Topical Bible: Select Readings in Captivity

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Introduction

The concept of captivity in the Bible is a significant theme that spans both the Old and New Testaments. It often serves as a backdrop for God's redemptive work and His dealings with His people. Captivity can be understood both in a literal sense, as in the physical bondage of the Israelites, and in a spiritual sense, representing the bondage of sin and the need for deliverance.

Old Testament Captivity

1. Egyptian Captivity: The Israelites' bondage in Egypt is one of the earliest and most significant instances of captivity. This period is marked by the Israelites' suffering under Pharaoh's oppressive rule. God hears their cries and raises Moses to lead them out of Egypt. The Exodus narrative is foundational, illustrating God's power to deliver His people. "The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings.'" (Exodus 3:7).

2. Babylonian Captivity: This period of exile is a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC, many Israelites were taken to Babylon. The captivity lasted for 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah. During this time, figures like Daniel and Ezekiel emerged, providing leadership and hope. The Babylonian Captivity served as a period of purification and reflection for the Israelites. "This whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years." (Jeremiah 25:11).

3. Assyrian Captivity: The Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC. This event is seen as a consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience. The Assyrian Captivity resulted in the dispersion of the ten tribes, often referred to as the "Lost Tribes of Israel." "In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria." (2 Kings 17:6).

New Testament Captivity

1. Spiritual Captivity: In the New Testament, captivity often takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the liberator who frees humanity from the bondage of sin and death. The Apostle Paul speaks of this deliverance in his letters, emphasizing the freedom found in Christ. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2).

2. Paul's Imprisonments: The Apostle Paul experienced physical captivity multiple times during his ministry. His letters from prison, such as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, reflect a deep sense of joy and purpose despite his circumstances. Paul's imprisonments highlight the theme of spiritual freedom even in physical bondage. "Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel." (Philippians 1:12).

Theological Implications

Captivity in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition and God's redemptive plan. It underscores the consequences of sin and disobedience, while also highlighting God's mercy and faithfulness. The deliverance from captivity, whether physical or spiritual, points to the ultimate redemption found in Jesus Christ. The theme of captivity and liberation is central to understanding the narrative of Scripture and God's covenant relationship with His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 137:1
By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Quotations from the Lxx. In the New Testament.
... 1--- 2 Corinthians Galatians 10); there are none in the Epistles of the Roman captivity,
with the ... 831] On this reading see WH?�, Notes on select readings, p. 96 ...
/.../chapter ii quotations from the.htm

Introduction
... of the Bible in general, by Select Masterpieces, illustrating ... parties until the time
of the fall and captivity. ... being often substituted for the readings in the ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/introduction.htm

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... verse is very confused, and there are many various readings. ... and such as are for
captivity, to captivity." See also ... to increase the number, or to select from it ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

Some Hymns of Great Witnesses.
... In some readings the original "in favilla" is changed ... letters written during a two
years' captivity for his ... It is reprinted in Peloubet's Select Songs, and in ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter ii some hymns of.htm

Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ...
... or singular in me that I select from the New ... As it is, false readings are sometimes
corrected by ... and that, after suffering pollution and captivity, it cannot ...
/.../faustus fails to understand why.htm

On the Interpretation of Scripture
... improved. We may suppose, further, that the readings of these older copies
do not always conform to some received canons of criticism. ...
/.../on the interpretation of scripture.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... But I was ignorant of the true God(213) and I was taken into captivity unto Ireland,
with so many thousand men, according to our deserts, because we had ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... dog." The best description of the first-mentioned species is still that of Olivier,
who saw in the house oL the Pasha of Bagdad five of them in captivity; cf. ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm