Topical Bible: Servants: Slaves or Bond: Captives Taken in War often Kept As

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In the biblical context, the term "servants" often refers to individuals who were in a state of servitude or slavery. This condition could arise from various circumstances, including being captured in war. The practice of taking captives and keeping them as slaves is documented in several passages throughout the Bible, reflecting the historical and cultural realities of the ancient Near East.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the taking of captives in war and their subsequent enslavement was a common practice. This is evident in the narratives of the Israelites and their interactions with surrounding nations. For instance, in Numbers 31:9, the Israelites captured the women and children of the Midianites after a victorious battle: "The Israelites took the Midianite women and their children captive and seized as plunder all their cattle, flocks, and goods."

The Mosaic Law provided regulations concerning the treatment of slaves, including those taken as captives. In Deuteronomy 20:10-14, instructions are given for warfare, including the treatment of captives: "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. But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city. When the LORD your God has delivered it into your hand, you must put every male to the sword. But the women, children, livestock, and whatever else is in the city—all its spoil—you may take as plunder for yourselves."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of servitude is addressed within the broader context of Christian conduct and relationships. While the New Testament does not explicitly address the practice of taking captives in war, it does provide guidance on the treatment of slaves and servants. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the spiritual equality of all believers, regardless of their social status. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Paul's epistle to Philemon is a notable example of addressing the relationship between a master and a servant. Onesimus, a runaway slave, is sent back to his master Philemon with a plea from Paul to receive him not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:15-16).

Theological Implications

The biblical treatment of servants and slaves, including those taken as captives in war, reflects the complex interplay between cultural practices and divine commandments. While the Bible acknowledges the existence of slavery, it also lays the groundwork for principles of justice, mercy, and equality. The overarching biblical narrative points towards a redemptive plan that transcends social and cultural boundaries, emphasizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual as created in the image of God.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on servants, particularly those taken as captives in war, is multifaceted. It acknowledges the historical realities of the time while also pointing towards a higher moral and spiritual calling. The teachings of the Bible, especially in the New Testament, encourage believers to view all individuals as equal before God, promoting a spirit of love, compassion, and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 20:14
But 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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:2
And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... Lord at Jerusalem with a gift; here the bond and the ... claims, (if they ever had any,)
to their female slaves. ... now to examine the case of those servants who were ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... take dust and ashes into so near a bond of love as ... 6:12); and men are said to be
the servants of sin ... He leads sinners as slaves before him in triumph; he wholly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

Of Civil Government.
... bondage" (Gal.5:1), in another passage forbids slaves to be ... of your sheep: and ye
shall be his servants" (1:Sam.8 ... 28:2). Job says""He looseth the bond of kings ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Seventh Book
... in them have not experienced the marriage bond, and so ... heads of families cannot make
their slaves good, what ... 14. Indeed, aside from a very few servants of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... us wisdom and righteousness, [247]24; the bond of union ... grass, [709]ib.; those who
enjoy it slaves, [710]ib ... Hagar, why taken by Abraham, [804]155; her insulting ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... stranger who had thus treated her servants, took her ... metals, gleanings of the
battle-field, slaves and productive ... a long file of naked captives, bound ready ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... recall homewards, leaving but a slight bond of vassalage ... el-Amarna correspondence
of Hittite slaves whom Dushratta ... was accompanied by two discreet servants only ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... now, as it is with them that are slaves and captives to ... and hath avenged the blood
of his servants at her ... the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... "Now when he was gone out, his servants came; and ... which all the people of the city
had taken refuge, when ... 294.jpg A PROCESSION OF PHILISTINE CAPTIVES AT MEDINET ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... of the best families were made slaves; some of ... his previous campaign Assur-nazir-
pal had taken two towns ... Besheph, Hadad, and the Cabin, the servants of Besheph ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm