
Know Your Enemy – The Art of Spiritual Warfare
The admonition to ‘know your enemy’ can be traced back to The Art of War, a seminal work by the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, dating back to the 5th century BC. The full quote reads, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the outcome of a hundred battles.”
The idea of understanding one’s enemy as a vital component of warfare strategy has its roots in the Greco-Persian wars. In a spiritual context, knowing your enemy goes beyond merely recognizing individuals or political systems. It also includes identifying situations to avoid, attitudes that hinder your growth, and anything that threatens your identity as a disciple of Yeshua, our Messiah.
The Spiritual War Begins
This earthly realm in which we live is a spiritual battleground fraught with ‘friendly fire’, fiery darts, and deception. This is why the admonition to know your enemy is so prevalent throughout the Scriptures.
The adversary of our souls revealed his true nature in Eden when he deceived Chavah (Eve) by asking, “Did El truly say?” His initial attack was aimed at sowing doubt in Chavah’s mind. By prompting her to question the Father’s intentions toward both herself and Adam, he set in motion a chain of events that has led humanity to endure untold suffering throughout the ages.
As a result of the couple’s insurrection against their Creator, Adam’s offspring have had to fight their way through this spiritual matrix of deception we call life. Even though the Prophets tried to break the spell of unbelief, the ultimate red pill moment wouldn’t come until Yeshua’s ministry.
In Sun Tzu’s The Art of War there are five major truisms to keep in mind when preparing for battle:
- All warfare is based on deception.
- If you know your enemy and know yourself, you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.
- In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
- The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
- Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Let’s see how this advice stacks up against Yah’s Word.
#1 Warfare is Based on Deception

Military warfare is fundamentally rooted in deception as a means to gain strategic advantage over an opponent. Deception can take various forms, including misinformation, camouflage, diversion, and PSYOPs1. These methods are all aimed at misleading an enemy about one’s true intentions and capabilities.
By spreading false information, a military force can create confusion and uncertainty within enemy ranks, leading opponents to make poor decisions based on incorrect assumptions. Case in point, the Eden insurrection whereby the first couple rebelled against their Creator due to misinformation coming from the serpent – the enemy.
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God indeed say, ‘You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?” The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat, but from the tree that is in the midst of the garden, God said, ‘You shall not eat from it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die’.” But the serpent said to the woman, “You shall not surely die. For God knows that on the day you both eat from it, then your eyes will be opened and you both shall be like gods, (like one of us) knowing good and evil.” And the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was a delight to the eyes, and the tree was desirable to make one wise, and she took from its fruit and she ate. And she gave it also to her husband with her, and he ate. And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed together fig leaves and they made for themselves coverings. Genesis 3: 1-7 LEB
Speaking on the danger of listening to doctrinal enemies, otherwise known as false apostles, Paul warned:
But I am afraid lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds may be led astray from the sincerity and the purity of devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 LEB
Remember, Adam was not deceived. However, he was complicit as an enabler of Chavah’s sin and allowed his wife to usurp his Yah-ordained authority. (1 Timothy 2:14)
Employing physical deception (camouflage) such as disguising troops or equipment prevents the enemy from accurately assessing one’s strength and strategy. The enemy of our souls, otherwise known asSatan (Azazel), will often disguise himself and his hordes of unclean spirits as angels of light in their strategy to deceive the elect.
Many times the enemy will create diversions and can redirect our focus and resources, allowing for a more favorable engagement at a more opportune time. In the Bible, there are several instances where Satan attempts to divert Yeshua from His mission as the Savior or trap him. Here are a few key examples:
The 40 days of testing in the wilderness
After his immersion (baptism) Yeshua was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) where he fasted for 40 days and nights. During this time, Satan approached him with three specific temptatins:
- Satan challenged Yeshua to use his divine power to satisfy hunger.
- Satan quoted scripture, suggesting that angels would save him — testing Yah.
- Satan promised Yeshua power and glory if he would worship him in his attempt to divert him from his cup of suffering that would ultimately lead to death and resurrection as High Priest.
Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 NKJV
Peter’s interference with Yeshua’s mission
After Yeshua foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection, Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Jesus responded, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:21-23) This incident illustrates how even well-meaning individuals can be influenced by Satanic thoughts to divert Yeshua from His mission.
False witnesses at his trial
During His trial, false witnesses were brought against Yeshua, and He was accused of blasphemy before the High Priest (Matthew 26:57-68). This manipulation and deceit can be seen as a work of Satan to undermine His mission by leading to His condemnation and crucifixion, (which ultimately backfired).
Deception also plays a key role in the enemy’s psychological operations, where the goal is to instill fear, doubt, or confusion in the believer. This serves to weaken our resolve and scatter our focus.
Joshua was not immune from deception. We read in Joshua 9:1-15 that after the Israelites had conquered Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites, who were inhabitants of a nearby city, feared for their lives. To protect themselves, they devised a plan meant to deceive the Israelites. The Gibeonites sent a delegation to Joshua, pretending to be ambassadors from a distant land. They wore worn-out clothes, carried old sacks, and brought dry and moldy bread to support their claim that they had traveled from far away.
When they approached Joshua, they stated that they had heard of the great deeds of the Israelites and requested a peace treaty. Joshua and the leaders of Israel, without seeking counsel from God, examined their provisions and accepted their story at face value. They made a covenant with the Gibeonites, agreeing to spare them and allow them to live. Later, the truth was revealed when the Israelites discovered that the Gibeonites were actually their neighbors. Despite being deceived, Joshua honored the covenant made with them, choosing to protect the Gibeonites rather than break the oath.
The successful application of deception in warfare can lead to a significant advantage, enabling one side to outmaneuver and outsmart the other, ultimately influencing the outcome of conflicts. This incident highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance and being cautious in decision-making, as Joshua’s failure to consult Yahuah led to a significant and unintended alliance.
Spiritual Warfare PSYOPs
Psychological operations (Psyops) in the context of the Bible can be seen in instances where strategic deception or manipulation was used to achieve a particular goal. Here are two examples that demonstrate how psychological strategies were employed in biblical narratives to influence behavior and decision-making.
1. The Deception of the Israelites by the Spies (Numbers 13-14):
When Moses sent twelve spies to scout the land of Canaan, ten of them returned with a negative report, emphasizing the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities. Their fear-mongering created panic among the Israelites, leading them to doubt God’s promise and rebel against entering the Promised Land. This psychological manipulation had a profound impact, causing the entire nation to wander in the desert for an additional forty years due to their lack of faith.
2. Absalom’s Conspiracy Against David (2 Samuel 15):
Absalom, King David’s son, engaged in a psychological operation to undermine his father’s authority and win the hearts of the people. He would stand by the city gate and offer to hear the grievances of those coming to seek justice from the king. By presenting himself as a more approachable and just leader, Absalom sowed seeds of discontent among the people regarding David’s rule. This manipulation of public perception ultimately led to a rebellion against David, illustrating how psychological tactics can be employed to shift loyalty and influence the masses.
#2 Knowing Your Enemy and Yourself Averts Disaster
David pretended to be insane to escape King Saul’s pursuit in a dramatic episode found in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. After fleeing from Saul, David sought refuge in the city of Gath, where he was recognized by the servants of King Achish. Fearing for his life, David devised a plan to feign madness.
To convince Achish that he was unhinged, David acted erratically, letting saliva run down his beard and scratching marks on the doors of the gate. His bizarre behavior led Achish to believe that David posed no threat and was not worth keeping as a prisoner. Achish dismissed David, saying he had enough madmen and did not need another. This clever ruse allowed David to escape from a dangerous situation, showcasing his resourcefulness and ability to think quickly under pressure.
We often believe that the flesh and blood people who cause problems in our lives are our enemies. But we must remember that unclean spirits that make up Satan’s kingdom are guiding their thoughts and actions. Our analysis of each situation we face must be rooted in this deeper understanding of what’s really going on ‘behind the curtain.’
Finally my brothers, be strong in Yahuah and the power of His might. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities2, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness3 of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places4. Ephesians 6: 10-12.
Be sober, be on alert; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Resist him, steadfast in your faith because you know the same kinds of sufferings are being accomplished by your community of believers in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Sometimes Satan appears as an ‘angel of light’ and sometimes as ‘a roaring lion.’ The lion here is not the crouching lion, the one who creeps toward his foe. But it is the raging monarch of the woods, who by his terrible roar intimidates all so that they might become easy prey. This is how persecution manifests itself. Lions roar when they are hungry.
We must be watchful and calmat all times as we cast our care upon the Most High Elohim. We should stay alert and careful to exercise circumspection, as one does when he is in danger. Satan will always oppose us through unclean spirits. He will always resist our efforts to do good in our goal to achieve salvation.
#3 In the Midst of Chaos There is Also Opportunity
One notable example of chaos within the camp of Israel’s enemy that led to victory is found in the story of Gideon and the Midianites. (Judges 7:19-22)
Gideon, chosen by Yah to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, was instructed to reduce his army to just 300 men. Armed with trumpets, empty jars, and torches, Gideon and his men surrounded the Midianite camp at night. At Gideon’s signal, they blew their trumpets, broke the jars, and shouted, “The sword of Yahuah and for Gideon!”
The sudden noise and the sight of the torches created confusion and panic among the Midianite soldiers. Believing they were under attack from a large force, the Midianites turned on each other in chaos, leading to a significant defeat. The Israelites, witnessing the turmoil, were able to pursue the fleeing Midianites and achieve a decisive victory.
This event illustrates how Yahuah can use confusion and disorder within the enemy camp to bring about victory for His people, emphasizing the power of divine intervention in battle.
#4 The Supreme Art of War is to Subdue the Enemy Without Fighting
Sun Tzu emphasizes the idea that the best victory is one achieved without direct conflict. To “subdue the enemy without fighting” means to outsmart or outmaneuver opponents through strategy, diplomacy, or psychological tactics, leading them to surrender or defeat themselves. This approach conserves resources, minimizes loss, and maintains stability, showcasing the superiority of strategic thinking over brute force.
The story of Jericho, particularly the biblical account of its fall, is often cited as an example of defeating an enemy without traditional battle, aligning with principles found in The Art of War.

In the account, the Israelites, led by Joshua, were instructed to march around the city of Jericho for six days, and on the seventh day, they circled the city seven times. They then blew their trumpets, and the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed, allowing them to enter the city without a conventional siege or battle.
This example aligns several key biblical principles with Sun Tzu’s teachings:
- Faith in Yah’s strategy is always superior to brute force. The Israelites used a unique strategy that relied on psychological warfare and divine intervention rather than direct confrontation.
- Preparation and timing is key. The careful planning and the timing of the march around Jericho reflect the importance of preparation and obedience to Yah’s commands.
- Psychological warfare. The act of marching around the city and the sound of trumpets could be seen as a form of psychological warfare, instilling fear and uncertainty in the inhabitants of Jericho; manipulating the enemy’s perceptions and morale.
- Avoidance of prolonged conflict. By defeating Jericho without a drawn-out battle, the Israelites avoided the costs and risks associated with prolonged warfare.
#5 Victorious Warriors Win First, Then Go To War
“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war” means that successful leaders plan and strategize thoroughly before engaging in battle. They ensure they have the advantage, whether through superior tactics, intelligence, or resources, and thus are more likely to achieve victory. This advice looks like this in the life of a believer:
- Preparation for battle through prayer and fasting
- Reliance on the Ruach for wisdom and direction
- Understanding that the battle belongs to Yah, but preparation is our responsibility
Conversely, “defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win” implies that those who rush into conflict without adequate preparation or understanding of their situation often face defeat. Our Messiah had much to say about the importance of planning, because the battle begins in our minds first.
For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
For although we are living in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but powerful to God for the tearing down of fortresses, tearing down arguments and all pride that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us”
The statement “We have met the enemy and he is us” originated from cartoonist Walt Kelly. He used it in a 1970 comic strip featuring his character Pogo. The phrase has since become a popular expression reflecting the idea that our greatest challenges often come from within ourselves. We can become our own worst enemy, especially when we ignore the wisdom of scripture.
…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Eloah.
Matthew 4:4
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, both joints and marrow, and able to judge the reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
We must be willing to allow Yah to humble us as we go through life so he can eventually lift us up. There is no way any of us will be victorious in spiritual warfare until we recognize the sovereignty of the Most High and surrender to His will.
3 And he humbled you and let you go hungry, and then he fed you with that which you did not know nor did your ancestors know, in order to make you know that not by bread alone but by all that goes out of the mouth of Yahuah humankind shall live.
Deuteronomy 8:3
While Sun Tzu’s philosophies on war are certainly thought-provoking, we must prioritize the Word of Yah. According to the Word, the first step toward eternal success is to believe in Yeshua Messiah, our High Priest. Our helmet represents salvation, and our sword is the Word of Elohim. By understanding our identity in the Messiah and staying true to His commands throughout our lives, we can ultimately achieve resurrection to eternal life. Through the wisdom and guidance of the Ruach, we can be victorious whenever we engage in spiritual warfare.
FOOTNOTES
1 PSYOP, or Psychological Operations, is a military operation that uses non-combative means to influence the state of mind of an enemy. The goal of PSYOP is to influence the behavior of governments, organizations, groups, and large foreign powers.
2 Principalities: G746 = arche – chief,( in various applications of order, time, place or rank): magistrate, power, rule
3 Darkness: G4655=skotos – shadiness, that is, obscurity (literally or figuratively)
4 Heavenly places: G2032=epouranios -above the sky: – celestial, (in) heaven (-ly)
5 Ephesians 6:17 – “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Eloah.”