Topical Encyclopedia The term "overthrowest" is an archaic form of the verb "overthrow," which means to bring down, destroy, or defeat. In the context of the Bible, it often refers to God's sovereign power to bring judgment upon nations, cities, or individuals who act in defiance of His will. The concept of overthrowing is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, illustrating both divine justice and the consequences of sin.Biblical Instances 1. Divine Judgment on Nations and Cities: The Bible frequently depicts God as the ultimate authority who can overthrow nations and cities as a form of judgment. In the Old Testament, the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a prime example. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This passage underscores the severity of God's judgment against rampant sin and immorality. 2. Overthrow of Idolatry: The Bible also speaks of the overthrow of idolatrous practices and false gods. In Exodus 34:13 , God commands the Israelites, "Rather, you must tear down their altars, smash their sacred stones, and cut down their Asherah poles." This directive highlights the necessity of overthrowing anything that stands in opposition to the worship of the one true God. 3. Prophetic Warnings: Prophets in the Bible often warned of impending overthrow as a consequence of disobedience to God. For instance, in Jeremiah 18:7-10 , God declares, "At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring." This passage reveals God's willingness to withhold judgment if there is genuine repentance. 4. Personal Overthrow: The Bible also addresses the overthrow of individuals who oppose God's purposes. In the New Testament, Acts 5:38-39 recounts the advice of Gamaliel regarding the apostles: "So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God." This illustrates the futility of resisting God's will, as human efforts against Him are destined to be overthrown. Theological Significance The concept of overthrow in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His justice. It emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's will and the peril of opposing Him. The overthrow of wickedness and rebellion is not only a demonstration of divine power but also an act of purification, paving the way for righteousness and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Moral and Spiritual Lessons For believers, the biblical theme of overthrow serves as a call to vigilance and faithfulness. It encourages a life of obedience, humility, and reverence for God. The narratives of overthrow in Scripture are both warnings and assurances: warnings of the consequences of sin and assurances of God's control over history and His commitment to establishing His kingdom. Library Song of Moses and Miriam Thesaurus Overthrowest (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Overthrowest (1 Occurrence). Exodus 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou overthrowest them ... /o/overthrowest.htm - 6k Overthrow (48 Occurrences) Overthroweth (7 Occurrences) Throwest (1 Occurrence) Consumeth (37 Occurrences) Sendest (15 Occurrences) Threw (133 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Overthrowest (1 Occurrence)Exodus 15:7 Subtopics Related Terms |