In biblical contexts, the term "straggler" refers to individuals who lag behind or fall away from a group, often due to weakness, fatigue, or lack of vigilance. The concept of stragglers is significant in both literal and metaphorical senses within the Scriptures, highlighting themes of vulnerability, spiritual diligence, and the importance of community.

Old Testament References

The notion of stragglers is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. In Deuteronomy 25:17-18 , Moses reminds the Israelites of the Amalekites' attack: "Remember what the Amalekites did to you along your way from Egypt, how they met you on your journey and attacked all your stragglers at the rear, when you were tired and weary. They had no fear of God." This passage underscores the danger faced by those who fall behind, as stragglers were targeted by enemies due to their isolation and weakness.

The attack on the stragglers by the Amalekites serves as a warning about the perils of spiritual complacency and the need for vigilance. It also emphasizes the importance of protecting the vulnerable within the community, as those who lag behind are often the most susceptible to external threats.

New Testament Implications

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "straggler," the concept is present in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7 reflects a similar concern for those who have strayed from the fold: "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?" This parable illustrates God's concern for those who have fallen away and the joy in their restoration.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of spiritual stragglers in his epistles. In Galatians 6:1-2 , he writes, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Here, Paul encourages believers to support and restore those who have strayed, emphasizing the communal responsibility to care for one another.

Spiritual Vigilance and Community

The biblical treatment of stragglers highlights the importance of spiritual vigilance and the role of the community in safeguarding its members. Believers are called to be watchful and to support those who may be struggling or falling behind in their faith journey. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts Christians to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, the concept of stragglers in the Bible serves as a reminder of the dangers of isolation and the need for a supportive community. It calls believers to be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in caring for those who may be at risk of falling away, reflecting the heart of God for the lost and the vulnerable.1. (n.) One who straggles, or departs from the direct or proper course, or from the company to which he belongs; one who falls behind the rest; one who rambles without any settled direction.

2. (n.) A roving vagabond.

3. (n.) Something that shoots, or spreads out, beyond the rest, or too far; an exuberant growth.

4. (n.) Something that stands alone or by itself.

909. badad -- to be separate, isolated
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be separate, isolated NASB Word Usage
alone (1), lonely (1), shoots (2), straggler (1). alone. ...
/hebrew/909.htm - 5k

Set at Liberty.
... Soon the last straggler would be lost to view, the heavy portcullis fall, and the
massive iron gate swing to, and the first step would be taken towards the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiv set at liberty.htm

What He Means by Our Birth to an "Uncertain" Life.
... so steeped in ambiguity that they afford a shelter for their doctrine, out of which
may sally forth an heretical sense to entrap the unwary straggler; for when ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 23 xxi what he means.htm

The Massacre
... They succeeded in their effort, though with ever-diminished numbers, since the
crowd harassed them at every step and cut off every straggler. ...
/.../chapter xxxiii the massacre.htm

Straggler (1 Occurrence)
...Straggler (1 Occurrence). ... Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you;
for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. ...
/s/straggler.htm - 7k

Melted (33 Occurrences)
... Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the
north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. (WEB ASV YLT). ...
/m/melted.htm - 16k

Philistia (12 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you;
for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. ...
/p/philistia.htm - 12k

Stragglers (1 Occurrence)

/s/stragglers.htm - 6k

Stowed (1 Occurrence)

/s/stowed.htm - 6k

Melt (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you;
for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. ...
/m/melt.htm - 17k

Ranks (34 Occurrences)
... Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the
north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV). ...
/r/ranks.htm - 17k

Howl (29 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you;
for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. ...
/h/howl.htm - 15k

Smoke (98 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you;
for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. ...
/s/smoke.htm - 39k

North (164 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you;
for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks. ...
/n/north.htm - 43k

Straggler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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