Robberies, as depicted in the Bible, are acts of theft or plunder, often involving violence or threat, and are condemned as violations of God's commandments. The act of robbery is a direct affront to the commandment, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15), and is frequently associated with broader themes of injustice and moral decay.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, robbery is often mentioned in the context of social injustice and the exploitation of the vulnerable. The prophets frequently denounce the leaders and people of Israel for their acts of robbery and oppression. For instance, in Ezekiel 22:29, the prophet declares, "The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice" . This highlights the societal impact of robbery, linking it to a broader pattern of corruption and moral failure.

The Mosaic Law provided specific instructions to address theft and robbery, emphasizing restitution and justice. In Exodus 22:1, the law states, "If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he must repay five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep" . This principle of restitution underscores the importance of making amends for the harm caused by theft.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, robbery is mentioned in various contexts, often illustrating the sinful nature of humanity and the need for repentance. Jesus Himself was crucified between two robbers, highlighting the depth of His identification with sinners. Matthew 27:38 states, "Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right hand and the other on His left" . This scene underscores the redemptive work of Christ, who offers forgiveness even to those guilty of serious crimes.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, lists robbery among the sins that characterize those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he writes, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" . Here, robbery is equated with other grave sins, emphasizing the need for transformation through Christ.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Robbery, as a violation of God's law, is not merely a legal issue but a spiritual one. It reflects a heart that is turned away from God and His commandments. The Bible consistently calls for a change of heart and a return to righteousness. In Isaiah 61:8, God declares, "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In My faithfulness, I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them" . This passage highlights God's desire for justice and His promise of restoration for those who turn from their sinful ways.

The biblical teaching on robbery serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, justice, and compassion in the life of a believer. It calls Christians to uphold these values in their personal lives and in their communities, reflecting the character of God in a world often marked by injustice and sin.(n.) Plural of Robbery.

How Like Kingdoms Without Justice are to Robberies.
... Book IV. Chapter 4."How Like Kingdoms Without Justice are to Robberies. Justice
being taken away, then, what are kingdoms but great robberies? ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 how like kingdoms without.htm

Herod's Veteran Soldiers Become Tumultuous. The Robberies of Judas ...
... CHAPTER 4. Herod's Veteran Soldiers Become Tumultuous. The Robberies Of Judas.
Simon And Athronoeus Take The Name Of King Upon Them. ...
/.../chapter 4 herods veteran soldiers.htm

Apollonius.
... concerning Alexander, who calls himself a martyr, with whom she joins in banqueting;
who himself also is worshipped by many; [3802] whose robberies and other ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/apollonius.htm

The Manner in which Apollonius Refuted the Phrygians, and the ...
... many. We need not mention his robberies and other daring deeds for which
he was punished, but the archives [1631] contain them. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the manner in which.htm

Concerning the Revolt of the Trachonites; How Sylleus Accused ...
... Then did he discourse about these robberies to Saturninus and Volumnius, and required
that they should be punished; upon which occasion they still the more ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the revolt.htm

How Herod, when He had Married Mariamne Took Jerusalem with the ...
... carried off what was out of the city, that they might not leave any thing to afford
sustenance either for men or for beasts; and by private robberies they made ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how herod when.htm

Sources of Our Knowledge of Jesus
... must be inferred concerning one who caused men "to bind themselves with an oath
not to enter into any wickedness, or commit thefts, robberies, or adulteries ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/ii sources of our knowledge.htm

England's Strength
... he taunted the Jews with their weakness; how, like the Russian emperor now, he called
in religion as the excuse for his conquests and robberies, saying, as if ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiv englands strength.htm

A Great Deal for Me to Read Hast Thou Sent...
... lies? Or is it by robbery that robberies and by sacrilege that sacrileges,
and by adultery that adulteries, are to be prosecuted? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/against lying/section 1 a great deal.htm

The Abbots Euroul and Loumon.
... They then confessed everything to him, and he gently replied: "The Lord have mercy
on you, my dearest children; arise and renounce your robberies, that you may ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/the abbots euroul and loumon.htm

Robberies (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Robberies (1 Occurrence). Nahum 3:1 Woe to the bloody
city! it is all full of lies and robberies; the prey departeth not; (WBS). ...
/r/robberies.htm - 6k

Robber (14 Occurrences)

/r/robber.htm - 13k

Robbers (21 Occurrences)

/r/robbers.htm - 14k

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