Violence—found sixty-five times in sixty-four Old Testament verses and only twelve times in eleven verses in the New Testament
Variations: violence, violent, violently
Last usage in the Old Testament: Malachi 2:16 (violence)
First usage in the New Testament: Matthew 8:32 (violently)
Interesting fact: The last mention of the word violence refers to the Lord’s destruction of “that great city Babylon” (Revelation 18:21). The Bible refers to this city as “drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus” (Revelation 17:6). This city and religion has continually filled the earth with violence but will one day reap what she has sown.
Bible study tip: The Bible is a patriarchal book. As such, people groups are often identified by merely adding the suffix ite(s) to the father’s name; for example, the children of Israel are known as Israelites (Joshua 13:6). In some cases, this is slightly varied; for instance, the descendants of Benjamin are called Benjamites (Judges 20:35-36). The patriarchal association is important from the standpoint of word formation and identity. However, it can also help identify the spiritual condition of a people group’s origin and even their present condition.
Sunday, Day 358—Church Day (no devotional)
Monday, Day 359—The Most High Regardeth
Tuesday, Day 360—The Soul That Loveth Violence
Wednesday, Day 361—Church Night (no devotional)
Thursday, Day 362—Thou Savest Me from Violence
Friday, Day 363—Evil Shall Hunt the Violent Man
Saturday, Day 364—When Violence Is No More
Day 358: Church Day
Psalm 86:14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.