In the context of the Bible, the term "vagabond" is often associated with individuals who wander without a permanent home or stable means of support. The concept of a vagabond is introduced early in the Scriptures and carries significant theological and moral implications.

Biblical References:

1. Cain as the First Vagabond:
The first mention of a vagabond in the Bible is found in the account of Cain. After Cain murdered his brother Abel, God pronounced a curse upon him. In Genesis 4:12 , God declares, "When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce for you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." Here, the term "wanderer" is synonymous with being a vagabond, indicating a life of instability and restlessness as a consequence of sin.

2. The Curse of Disobedience:
The theme of becoming a vagabond is also linked to disobedience and rebellion against God. In Leviticus 26:33 , God warns the Israelites of the consequences of forsaking His commandments: "But I will scatter you among the nations, and I will draw out a sword after you, and your land will become desolate and your cities will become waste." This scattering implies a loss of homeland and identity, akin to becoming vagabonds among the nations.

3. Spiritual Implications:
The notion of being a vagabond extends beyond physical wandering to spiritual restlessness. Proverbs 21:16 states, "The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead." This verse suggests that spiritual vagabondage results from departing from divine wisdom and guidance, leading to a life devoid of purpose and direction.

Moral and Theological Insights:

· Consequences of Sin:
The life of a vagabond in the Bible is often portrayed as a direct consequence of sin and disobedience. Cain's punishment serves as a reminder of the alienation and instability that result from turning away from God's commands.

· Divine Justice and Mercy:
While the status of a vagabond is depicted as a form of divine judgment, it also reflects God's mercy. In Genesis 4:15 , God places a mark on Cain to protect him from being killed, indicating that even in judgment, God provides a measure of grace and protection.

· Call to Repentance:
The condition of being a vagabond serves as a call to repentance and a return to God. The Bible consistently invites those who are spiritually lost to seek reconciliation with God, promising restoration and peace to those who turn back to Him.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, being a vagabond was often associated with social stigma and vulnerability. Without the protection of a community or the stability of a home, vagabonds were exposed to various dangers and hardships. This historical context underscores the severity of the biblical portrayal of vagabondage as a state to be avoided through adherence to God's laws and commands.

Conclusion:

The biblical concept of vagabonds serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God's path. Through the accounts and teachings of Scripture, believers are reminded of the value of spiritual stability and the dangers of wandering away from divine truth.

The Pilgrim Band, 1736-1743.
... the Ronneburg walls were crumbling to pieces, and the out-houses, farms and stables
were let out to fifty-six dirty families of Jews, tramps, vagabonds and a ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vii the pilgrim band.htm

Psalm CIX.
... "Let his children be vagabonds, and be carried away, and beg their bread" (ver.9).
By "vagabonds" he meaneth, uncertain whither to go, destitute of all help. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

Luke of Prague and the High Church Reaction. 1473-1530.
... "Hunt out and destroy these shameless vagabonds," wrote Dr. Augustin K??sebrot to
King Uladislaus, "they are not even good enough to be burnt at the stake. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi luke of prague.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... let him be condemned, and let his prayer become sin; let his children be fatherless
and his wife a widow; let his children be continually vagabonds and beg ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

"Confido"
... ground had formerly been put, was soon in course of building, but the beggars who
were destined to 1711 it, many of whom were worthless vagabonds, showed very ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 11 confido.htm

Life at Herrnhut.
... life. For industrious Catholics there was a hearty welcome; for vagabonds,
tramps and whining beggars there was not a bed to spare. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv life at herrnhut.htm

Preface to the Benedictine Edition.
... And next, a multitude of vagabonds and foreigners of the lowest class of the people,
[970] in a state of excited feeling, broke out into deeds of violence. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/preface to the benedictine edition.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... the unbelievers; [1656] but thou, after so much admonition of our Fathers, [1657]
hast needed teachers from without; and certain vagabonds and miscreants have ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm

Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ...
... great skill in martial affairs; as he got together a band of four hundred men, who
came principally out of the country of Tyre, and were vagabonds that had run ...
/.../chapter 21 concerning john of.htm

Psalm 109
... 9His children let be fatherless,. his wife a widow make. ^10His children let be
vagabonds,. and beg continually; And from their places desolate. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 109.htm

Vagabonds (1 Occurrence)
...Vagabonds (1 Occurrence). Psalms 109:10 Let his children be continually vagabonds,
and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places. ...
/v/vagabonds.htm - 6k

Vagabond (4 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American) substitutes in each case "wanderer,"
but in Psalm 109:10 it retains "vagabonds." "Vagabond Jews" (perierchomai; the ...
/v/vagabond.htm - 9k

Vagrant (2 Occurrences)

/v/vagrant.htm - 7k

Desolate (189 Occurrences)
... Psalms 109:10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek
their bread also out of their desolate places. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/d/desolate.htm - 38k

What is a vagabond in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus