The Terrible Ones: Oppressors of the Meek and Enemies of God

Based on podcast episode 259: The Terrible Ones – Satanic Elites and the Oppression of the Meek

The Meaning of “The Terrible Ones”

The term terrible ones appears only three times in Scripture, yet its significance reaches across prophetic history. The Hebrew word ʽārîts means awe-inspiring, ruthless, or terror-striking. It describes more than violent men—it points to oppressive powers driven by satanic influence. In every instance, these “terrible ones” are tied to persecution of the meek, the poor, and the righteous.

Isaiah 29:5 foretells, “Moreover the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed.” The prophet saw a time when those who terrorized God’s people would be cut off. The same spirit of tyranny and deceit that plagued ancient Jerusalem works today through hidden systems of control—what Scripture calls “the rulers of the darkness of this world”(Ephesians 6:12).

Ariel and the Lion-Like Men

Jerusalem as Ariel

Isaiah 29 opens with a lament over Ariel, meaning “lion of God.” The name refers to Jerusalem, the city chosen by the Lord, now besieged by hypocrisy and corruption. Her rulers had become predators instead of shepherds, preying upon their own people. Through Isaiah, God warned that judgment would come swiftly upon those who oppressed His inheritance.

The Lion-Like Men of David

Scripture gives other glimpses of lion-like oppressors. In 2 Samuel 23:20 and 1 Chronicles 11:22, Benaiah slew two “lion-like men of Moab.” These were mighty, fearsome warriors—types of the terrible ones. They mirror the satanic powers of strength and intimidation that still operate in the world’s systems of violence, greed, and deception.

Modern Echoes of Ancient Oppressors

The same spirit behind the ancient terrible ones animates today’s global elites who manipulate nations, economies, and truth itself. Their desire is domination—over resources, thought, and even the human soul. Psalm 10:2 describes their character: “The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor.” Through political control, economic bondage, and moral corruption, they seek to erase the image of God in humanity.

Ezekiel 22:25-27 depicts this structure of oppression: “Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls.” From ancient Jerusalem’s corrupt priests to modern institutions steeped in lies, the pattern remains unchanged. The terrible ones are those who refuse the fear of the Lord and exalt their power above righteousness.

The Lord Against the Terrible Ones

Psalm 37 assures us that the arm of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. Isaiah 13 declares the day of the Lord’s vengeance against the proud and the violent. Though these oppressors reign for a season, their end is certain. When Christ returns, the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5) will devour the adversary and deliver His saints.

Isaiah 49:25 proclaims, “I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” God Himself will rescue the prey from the mouth of the lion. The satanic rulers who have controlled this earth will face divine justice, and the meek—those whom they despised—shall inherit the very earth they once corrupted.

The Victory of the Lion of Judah

Christ Triumphs Over the Terrible Ones

While the terrible ones roar like devouring lions, they will fall before the One who truly bears that title in righteousness. Psalm 21:9-12 shows the Lord destroying His enemies with fire and arrows prepared against their faces. No alliance of darkness can withstand His coming glory.

Our Hope and Calling

Believers are not called to fear but to stand firm in faith. 1 Peter 5:8-10 warns us to be vigilant, for our adversary the devil walks about seeking whom he may devour. Yet God promises to make us perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us. Until that day, we endure knowing our Redeemer lives and that His kingdom shall have no end.

The End of Oppression

The terrible ones represent every force that rises against God and His people. Their reign of deceit and control is nearing its end. The meek whom they despised will inherit the earth, and the poor whom they oppressed will rejoice in the Lord. Though satanic lions have stalked the world for ages, the Lion of Judah has prevailed.

Christ will return to punish His enemies and establish everlasting righteousness. Let every believer watch and look up, for our redemption draws near. “When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it” (Psalm 37:34). Until that moment, let us remain steadfast, trusting that the King is coming soon.