Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, young women often find themselves in vulnerable positions, particularly in times of conflict and conquest. The ancient Near Eastern context, as depicted in the Bible, frequently involved warfare and the subsequent taking of captives, including young women. This entry explores the instances and implications of young women being taken captive, as well as the cultural and theological considerations surrounding these events.Biblical Instances 1. Numbers 31:9 · In the aftermath of the battle against the Midianites, the Israelites took captive the women and children. "The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all their herds, flocks, and goods as plunder." This passage highlights the common practice of taking captives during wartime, with young women often being part of the spoils. 2. Deuteronomy 21:10-14 · The Law provides specific instructions regarding the treatment of female captives. "When you go to war against your enemies and the LORD your God delivers them into your hands and you take them captive, if you see a beautiful woman among them and desire her, you may take her as your wife." This regulation underscores the integration of captives into Israelite society, albeit under strict conditions that aimed to protect the dignity of the woman. 3. 2 Kings 5:2-3 · The account of the young Israelite girl taken captive by the Arameans and serving in Naaman's household illustrates the personal impact of captivity. "At this time the Arameans had gone out in bands and taken captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She served Naaman’s wife." Despite her status, this young girl played a pivotal role in Naaman's healing, demonstrating God's providence even in dire circumstances. Cultural Context In the ancient world, warfare often resulted in the capture of women and children, who were considered part of the victor's spoils. Young women, in particular, were valued for their potential as wives or servants. The biblical text reflects this reality, while also providing laws and narratives that seek to humanize and protect these individuals within the covenant community. Theological Considerations The taking of captives, including young women, raises significant theological questions about justice, mercy, and the nature of God's people. The biblical laws concerning captives, such as those in Deuteronomy, reveal a concern for the humane treatment of individuals, even in the context of war. These laws can be seen as a reflection of God's justice and compassion, setting Israel apart from other ancient Near Eastern cultures. Moreover, the accounts of captive young women, like the Israelite girl in Naaman's household, illustrate God's sovereignty and ability to work through all circumstances. These narratives remind believers of the potential for God's redemptive purposes to unfold, even in situations of captivity and suffering. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of young women taken captive is complex, reflecting both the harsh realities of the ancient world and the distinctive ethical framework of the Israelite community. Through laws and narratives, the Bible addresses the treatment of captives, emphasizing dignity, justice, and the possibility of redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 1:18The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 30:17,18 Library The Life of Malchus, the Captive Monk. The Princesses of the Comneni The Lord's Supper --Preliminary Observations. Matt. v. 27, 28 Matt. Ii. 4, 5 The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Faith and Courage. Backsliding. 2 Cor. Iii. 7, 8 The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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