Topical Bible: Captive: Cruelty to Robbed

◄ Captive: Cruelty to Robbed ►

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In the biblical context, the treatment of captives and the cruelty inflicted upon those who have been robbed is a recurring theme that underscores the moral and ethical expectations set forth by God for His people. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings that highlight the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion, particularly towards those who are vulnerable and oppressed.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the plight of captives and the cruelty of robbers, often in the context of war and conquest. The Israelites themselves experienced captivity, most notably during their enslavement in Egypt. This experience became a foundational narrative that shaped their understanding of justice and compassion. In Exodus 22:21, the Israelites are commanded, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt."

The prophets often spoke against the cruelty and injustice perpetrated by the powerful against the weak. In Amos 1:6, the prophet condemns the Philistines for their cruelty: "For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they carried into exile a whole community, handing them over to Edom." This passage highlights God's disapproval of the inhumane treatment of captives.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." This proclamation underscores the Christian duty to care for those who are suffering and to work towards their liberation.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of captivity and robbery in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:28, he instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need." This teaching not only condemns theft but also encourages a transformation towards generosity and support for the needy.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical narrative consistently calls for a rejection of cruelty and an embrace of justice and mercy. The treatment of captives and those who have been robbed serves as a litmus test for the moral character of individuals and societies. The Scriptures advocate for a community where the dignity of every person is upheld, and where the vulnerable are protected and cared for.

Throughout the Bible, the call to remember the plight of captives and the cruelty of robbers serves as a reminder of God's justice and compassion. Believers are encouraged to reflect God's character in their interactions with others, ensuring that they act as agents of His love and righteousness in a world often marked by injustice and suffering.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 23:25,26
And I will set my jealousy against you, and they shall deal furiously with you: they shall take away your nose and your ears; and your remnant shall fall by the sword: they shall take your sons and your daughters; and your residue shall be devoured by the fire.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Strength Profaned and Lost
... warriors caught in their toils and robbed of power ... for mirth and riddles suggested
this new cruelty. ... with his humiliating exertions, the blind captive begs the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/strength profaned and lost.htm

At Capernaum
... the Saviour spoke with authority, and set the captive free ... the fiend became relentless
in his cruelty, and terrible ... God's word was robbed of its power, and evil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 26 at capernaum.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... I do not blaspheme, yet when I am robbed of my ... ambition to those who have been made
captive, and those ... but that multitude of sufferings, and the cruelty of the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... for the Lord's flock that was carried away captive.(20) What ... They became satanic
in their cruelty. ... and often those who returned in safety were robbed of what ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... of his people, for the Lord's flock that was carried away captive. ... They became satanic
in their cruelty. ... often those who returned in safety were robbed of what ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

1 Cor. Ix. 1
... the second Epistle he says; "I robbed other Churches ... Covetousness, to those who are
led captive by her? ... necessity and want, because of thy cruelty and inhumanity ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxi 1 cor ix.htm

Book ii Then for a While She Held Her Peace. ...
... but wantonly she mocks the sorrow which her cruelty has made. ... Of what good things
have I robbed you ... tears of respect for the miseries of his captive, King Perses ...
/.../boethius/the consolation of philosophy/book ii then for a.htm

1 Timothy v. 8
... but a soul and body, of which if they are robbed, it is ... such acts?" Would he not
have accused him of cruelty and brutality? ... But he led him away like a captive. ...
/.../homily xiv 1 timothy v.htm

The Fifth Book
... Meanwhile the poor are being robbed, widows groan, orphans are ... been driven so far
by the cruelty of Roman ... to capture us, when we take our brothers captive? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... of one of his own presbyters who robbed orphans and ... It protested against cruelty,
as well to the brute ... if any of the brethren were carried captive by predatory ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm