Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "banish" refers to the act of expelling someone from a community or society, often as a form of punishment or due to a violation of laws or norms. In biblical contexts, banishment is often associated with divine judgment or the enforcement of community purity and holiness.Old Testament References: Banishment is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, often linked to the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commandments. One of the earliest examples is the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden due to their disobedience (Genesis 3:23-24): "So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After He drove the man out, He placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life." The Mosaic Law also prescribes banishment for certain offenses, particularly those that threaten the holiness of the Israelite community. For instance, in Leviticus 20:23 , God warns the Israelites not to follow the practices of the nations He is driving out before them, lest they be banished: "You must not walk in the customs of the nation I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them." New Testament References: In the New Testament, the concept of banishment is often spiritualized, reflecting the separation from God due to sin. Jesus speaks of the final judgment where the unrighteous will be separated from the righteous, as seen in Matthew 25:41 : "Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’" The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of banishment in the context of church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5:13 , he instructs the church to expel the immoral brother: "God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'" Theological Implications: Banishment in the Bible underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of maintaining holiness within the community of God's people. It serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of repentance and reconciliation with God. The ultimate form of banishment is eternal separation from God, which highlights the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, banishment served both as a punishment and a means of protecting the community from impurity and corruption. It was a tangible expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for obedience and faithfulness. Conclusion: The concept of banishment in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions. It reflects the holiness of God and the call for His people to live in accordance with His will, while also pointing to the hope of restoration and redemption through Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To condemn to exile, or compel to leave one's country, by authority of the ruling power.2. (v. t.) To drive out, as from a home or familiar place; -- used with from and out of. 3. (v. t.) To drive away; to compel to depart; to dispel. Greek 1544. ekballo -- to go out ... to go out. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ekballo Phonetic Spelling: (ek-bal'-lo) Short Definition: I throw, cast, put out, banish, bring forth, produce ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1544.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 5080. nadach -- to impel, thrust, banish... 5079, 5080. nadach. 5081 . to impel, thrust, banish. Transliteration: nadach Phonetic Spelling: (naw-dakh') Short Definition: driven. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/5080.htm - 6k 5628. sarach -- to go free, be unrestrained, overrun, exceed 5077. nadah -- to put away, exclude Library Why Art Thou Sorrowful? Whether These are the Four Principal Passions: Joy, Sadness, Hope ... The Apocalypse of Sedrach. Of Scrupulosity Arising from Certain Inward Temptations. ... (On the Mysteries. V. ) On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. The Word John Chapter viii. 28-32 Ephesians iv. 32 and v. 1, 2 The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World Thesaurus Banish (13 Occurrences)... 3. (vt) To drive away; to compel to depart; to dispel. Multi-Version Concordance Banish (13 Occurrences). Romans 11:26 and so all Israel will be saved. ... /b/banish.htm - 10k Ostracize (1 Occurrence) Banished (19 Occurrences) Transport (18 Occurrences) Remove (173 Occurrences) Exile (101 Occurrences) Expel (29 Occurrences) Manasseh (140 Occurrences) Banid Resources Why did Abraham banish Ishmael (Genesis 21:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ezra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Jewish aliyah? | GotQuestions.org Banish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Banish (13 Occurrences)Romans 11:26 Judges 20:13 2 Kings 13:23 Psalms 5:10 Psalms 125:5 Jeremiah 8:3 Jeremiah 24:9 Jeremiah 25:10 Jeremiah 27:10 Jeremiah 27:15 Jeremiah 32:37 Ezekiel 4:13 Ezekiel 34:25 Subtopics Related Terms |