In biblical terminology, "withstanders" refers to individuals or entities that oppose, resist, or stand against others, often in the context of spiritual or moral conflict. The concept of withstanding is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where it is depicted in various narratives and teachings.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, withstanding is often seen in the context of opposition to God's will or His chosen leaders. One notable example is found in the account of Moses and Pharaoh. Pharaoh is a quintessential withstander, as he repeatedly resists Moses' demands to let the Israelites go, despite witnessing numerous signs and wonders performed by God through Moses (Exodus 5-12). Pharaoh's hardened heart exemplifies the obstinacy of those who stand against divine authority.

Another example is the opposition faced by the prophets. Jeremiah, for instance, encountered significant resistance from the people of Judah, who refused to heed his warnings and messages from God. In Jeremiah 18:18, the people conspire against him, saying, "Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah; surely the law will not be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor the word to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, withstanding often takes on a spiritual dimension, as believers are called to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. Ephesians 6:11-13 instructs believers to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

The Apostle Paul himself faced withstanders in his ministry. In Acts 13:8, Elymas the sorcerer opposes Paul and Barnabas, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes Elymas, demonstrating the power of God over those who resist His message.

Spiritual Warfare and Resistance

The concept of withstanding is closely tied to the theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are encouraged to resist the devil and his schemes, as seen in James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This resistance is not passive but requires active engagement in faith, prayer, and adherence to God's Word.

The Apostle Peter also exhorts believers to be vigilant against their adversary, the devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. In 1 Peter 5:9, he advises, "Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering."

Moral and Ethical Resistance

Withstanding is not limited to spiritual opposition but also includes moral and ethical resistance to societal pressures and ungodly practices. Daniel and his companions exemplify this form of withstanding when they refuse to defile themselves with the king's food and wine, choosing instead to adhere to their dietary convictions (Daniel 1:8-16).

In summary, withstanders in the biblical sense are those who oppose or resist, whether in defiance of God's will or in defense of it. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of both types, offering lessons on the consequences of resisting God and the virtues of standing firm in faith against opposition.

Withstanders
... Book First CCCXXXV WITHSTANDERS. When weakness now do strive wi' might ... An' truth
be turn'd by might's denial; Withstanders we ha' mwost [215] to fear,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cccxxxv withstanders.htm

The Treasury of Sacred Song
... CCCXXXIII THE CHILD'S GRE??VE. CCCXXXIV THE CHURCH AN' HAPPY ZUNDAY. CCCXXXV
WITHSTANDERS. CCCXXXVI THE MOTHER'S DREAM. CCCXXXVII PER PACEM AD LUCEM. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/

Withstanders (15 Occurrences)
...Withstanders (15 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 16:9 for a door to me hath been opened --
great and effectual -- and withstanders 'are' many. (YLT). ...
/w/withstanders.htm - 10k

Girdest (6 Occurrences)
... not. (KJV). 2 Samuel 22:40 And Thou girdest me 'with' strength for battle,
Thou causest my withstanders to bow under me. (YLT). Psalms ...
/g/girdest.htm - 7k

Raisest (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 22:49 And bringing me forth from mine enemies, Yea, above my withstanders
Thou raisest me up. From a man of violence Thou deliverest me. (YLT). ...
/r/raisest.htm - 7k

Causest (25 Occurrences)
... fall. (YLT). 2 Samuel 22:40 And Thou girdest me 'with' strength for battle,
Thou causest my withstanders to bow under me. (YLT). 1 ...
/c/causest.htm - 13k

Hating (95 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Deuteronomy 33:11 Bless, O Jehovah, his strength, And the work of his hands
Thou acceptest, Smite the loins of his withstanders, And of those hating him ...
/h/hating.htm - 33k

Unbridled (4 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Exodus 32:25 And Moses seeth the people that it 'is' unbridled, for Aaron
hath made it unbridled for contempt among its withstanders, (YLT). ...
/u/unbridled.htm - 7k

Withstander (1 Occurrence)

/w/withstander.htm - 6k

Wonderfully (12 Occurrences)
... not. (YLT). Psalms 17:7 Separate wonderfully Thy kindness, O Saviour of
the confiding, By Thy right hand, from withstanders. (YLT). ...
/w/wonderfully.htm - 10k

Withstandeth (2 Occurrences)

/w/withstandeth.htm - 7k

Deliverer (29 Occurrences)
... Psalms 18:48 My deliverer from mine enemies, Above my withstanders Thou
raisest me, From a man of violence dost deliver me. (YLT). ...
/d/deliverer.htm - 15k

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