Topical Encyclopedia The term "liers-in-wait" refers to individuals or groups who conceal themselves with the intent to ambush or attack unsuspecting victims. This concept is frequently encountered in the Bible, often symbolizing treachery, deceit, and the presence of evil intentions. The imagery of lying in wait is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the dangers posed by those who plot harm against others.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, the notion of lying in wait is often associated with violence and murder. One of the earliest mentions is found in the context of the cities of refuge, which were established to protect those who had killed someone unintentionally. Numbers 35:20-21 states, "If anyone maliciously pushes another or throws an object at him with intent to kill, or if in hostility he strikes him with his hand and he dies, the one who struck him must surely be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood is to put him to death when he finds him." The book of Proverbs frequently warns against the wicked who lie in wait to shed innocent blood. Proverbs 1:11 cautions, "If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause.'" This passage highlights the moral depravity and senselessness of those who engage in such acts. New Testament References In the New Testament, the concept of lying in wait is used to describe the malicious intentions of those who sought to harm Jesus and His followers. The religious leaders of the time often plotted against Jesus, seeking opportunities to arrest Him. Mark 14:1 notes, "Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him." The Apostle Paul also faced liers-in-wait during his ministry. In Acts 23:12-15 , a group of more than forty Jews bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. This plot was discovered, and Paul was subsequently protected by Roman soldiers. Spiritual Implications The imagery of liers-in-wait extends beyond physical threats to encompass spiritual dangers. Believers are warned to be vigilant against the schemes of the devil, who is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:11 , exhorts Christians to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." Moral and Ethical Considerations The Bible's portrayal of liers-in-wait serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of integrity and righteousness. It calls believers to reject deceit and treachery, to uphold justice, and to trust in God's protection against those who seek to do harm. The Scriptures encourage a life of transparency and honesty, in contrast to the hidden and malicious intentions of liers-in-wait. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LIERS-IN-WAITli-erz-in-wat' (Judges 9:25; Judges 16:12; Judges 20:36). Thesaurus LiersinwaitLiersinwait. Liers, Liersinwait. Liers-in-wait . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ... See AMBUSH. Liers, Liersinwait. Liers-in-wait . Reference Bible. /l/liersinwait.htm - 6k Liers (11 Occurrences) Liers-in-wait (10 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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