Arson, the willful and malicious act of setting fire to property, is a crime that has been addressed in various forms throughout biblical scripture. The Bible, while not always explicitly mentioning arson, provides principles and laws that reflect God's view on the destruction of property and the malicious intent behind such acts.

Old Testament References

1. Exodus 22:6 : "If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution." This passage from the Mosaic Law highlights the responsibility and consequences for causing a fire that results in the destruction of another's property. It underscores the principle of restitution, emphasizing accountability for one's actions.

2. Judges 15:4-5 : "Then Samson went out and caught three hundred foxes, and he took torches, turned the foxes tail to tail, and fastened a torch between each pair of tails. Then he lit the torches and released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the shocks and standing grain, along with the vineyards and olive groves." This account of Samson's actions against the Philistines illustrates the use of fire as a weapon of destruction and retaliation, reflecting the broader theme of fire as a tool for judgment and conflict.

3. 2 Samuel 14:30 : "So Absalom said to his servants, 'Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire!' And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire." This narrative demonstrates the use of arson as a means of coercion and manipulation, revealing the destructive power of fire when used with malicious intent.

New Testament Principles

While the New Testament does not directly address arson, it provides ethical teachings that can be applied to the act of setting fire to property:

1. Romans 13:9-10 : "The commandments 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not covet,' and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." This passage emphasizes the principle of love and respect for others' property, which inherently condemns acts like arson that harm one's neighbor.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:10 : "nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." While not specifically mentioning arson, this verse includes thieves and swindlers, highlighting the broader category of those who unlawfully take or destroy what belongs to others.

Theological Reflections

The act of arson, as a deliberate and destructive use of fire, is contrary to the biblical principles of stewardship, love, and respect for others' property. Fire, in scripture, is often associated with God's judgment and purification (e.g., Malachi 3:2-3, 1 Corinthians 3:13), but when used by humans for malicious purposes, it becomes a symbol of sin and rebellion against God's order.

The Bible consistently calls for justice, restitution, and reconciliation, urging believers to live in harmony with one another and to respect the property and well-being of their neighbors. Arson, as a violation of these principles, is thus implicitly condemned within the broader biblical narrative.Psalm 74:7,8
They have cast fire into your sanctuary, they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of your name to the ground.
Nave's Topical Index

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... set himself to study the Scriptures (no doubt in ... in so brilliant an exception to
the general disgraceful conduct ... Wherefore do arson, and rape, and robbery, and ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

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