Definition and Context
The term "waylay" refers to the act of lying in wait to ambush or attack someone unexpectedly. In biblical contexts, waylaying often involves deceit, treachery, and violence, reflecting the sinful nature of humanity and the dangers that the righteous may face from the wicked. The Bible frequently warns against such behavior and highlights the moral and spiritual implications of ambushing others.

Biblical References
While the specific term "waylay" may not appear frequently in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is evident in various passages that describe ambushes and deceitful attacks. One notable example is found in the account of the Good Samaritan, where a traveler is waylaid by robbers:

· Luke 10:30 : "Jesus took up this question and said, 'A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.'"

This parable illustrates the vulnerability of individuals to unexpected attacks and the moral responsibility of others to offer assistance and compassion.

Moral and Spiritual Implications
Waylaying is often associated with wickedness and is condemned in Scripture. It is an act that violates the principles of love, justice, and righteousness that God commands His people to uphold. The Bible consistently portrays those who engage in such treachery as aligned with evil:

· Proverbs 1:11-12 : "If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause; let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit.'"

This passage warns against joining with those who plot harm against the innocent, emphasizing the destructive nature of such actions and the ultimate judgment that awaits the wicked.

Protection and Deliverance
The Bible assures believers that God is their protector and deliverer from those who seek to waylay them. Trusting in God's providence and justice is a recurring theme, offering comfort and assurance to the faithful:

· Psalm 91:3 : "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague."

This verse highlights God's promise to rescue His people from hidden dangers and malicious schemes, reinforcing the belief that divine protection is available to those who seek refuge in Him.

Conclusion
The concept of waylaying in the Bible serves as a reminder of the presence of evil in the world and the need for vigilance, righteousness, and reliance on God's protection. Believers are called to reject deceitful and violent behavior, to uphold justice, and to trust in the Lord's deliverance from those who seek to do harm.(v. t.) To lie in wait for; to meet or encounter in the way; especially, to watch for the passing of, with a view to seize, rob, or slay; to beset in ambush.

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
... overtake us. The most desperate enemies may waylay us, but no bullet shall
find its billet in any heart unless the Lord allows it. Our ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/2 the absolute godhood of.htm

Seeking Richly Rewarded
... The young lions are very crafty; they understand how to waylay their game and leap
upon them with a sudden spring at unawares, and yet, with all their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/seeking richly rewarded.htm

Acts XXV
... done. He, of course, knew nothing of the plot to waylay Paul: for they
kept this purpose concealed, while they professed another. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxv.htm

Paul Appeals to Caesar
... Paul, and besought him, and desired favor against him, that he would send for him
to Jerusalem." In making this request they purposed to waylay Paul along the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 40 paul appeals to.htm

For Mariners.
... Death walks the waves in all his forms,. And shoots his darts from every star; Want,
pain, and woe man's path waylay,. Deliver us, good Lord, we pray. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn ccxliv for mariners.htm

Sleep Not
... The Philistines are not asleep. When the good man slumbers and ceases to watch,
Satan does not slumber, and temptations do not cease to waylay him. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/sleep not.htm

Acts XX
... course. This plot was probably an arrangement to waylay him on the road
to Cenchrea, and perhaps both rob and murder him. Having ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm

On Confession
... If I, turning highway robber, waylay a man, beat him and steal his watch, I do him,
as you see, a double injury, and deserve a double punishment for the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 19 on confession.htm

On Trusting in the Mercy of God.
... Suppose a criminal should plead that there had been a conspiracy to waylay and arrest
him; that witnesses had been bribed to give false testimony; that the ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/ii on trusting in the.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... Accordingly, he, by the most extensive promises, engaged the services of twelve
warriors of renown to waylay the British Champion, in order to deprive him of ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

Waylay (3 Occurrences)
... in ambush. Multi-Version Concordance Waylay (3 Occurrences). Acts 20:3
The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be ...
/w/waylay.htm - 7k

Waymark

/w/waymark.htm - 6k

Waylaid (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Waylay. Multi-Version Concordance
Waylaid (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 15:2 Thus saith the LORD ...
/w/waylaid.htm - 6k

Travel (25 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:3 The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be on the point
of taking ship for Syria, he decided to travel back by way of Macedonia. ...
/t/travel.htm - 14k

Decided (54 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:3 The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be on the point
of taking ship for Syria, he decided to travel back by way of Macedonia. ...
/d/decided.htm - 22k

Planned (34 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:3 The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be on the point
of taking ship for Syria, he decided to travel back by way of Macedonia. ...
/p/planned.htm - 16k

Beset (16 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To set or stud (anything) with ornaments or prominent objects. 3. (vt)
To hem in; to waylay; to surround; to besiege; to blockade. ...
/b/beset.htm - 12k

Ambush (39 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To station in ambush with a view to surprise an enemy. 5. (vt) To attack
by ambush; to waylay. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. AMBUSH. ...
/a/ambush.htm - 19k

Susanna (1 Occurrence)
... the park, they divulged to each other their lustful passion toward this beautiful
woman, and resolved together to seize the first opportunity to waylay her in ...
/s/susanna.htm - 17k

Whenever (123 Occurrences)
... Acts 20:3 The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be on the point
of taking ship for Syria, he decided to travel back by way of Macedonia. ...
/w/whenever.htm - 36k

What happened on Paul's third missionary journey? | GotQuestions.org

Waylay: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus