What does the Bible say about captive?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible portrays captivity as a grievous result of war and human sin, while showing that God remains sovereign, just, and able to rescue the helpless. Genesis 14:12 records Lot’s capture and Abraham’s deliverance of him, displaying faithful concern for those taken away. In 1 Samuel 30:1-2, David’s family and others are carried captive, yet the Lord enables their recovery. The laws and narratives in Numbers 31:9-20, Deuteronomy 20:13, Deuteronomy 21:10, and Joshua describe Israel’s ancient warfare under God’s particular judgment, not a general Christian mandate. These difficult accounts underscore sin’s devastation and God’s justice, while believers are called to mercy, protection of the vulnerable, and trust in Christ, who delivers his people from spiritual bondage.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- Prisoner of war Genesis 14:12; 1 Samuel 30:1; 1 Samuel 30:2
- Cruelty to
- Putting to death Numbers 31:9-20; Deuteronomy 20:13; Deuteronomy 21:10; Joshua 8:29; Joshua 10:15-40; Joshua 11:11; Judges 7:25; Judges 8:21; Judges 21:11; 1 Samuel 15:32; 1 Samuel 15:33; 2 Samuel 8:2
- Twenty thousand, by Amaziah 2 Chronicles 25:11; 2 Chronicles 25:12
- Ripping women with child 2 Kings 8:12; 2 Kings 15:16; Amos 1:13
- Tortured under saws and harrows 2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Chronicles 20:3
- Blinded Judges 16:21; Jeremiah 39:7
- Maimed Judges 1:6; Judges 1:7
- Ravished Lamentations 5:11-13; Zechariah 14:2
- Enslaved Deuteronomy 20:14; 2 Kings 5:2; Psalms 44:12; Joel 3:6
- Robbed Ezekiel 23:25; Ezekiel 23:26
- Confined in pits Isaiah 51:14
- Other indignities to Isaiah 20:4
- Kindness to 2 Kings 25:27-30; Psalms 106:46
- Advanced to positions in state Genesis 41:39-45; Esther 2:8; Daniel 1
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