Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "snares" is often used metaphorically to describe traps or pitfalls that can lead individuals away from righteousness and into sin. The concept of snares is prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a warning against the dangers of temptation, deceit, and the enticements of the world.Old Testament References The imagery of snares is frequently employed in the Psalms and Proverbs to illustrate the dangers posed by the wicked and the consequences of straying from God's commandments. In Psalm 91:3, the psalmist declares, "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly plague." Here, the snare represents the hidden dangers and traps set by enemies, both physical and spiritual, from which God promises deliverance. Proverbs 22:5 warns, "Thorns and snares lie on the path of the perverse; he who guards his soul stays far from them." This verse highlights the moral and spiritual dangers that await those who choose a path of wickedness, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to divine wisdom. The concept of snares is also evident in the historical narratives of the Old Testament. In Judges 2:3, God warns the Israelites, "Therefore I now say, I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you." This passage underscores the spiritual peril of idolatry and the consequences of failing to fully obey God's commands. New Testament References In the New Testament, the theme of snares continues, often in the context of spiritual warfare and the Christian's struggle against sin. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Timothy 6:9, cautions, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction." Here, the snare is associated with the love of money and the moral and spiritual dangers it poses. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2:26, Paul speaks of those who have been ensnared by the devil, "and that they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." This passage highlights the spiritual battle against evil forces and the need for repentance and divine intervention to break free from such snares. Theological Implications The recurring theme of snares in Scripture serves as a powerful reminder of the constant vigilance required in the Christian life. Believers are called to be aware of the subtle and overt traps set by the world, the flesh, and the devil. The Bible encourages reliance on God's wisdom and strength to navigate these dangers, as seen in Psalm 119:110, "The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts." The metaphor of snares also emphasizes the importance of community and accountability among believers. Hebrews 3:13 exhorts, "But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." This communal aspect of the faith helps individuals remain steadfast and avoid the snares that can lead to spiritual downfall. In summary, the biblical concept of snares serves as a vivid illustration of the spiritual dangers that threaten to entrap believers. Through vigilance, adherence to God's Word, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to recognize and avoid these snares, maintaining their walk in righteousness and faithfulness. Strong's Hebrew 4685b. matsod -- a hunting implement, net... Word Origin from tsud Definition a hunting implement, net NASB Word Usage booty (1), net (1), snares (1). 4685a, 4685b. matsod. 4685c . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/4685b.htm - 5k 4170. moqesh -- a bait or lure, a snare 5367. naqash -- to knock, strike, hit, strike or bring down 6341a. pach -- a bird trap Library Snares of Satan. Snares of Satan Among Snares Snares Laid for the Gentiles. That we must not Lay Snares against Our Neighbour. Be on Your Guard against the Snares of the Devil. Of the Measure of the Interior Court by the Reed of God, with the ... How David, Upon Saul's Laying Snares for Him, did yet Escape the ... An Instance of a Lukewarm Monk Caught in the Snares of ... That those who are Snatched from the Jaws of the Devil, and ... Thesaurus Snares (24 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Snares (24 Occurrences). ... (See JPS). 2 Samuel 22:6 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me. ... /s/snares.htm - 12k Traps (8 Occurrences) Snare (69 Occurrences) Fowler (3 Occurrences) Encompassed (34 Occurrences) Entangled (11 Occurrences) Prevented (19 Occurrences) Confronted (7 Occurrences) Coiled (2 Occurrences) Sorrows (37 Occurrences) Resources How is the fear of man a snare (Proverbs 29:25)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org What is Beulah Land? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Snares (24 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 3:19 Joshua 23:13 Judges 2:3 2 Samuel 22:6 Job 18:2 Job 22:10 Job 30:12 Job 34:30 Job 40:24 Psalms 11:6 Psalms 18:5 Psalms 38:12 Psalms 64:5 Psalms 116:3 Psalms 140:5 Psalms 141:9 Proverbs 13:14 Proverbs 14:27 Proverbs 22:5 Ecclesiastes 7:26 Jeremiah 5:26 Jeremiah 18:22 Ezekiel 19:8 Hosea 9:8 Subtopics Related Terms |