Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, the aftermath of warfare often resulted in the enslavement of captives. This practice is reflected in the biblical narrative, where captives of war frequently became bondservants or slaves. The Bible provides several instances and regulations concerning this practice, illustrating the socio-political and theological dimensions of servitude.Biblical Instances and Context The enslavement of war captives is evident in various Old Testament accounts. One notable example is found in the conquest narratives of the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 20:10-11 , God instructs the Israelites on how to approach cities they intend to capture: "When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. If they accept your offer of peace and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you." This directive underscores the common practice of subjugating defeated peoples, integrating them into the victors' society as servants. The Gibeonites, for instance, became woodcutters and water carriers for the Israelites after deceiving Joshua into making a peace treaty with them (Joshua 9:21). Regulations and Ethical Considerations The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the treatment of slaves, including those captured in war. Exodus 21:2-11 and Leviticus 25:44-46 outline the rights and limitations concerning Hebrew and foreign slaves. While Hebrew slaves were to be released in the seventh year, foreign slaves, often war captives, could be held in perpetuity: "You may also purchase them from the foreigners residing among you or from their clans living among you—who are born in your land. These may become your property" (Leviticus 25:45). Despite the acceptance of slavery, the biblical text emphasizes humane treatment. Deuteronomy 21:10-14 provides guidelines for marrying female captives, ensuring their dignity and protection. This reflects a broader biblical ethic that, while accommodating the cultural norms of the time, seeks to mitigate the harshness of slavery. Theological Implications The enslavement of war captives in the Bible also carries theological significance. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. The Israelites themselves experienced captivity and servitude as a result of their disobedience, as seen in the Babylonian exile. This historical reality underscores the biblical theme of divine justice and mercy. Moreover, the New Testament reinterprets the concept of servitude through the lens of Christ's redemptive work. Believers are called to be "slaves of righteousness" (Romans 6:18), highlighting a spiritual servitude that contrasts with physical bondage. This transformation from physical to spiritual servitude reflects the ultimate liberation found in Christ, who came "to proclaim freedom to the captives" (Luke 4:18). Conclusion The practice of enslaving war captives in the biblical narrative reflects the historical and cultural realities of the ancient world. While the Bible acknowledges this practice, it also provides a framework for ethical treatment and points towards a greater spiritual freedom through Christ. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 20:14But the women, and the little ones, and the cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil thereof, shall you take to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which the LORD your God has given you. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 21:10-14 2 Kings 5:2 2 Chronicles 28:8,10 Lamentations 5:13 Library Appeal to the Christian Women of the South After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ... Of Civil Government. Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... The Letter of the Church of Rome The Seventh Book The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Rise of the Assyrian Empire A Traveler's Note-Book The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is servant evangelism? | GotQuestions.org What is a bondservant / bond-servant? | GotQuestions.org Servant: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Servant: Bond by the Roman Centurion Servant: Bond used As Soldiers by Abraham Servant: Bond: An Abandoned Sick Man Servant: Bond: Bond Service Threatened, As a National Punishment, for the Disobedience of Israel Servant: Bond: Bought and Sold Servant: Bond: Captive Bondservants Shared by Priests and Levites Servant: Bond: Captives of War Became Slaves Servant: Bond: Children of Defaulting Debtors Sold As Servant: Bond: David Erroneously Supposed to be a Fugitive Slave Servant: Bond: Defaulting Debtors Made Servant: Bond: Degrading Influences of Bondage Exemplified by Cowardice Servant: Bond: Emancipation of Servant: Bond: Equal Status of, With Other Disciples of Jesus Servant: Bond: Freedmen Called "Libertines" Servant: Bond: Fugitive, not to be Returned to his Master Servant: Bond: Hagar, Commanded by an Angel to Return to Sarah (Sarai), Her Owner Servant: Bond: Kidnapping Forbidden Servant: Bond: Kindness To, Commanded Servant: Bond: Laws of Moses Concerning Servant: Bond: Must be Circumcised Servant: Bond: Must Enjoy Religious Privileges With the Master's Household Servant: Bond: Must Have Rest on the Sabbath Servant: Bond: Onesimus Interceded For, by Paul Servant: Bond: Owned by Priests Servant: Bond: Rights of Those Born to a Master Servant: Bond: Slaves Owned Slaves Servant: Bond: Sought by Shimei Servant: Bond: Taken in Concubinage Servant: Bond: The Master Could Marry, or Give in Marriage Servant: Bond: Thieves Punished by Being Made Servant: Bond: Voluntary Servitude of Servant: Good of the Roman Centurion Servant: Good: Servants in the Parable of the Pounds and the Parable of the Talents Servant: Hired: Await Employment in the Marketplace Servant: Hired: The Father of the Prodigal Son Servant: Hired: The Laborers of a Vineyard Servant: Hired: The Rebellious Son Servant: Hired: Treatment of, More Considerate than That of Slaves Servant: Hired: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Pounds Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful in the Parable of the Vineyard Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abimelech Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abraham and Lot Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Absalom Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Amon Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Joash Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Job Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Shimei Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Ziba Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Gehazi Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Jeroboam Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Onesimus Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful: Zimri Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) Servant-girls (12 Occurrences) Fellow-servant (6 Occurrences) Brother-servant (2 Occurrences) |
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