery portrays the wicked as cunning and ruthless, preying on those who are defenseless. The psalm serves as a lament and a plea for divine justice against such oppression.

Theological Implications:

The concept of liers-in-wait in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and moral dangers that believers face. It highlights the reality of evil and the presence of adversaries who seek to harm the righteous. The imagery calls for vigilance, wisdom, and reliance on God's protection and justice. Believers are encouraged to discern the schemes of the wicked and to avoid participating in or falling victim to such treachery.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

The biblical portrayal of liers-in-wait underscores the importance of integrity, righteousness, and trust in God. It warns against the allure of easy gain through deceit and violence, urging individuals to uphold justice and righteousness. The Scriptures consistently advocate for the protection of the innocent and the condemnation of those who plot harm against others. Through these narratives, believers are reminded of the call to live uprightly and to seek God's guidance in navigating the challenges posed by the presence of evil in the world.LIERS-IN-WAIT

li-erz-in-wat' (Judges 9:25; Judges 16:12; Judges 20:36).

See AMBUSH.

The Crowning of Abimelech
... And the men of Shechem set liers in wait for him on the tops of the mountains, and
they robbed all that came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/iii the crowning of abimelech.htm

The First Epistle. To all the Ministers of the Church Catholic.
... Watch the nooses of the liers in wait, by which they are wont to strangle associates
and comrades. Follow not such, but keep them far off from you. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle to all.htm

Holding Fast and Held Fast
... His mercy endureth for ever.' That was all that men had to do in the battle, for
as the shrill song rose in the morning air 'the Lord set liers in wait for the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/holding fast and held fast.htm

Ephesians iv. 17-19
... Why fill thy vessel with overwhelming cargoes? If thou be lightly equipped, thou
shalt have nothing to fear, no envy, no robbers, no liers in wait. ...
/.../homily xiii ephesians iv 17-19.htm

Psalm LVI.
... However "they shall sojourn and hide," however deceitful they be, however dissemblers
and liers in wait they be; do thou pray for them, and do not say, Shall ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lvi.htm

1 Cor. xiv. 1
... most easily taken through their natural timidity, but the wild boar, and the bull,
and the lion, would not easily fall in the way of the liers-in-wait; just so ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxxv 1 cor xiv.htm

Liersinwait
Liersinwait. Liers, Liersinwait. Liers-in-wait . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
See AMBUSH. Liers, Liersinwait. Liers-in-wait . Reference Bible.
/l/liersinwait.htm - 6k

Liers-in-wait (10 Occurrences)
Liers-in-wait. Liersinwait, Liers-in-wait. Lies . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ...
(ASV DBY JPS). Liersinwait, Liers-in-wait. Lies . Reference Bible.
/l/liers-in-wait.htm - 10k

Liers (11 Occurrences)
... Luke 20:20 And, having watched 'him', they sent forth liersinwait, feigning
themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his word, to deliver him ...
/l/liers.htm - 10k

Wait (223 Occurrences)
... Luke 20:20 And, having watched 'him', they sent forth liersinwait, feigning
themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his word, to deliver him ...
/w/wait.htm - 41k

Rear (46 Occurrences)
... Joshua 8:4 and commandeth them, saying, 'See, ye are liersinwait against the city,
at the rear of the city, ye go not very far off from the city, and all of ...
/r/rear.htm - 21k

Brake (80 Occurrences)
... Samson. And there were liersinwait abiding in the chamber. And he brake
them from off his arms like a thread. (KJV ASV). Judges ...
/b/brake.htm - 34k

Hasted (35 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:37 And the liersinwait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers
inwait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the ...
/h/hasted.htm - 17k

Hastened (48 Occurrences)
... Judges 20:37 And the liers-in-wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the
liers-in-wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the ...
/h/hastened.htm - 20k

Feigning (2 Occurrences)
... Luke 20:20 And, having watched 'him', they sent forth liersinwait, feigning
themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his word, to deliver him ...
/f/feigning.htm - 7k

Maareh-geba (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 20:33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves
in array at Baal-tamar: and the liers-in-wait of Israel brake forth out ...
/m/maareh-geba.htm - 7k

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