In biblical times, bandits were a common threat to travelers and communities, often operating in remote or less-policed areas. The presence of bandits is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting the dangers they posed and the moral lessons derived from encounters with them.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several instances where banditry is implied or directly mentioned. In the account of Joseph, his brothers initially plot to kill him but instead sell him to a caravan of Ishmaelites, who are often associated with traders and, at times, bandit-like behavior (Genesis 37:25-28). The law given to Moses also addresses theft and robbery, indicating the prevalence of such crimes and the need for legal measures to curb them (Exodus 22:1-4).

The prophet Hosea speaks metaphorically of bandits to describe the moral decay of Israel: "As marauders lie in wait for a man, so do bands of priests; they murder on the road to Shechem, committing shameful crimes" (Hosea 6:9). This passage illustrates how banditry was not only a physical threat but also a symbol of spiritual and societal corruption.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, bandits are most famously mentioned in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus tells the account of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho who is attacked by robbers, stripped, beaten, and left half-dead (Luke 10:30). This parable underscores the dangers of travel in ancient times and serves as a moral lesson on compassion and neighborly love.

The crucifixion narrative also includes bandits. Jesus is crucified between two criminals, often referred to as thieves or bandits, highlighting His association with sinners and the fulfillment of prophecy: "And they crucified Him with two outlaws, one on His right and one on His left" (Mark 15:27).

Cultural and Historical Context

Banditry in biblical times was often a result of social and economic instability. The lack of centralized law enforcement in rural areas made travelers and isolated communities vulnerable to attacks. Bandits would typically target trade routes, exploiting the movement of goods and people.

The Bible's portrayal of bandits serves as a backdrop for teaching moral and spiritual lessons. The presence of bandits in parables and narratives often highlights themes of mercy, justice, and the transformative power of God's love. The Good Samaritan's actions contrast sharply with the violence of the bandits, illustrating the call to love one's neighbor.

Moral and Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, bandits in the Bible symbolize the broader struggle between good and evil. They represent the lawlessness and sin that pervade the world, against which God's people are called to stand firm. The Bible's teachings encourage believers to seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with God, even in the face of such threats.

The presence of bandits in biblical narratives also serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption through Christ. Jesus' association with sinners, including bandits, emphasizes His mission to save the lost and bring hope to a broken world.(n.) Plural of Bandit.1416. gedud -- a band, troop
... Word Origin from gadad Definition a band, troop NASB Word Usage band (6), band of
raiders (1), Bandits (1), bands (7), divisions (1), marauding band (2 ...
/hebrew/1416.htm - 6k

Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ...
... For by this sign he prostrated the heaps. Of bandits; with Christ's People
'countering them. ... Offcast and dead, by bandits'slaughter slain. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book iii of the harmony of.htm

The Festival of Games, in Honor of Augustus, were About to Begin ...
... retainers; hunters bringing wild beasts in cages lashed upon heavy carts; squads
of Roman cavalry; gamblers, peddlers, thieves, bandits, musicians, dancers ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 24 the festival of.htm

Death of Jesus.
... In applying it to Jesus, they treated him as they treated highway robbers, brigands,
bandits, or those enemies of inferior rank to whom the Romans did not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxv death of jesus.htm

Letter clxix. Basil to Gregory.
... and falling with not unnatural sighs and tears at their daughters' feet, have been
insulted and outraged by this excellent young man and his troop of bandits. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxix basil to gregory.htm

By a Like Simile, the Reasonableness of the Work of Redemption is ...
... Now in truth this great work was peculiarly suited to God's goodness.1. For if a
king, having founded a house or city, if it be beset by bandits from the ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 10 by a like.htm

Chapter vi
... This verb could readily yield this noun in the sense of "attackers," "robbers,"
"bandits." So we have the thought: the descendants of the godly patriarchs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

The Exile at Cucusus
... to the accumulated forms of anguish. Nor even here were they safe from the hungry
and ruthless bandits. Some of the more active"especially ...
/.../chapter lxvii the exile at.htm

The Right to the Ordinary Safeguards of Good Health
... the most dangerous thing we met with in China was just an ordinary teacup, and that
the germs that lurked on its rim were more menacing than tigers or bandits. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 3 the right to.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... The whole of this district forms a little world in itself, whose inhabitants, half
shepherds, half bandits, live a life of isolation, with no ambition to take ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Psalm XCVI.
... the Lord hath reigned from the wood." Shall men perchance prevail here, and say
they reign by wood, because they reign by means of the clubs of their bandits? ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcvi.htm

Bandits (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Bandit. Multi-Version Concordance
Bandits (3 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 11:26 I have been ...
/b/bandits.htm - 7k

Bandit (3 Occurrences)

/b/bandit.htm - 7k

Bands (130 Occurrences)

/b/bands.htm - 37k

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