An enemy that invades the land of Israel , as well as a special agent used by God to accomplish judgment. In the account of the PASSOVER before the Hebrews were released from bondage by the Egyptians, the destroyer is first mentioned as distinct from the Lord . In a few places in the Bible, Satan seems to be described as a divine agent of destruction .

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)

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3644 olothreutes (ol-oth-ryoo-tace');

from 3645; a ruiner, i.e. (specifically) a venomous serpent:

KJV-- destroyer.