Topical Encyclopedia Banishment, as depicted in the Bible, refers to the act of expelling or exiling an individual or group from a community or land, often as a form of punishment or divine judgment. This concept is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating both the consequences of sin and the hope of redemption.Old Testament Instances 1. Adam and Eve: The first instance of banishment occurs in Genesis 3:23-24, where Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden due to their disobedience. "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" . This act signifies the separation from God's immediate presence due to sin. 2. Cain: In Genesis 4:12-14, Cain is cursed and becomes "a restless wanderer on the earth" after murdering his brother Abel. His banishment underscores the severity of taking innocent life and the resulting alienation from God and community. 3. Israelites in the Wilderness: The Israelites' 40-year wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 14:33-34) can be seen as a form of collective banishment due to their lack of faith and disobedience. This period serves as both punishment and preparation for entering the Promised Land. 4. Exile of Israel and Judah: The Assyrian and Babylonian exiles represent significant national banishments. In 2 Kings 17:6, the northern kingdom of Israel is taken into Assyrian captivity, while 2 Kings 25:21 describes the Babylonian exile of Judah. These events are portrayed as divine judgment for persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. New Testament Context 1. The Prodigal Son: Although not a literal banishment, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates self-imposed exile. The younger son's departure from his father's house and subsequent return highlight themes of repentance and reconciliation. 2. Church Discipline: In the New Testament, banishment takes the form of church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5:13, Paul instructs the Corinthian church to "Expel the wicked man from among you" , emphasizing the need for purity within the Christian community and the hope for the sinner's eventual restoration. Theological Significance Banishment in the Bible often serves as a tangible expression of the spiritual separation caused by sin. It underscores the holiness of God and the serious consequences of disobedience. However, the biblical narrative also consistently points to the possibility of restoration and reconciliation. The return from exile, both physically and spiritually, is a recurring theme, culminating in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to God and offers a way back from spiritual exile. Conclusion Banishment in the biblical context is a multifaceted concept that reflects the gravity of sin and the hope of redemption. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God, while also pointing to His mercy and the promise of restoration for those who repent and seek His forgiveness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The act of banishing, or the state of being banished.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BANISHMENTban'-ish-ment. Strong's Hebrew 8332. sheroshu -- uprooting, banishment... sheroshu or sheroshi. 8333 . uprooting, banishment. Transliteration: sheroshu or sheroshi Phonetic Spelling: (sher-o-shoo') Short Definition: banishment. ... /hebrew/8332.htm - 6k 4065. madduach -- something which draws aside, an enticement Library Concerning the Banishment and Return of the Holy Liberius. Banishment of Eunomius by Theodosius the Great. Theophronius, his ... Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property. The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736. After the Banishment of Justice, Lust, Unjust Laws, Daring ... Assault Upon the Monks, and Banishment of their Superiors, who ... After the Banishment of Athanasius, Arius Having Been Sent for by ... Chrysostom and Eudoxia. His Second Banishment, AD 403 Epistle Lvii. To Lucius the Bishop of Rome, Returned from ... Chrysostom and Theophilus. His First Deposition and Banishment. Thesaurus Banishment (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BANISHMENT. ban'-ish-ment. See PUNISHMENTS. Multi-Version Concordance Banishment (1 Occurrence). ... /b/banishment.htm - 7k Apostle (25 Occurrences) Galilee (73 Occurrences) Visions (43 Occurrences) Nod (2 Occurrences) Oracles (8 Occurrences) Leper (34 Occurrences) Imprisonment (15 Occurrences) Transport (18 Occurrences) Executed (39 Occurrences) Resources Why did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Cappadocian Fathers? | GotQuestions.org Who was Lamech in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Banishment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Banishment (1 Occurrence)Ezra 7:26 Subtopics Banishment of Adam and Eve, from Eden Banishment of Cain, to be "A Fugitive and Vagabond" Banishment: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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