Topical Encyclopedia Subjugation, in a biblical context, refers to the act of bringing individuals or groups under control or dominion, often through force or authority. This concept is evident throughout the Scriptures, where it is depicted in various forms, including military conquest, political domination, and spiritual submission.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, subjugation is frequently associated with the conquest of lands and peoples. The Israelites, under divine command, were often involved in subjugating the inhabitants of Canaan. In Deuteronomy 20:16-18 , God instructs the Israelites regarding the cities of the nations He is giving them as an inheritance: "However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, you must not leave alive anything that breathes. You must completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you." The subjugation of these peoples was not merely for territorial expansion but was also a means of purging idolatry and maintaining the purity of worship to Yahweh. The Israelites' failure to fully subjugate these nations often led to spiritual and moral compromise, as seen in Judges 1:28 : "When Israel became strong, they pressed the Canaanites into forced labor but never drove them out completely." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of subjugation takes on a more spiritual dimension. The apostle Paul speaks of subjugating one's own body and desires to the will of God. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 , Paul writes, "No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the subjugation of spiritual powers and authorities through the victory of Christ. Colossians 2:15 states, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This passage highlights the ultimate subjugation of evil forces through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Theological Implications Theologically, subjugation in the Bible underscores God's sovereignty and authority over all creation. It reflects the divine order and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. The subjugation of nations in the Old Testament serves as a foreshadowing of the ultimate subjugation of all things under Christ, as described in Philippians 2:10-11 : "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Practical Application For believers, the concept of subjugation calls for a life of submission to God's will and authority. It involves the daily surrender of personal desires and ambitions to align with God's purposes. James 4:7 exhorts, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is not one of oppression but of willing obedience and trust in God's perfect plan. In summary, subjugation in the biblical narrative serves as a multifaceted theme that encompasses physical, political, and spiritual dimensions, ultimately pointing to the supremacy of God's kingdom and the call for believers to live under His lordship. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The act of subjugating, or the state of being subjugated.Strong's Hebrew 4001. mebusah -- a treading down, subjugation... 4000, 4001. mebusah. 4002 . a treading down, subjugation. Transliteration: mebusah Phonetic Spelling: (meb-oo-saw') Short Definition: oppressive. ... /hebrew/4001.htm - 6k Library Of the Fact that the God of the Jews, after the Subjugation of ... Of the Question Why God Suffered the Jews to be Reduced to ... The Righteousness of this Life Comprehended in Three Parts ... The Return of Xerxes to Persia. The Ray and the Reflection Self-Denial. The Nations of the South-East the harmony of the gospels Ignatius is Condemned by Trajan. The Faithful Servant Thesaurus Subjugation (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of subjugating, or the state of being subjugated. Multi-Version Concordance Subjugation (1 Occurrence). ... /s/subjugation.htm - 6k Kings (350 Occurrences) Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences) Jael (6 Occurrences) Hazor (19 Occurrences) Triumph (52 Occurrences) Riblah (12 Occurrences) Conquest (2 Occurrences) Cambyses Acco (2 Occurrences) Resources What is the significance of the Babylonian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Arameans? | GotQuestions.org Who was John Knox? | GotQuestions.org Subjugation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Subjugation (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 22:5 Subtopics Related Terms |