Topical Encyclopedia Kidnapping, the unlawful taking and carrying away of a person by force or fraud, is an act that is addressed in various instances throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide narratives and laws that reflect the gravity of this offense, emphasizing its moral and legal implications.Joseph's Abduction One of the most notable instances of kidnapping in the Bible is the account of Joseph, the son of Jacob. Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy and resentment, plotted against him. Initially, they intended to kill him, but Reuben, the eldest brother, intervened, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead. Eventually, they sold Joseph to a caravan of Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver, who then took him to Egypt. This act of betrayal and abduction is recounted in Genesis 37:28: "So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt." The Law Against Kidnapping The Mosaic Law explicitly condemns the act of kidnapping, underscoring its severity. In Exodus 21:16, the law states: "Whoever kidnaps another man must be put to death, whether he sells him or the man is found in his possession." This commandment highlights the seriousness with which God views the violation of personal freedom and the sanctity of human life. The Case of the Gibeonites Another instance that indirectly involves kidnapping is the deceitful treaty made by the Gibeonites with Joshua and the Israelites. Although not a direct act of kidnapping, the Gibeonites' deception led to their servitude, as they tricked the Israelites into making a covenant with them. Joshua 9:21 records the outcome: "Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and water carriers for the whole congregation." This narrative illustrates the consequences of deceit and the resulting loss of freedom. The Abduction of Women in Judges In the Book of Judges, there is a troubling account involving the Benjamites. After a civil war nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin, the remaining men were allowed to abduct women from Shiloh to take as wives, as described in Judges 21:23: "So that is what the Benjamites did. While the young women were dancing, each man caught one and carried her off to be his wife." This incident reflects the chaotic and lawless period of the Judges, where moral and social norms were often disregarded. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not provide direct instances of kidnapping, it upholds the principles of love, respect, and the inherent value of each individual. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize the dignity and worth of every person, implicitly condemning acts that violate personal freedom and integrity. Throughout the Bible, kidnapping is portrayed as a grievous sin, one that disrupts the God-given order and dignity of human life. The narratives and laws concerning this act serve as a reminder of the importance of justice, compassion, and respect for others. Nave's Topical Index Judges 21:20-23Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards; Nave's Topical Index Library The Appeal to Parliament, 1742-1749. The Old Testament and Comparative Religion Resources How should a Christian view the civil rights movement? | GotQuestions.orgDid Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? | GotQuestions.org If homosexuality is a sin, why didn't Jesus ever mention it? | GotQuestions.org Kidnapping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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