Topical Bible: Captive: Cruelty to Maimed

◄ Captive: Cruelty to Maimed ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the treatment of captives, particularly those who are maimed or disabled, is a subject that reflects the broader themes of justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of all human beings as created in the image of God. The Scriptures provide various accounts and laws that address the treatment of captives, emphasizing the importance of compassion and righteousness.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of warfare and captivity, where the treatment of captives often reflects the moral and ethical standards of the time. The Mosaic Law, given to the Israelites, includes specific instructions on how to treat captives, emphasizing humane treatment and the protection of human dignity.

Deuteronomy 21:10-14 provides guidelines for the treatment of female captives, allowing them a period of mourning and ensuring they are not treated as mere property. This reflects a concern for the emotional and physical well-being of captives, even in a patriarchal society.

The prophets frequently condemned the cruelty and inhumanity shown to captives by Israel's enemies. For example, Amos 1:13-15 speaks against the Ammonites for their brutal treatment of pregnant women in Gilead, highlighting the moral outrage against such cruelty.

New Testament Principles

The New Testament, while not directly addressing the treatment of maimed captives, reinforces the principles of love, mercy, and justice that should guide the behavior of believers. Jesus' teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, emphasize love for enemies and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect (Matthew 5:43-48).

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of the spiritual captivity of sin and the liberation found in Christ. While this is a metaphorical use of captivity, it underscores the Christian call to treat all individuals, regardless of their physical or spiritual state, with compassion and dignity.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the treatment of captives varied widely among different cultures and empires. The Assyrians, for example, were known for their harsh treatment of captives, often maiming them as a demonstration of power and control. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical call for justice and mercy.

The biblical narrative consistently points towards a higher standard of ethics, where even in times of war and conflict, the treatment of captives should reflect God's justice and compassion. The maimed, who are often the most vulnerable, are to be treated with particular care and respect, as seen in the broader biblical mandate to care for the marginalized and oppressed.

Theological Implications

The treatment of captives, especially those who are maimed, serves as a reflection of the broader biblical themes of redemption and restoration. The Bible calls believers to emulate God's character, who is described as "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion" (Psalm 103:8). This divine standard challenges believers to rise above the cultural norms of cruelty and to embody the love and justice of God in all interactions, including those with captives.

In summary, the biblical perspective on the treatment of maimed captives is one that calls for compassion, justice, and the recognition of their inherent dignity as human beings. This reflects the broader biblical mandate to love one's neighbor and to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 1:6,7
But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

1 Thessalonians v. 19-22
... extinguish it, they soon take us captive, they soon ... If therefore thou, thyself from
cruelty not hearing thy ... Martyrs, enter the demoniacs, the maimed, the poor ...
/.../homily xi 1 thessalonians v.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... it of necessity and want, because of thy cruelty and inhumanity ... perhaps thou mayest
even be led captive by vain ... the necessities of the sick and maimed, and other ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

Justinian.
... had suffered every extremity of barbarian cruelty from the ... years he had carried Gelimer,
the captive king of ... for having, as she was charged, maimed statues of ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm

St. Gregory the Great.
... Some return to us maimed of their hands; of others we ... once more, and Gregory, a
provincial captive in a ... reared with every possible deceit and cruelty fell to ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter v st gregory the.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... this world disdain: The poor, the lame, the maimed, halt and ... Thou art no captive,
but a child and free; Thou wast ... fie On such a spirit, on such cruelty; Fie on ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

The Holy War,
... robbery are not the pastimes of the child of God, nor is cruelty the element ... section
of his 'Grace Abounding'"'It was my delight to be taken captive by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
A Source Book for Ancient Church History. <. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm