Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context Banishing, in the biblical context, refers to the act of expelling or sending someone away from a community or presence, often as a form of punishment or divine judgment. This concept is seen throughout the Scriptures, where individuals or groups are removed from their place due to sin, disobedience, or as a consequence of their actions. Old Testament Instances One of the earliest examples of banishment is found in the account of Adam and Eve. After they disobeyed God by eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, they were banished from the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:23-24 states, "So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." Another significant instance is the banishment of Cain after he murdered his brother Abel. God declared that Cain would be a restless wanderer on the earth. Genesis 4:12 records, "When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth." The concept of banishment is also evident in the laws given to Israel. For example, in Leviticus 20:2-3 , God commands that anyone who sacrifices their children to Molech should be put to death and cut off from their people, effectively banishing them from the community. New Testament References In the New Testament, banishment is often seen in the context of church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5:13 , Paul instructs the church to "Expel the wicked man from among you," referring to a member of the church living in blatant sin. This form of banishment serves as a means to maintain the purity of the church and encourage repentance. The concept of eternal banishment is also present in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 25:41 , Jesus speaks of the final judgment, saying, "Then He will say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'" This passage highlights the ultimate form of banishment, where those who reject God are separated from His presence eternally. Theological Implications Banishing in the Bible underscores the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for repentance. The act of banishment is not only punitive but also redemptive, as it often aims to bring about a change of heart and restoration. Throughout Scripture, the theme of banishment is balanced with the hope of reconciliation. While Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ offers a way back to fellowship with Him. Similarly, church discipline aims to restore the sinner to the community of believers. Conclusion The biblical concept of banishing reflects the gravity of sin and the justice of God, while also pointing to His mercy and the possibility of redemption. Through understanding the instances and implications of banishment, believers are reminded of the importance of holiness and the hope of restoration through Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Banish.Strong's Hebrew 5432. sese -- to drive away... to drive away. Transliteration: sese Phonetic Spelling: (sah-seh-aw') Short Definition: banishing. ... root Definition to drive away NASB Word Usage banishing (1). ... /hebrew/5432.htm - 6k Library Creation's Groans and the Saints' Sighs Synopsis. --The Gradual Narrowing of the Miraculous Element in the ... Here Followeth a Discourse Between My Wife and the Judges, with ... The Secular Clergy Pleasures of the Glorified Senses. Men not Excluded from These Remarks on Personal Adornment. Paul in Corinth. The Fourteenth Proposition. Concerning the Power of the Civil ... Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ... The American Experiments, 1734-1762. Thesaurus Banishing (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Banish. Multi-Version Concordance Banishing (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 27:8 Your anger ... /b/banishing.htm - 6k Banishment (1 Occurrence) Banished (19 Occurrences) Resources Why does the Bible contain so much condemnation? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How can I get rid of lustful thoughts? | GotQuestions.org Banishing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Banishing (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 27:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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