In the biblical narrative, the concept of "captures" often refers to the seizing or taking of people, cities, or possessions, typically in the context of warfare or divine judgment. This theme is prevalent throughout the Old and New Testaments, illustrating both the consequences of disobedience to God and the fulfillment of His promises.

Old Testament Context

1. Military Conquests: The Old Testament frequently recounts the capture of cities and territories as part of Israel's history. One of the most notable captures is the fall of Jericho, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, took the city after the miraculous collapse of its walls (Joshua 6:20). This event underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands in achieving victory.

2. Divine Judgment: Captures often serve as instruments of divine judgment. For instance, the capture of the Northern Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC and the subsequent exile of its people were direct consequences of Israel's persistent idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 17:6-23). Similarly, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was captured by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, as a result of their failure to heed prophetic warnings (2 Kings 25:1-21).

3. Deliverance and Restoration: Despite the grim reality of captures, the Old Testament also highlights God's power to deliver and restore. The return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia, is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to redeem His people (Ezra 1:1-4).

New Testament Context

1. Spiritual Warfare: In the New Testament, the concept of capture extends into the spiritual realm. Believers are exhorted to "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). This metaphorical capture emphasizes the importance of aligning one's mind and actions with the teachings of Jesus.

2. Christ's Victory: The ultimate capture in the New Testament is Christ's victory over sin and death. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities" (Colossians 2:15), capturing the forces of evil and securing eternal life for believers.

3. Apostolic Suffering: The apostles often faced physical captures and imprisonments as they spread the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, for example, was frequently imprisoned, yet he viewed these captures as opportunities to advance the message of Christ (Philippians 1:12-14).

Theological Implications

The theme of captures in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. It illustrates the consequences of sin and disobedience, while also highlighting God's redemptive power and the hope of restoration. Believers are called to remain faithful, trusting in God's ultimate plan and His ability to deliver them from both physical and spiritual captivity.3920. lakad -- to capture, seize, take
... root Definition to capture, seize, take NASB Word Usage capture (9), captured (57),
captures (4), captures at all (1), catch (2), caught (12), clasp (1 ...
/hebrew/3920.htm - 6k

Index.
... reconquers Northern Africa, 199; begins the Gothic war, and enters Rome, 205; deposes
Pope Silverius, 207; defends Rome against Vitiges, 210; captures Rome the ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/index 2.htm

The Battle of Salamis.
... kills Damasithymus."Xerxes's opinion of her valor."Progress of the battle."The Persians
give way."Heroism of Aristides."He captures Psyttalia."The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xi the battle of.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy ...
... This is utter nonsense that people tell me about something like a big ball of fire
hanging up in the sky." Take heed, therefore, lest anyone captures you "with ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii the disciple 3.htm

Objection to the Number of Extracts from Philosophical Writings in ...
... As, then, he who is fond of hunting captures the game after seeking, tracking, scenting,
hunting it down with dogs; so truth, when sought and got with toil ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii objection to the number.htm

Inasmuch Then, You Say, as You Serve the Almighty God...
... shipwrecks, downfalls, conflagrations, pestilences, barrenness, loss of children,
and confiscation of goods, discords, wars, enmities, captures of cities, and ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/76 inasmuch then you say.htm

To Uranius, Governor of Cyprus.
... wills all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth," [1723] netting
men by men's means to salvation, and bringing them that He captures to the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/lxxvi to uranius governor of.htm

October 13. "The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God" (Rom. viii. 7) ...
... Like the wild hawk which the little child captures in its infancy and tries to train
in the habits of the dove, before you are aware it will fasten its cruel ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /october 13 the carnal mind.htm

A More Excellent Way.
... that universally men are beyond measure enraged on account of it, that wars have
been waged, that there have been overthrows of houses, and captures of cities ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxii a more excellent way.htm

The Battle of Armageddon.
... He besieges Jerusalem and captures it""Behold, the day of the Lord cometh,
and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/6 the battle of armageddon.htm

Concerning Our Lord, and Concerning Death and Satan
... thee. In prompt counsels thou wast excellent: the Son of Mary captures
our cities, while thou art prolonging thy discourse. Arise ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xxxv concerning our lord.htm

Captures (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Captures (5 Occurrences). Joshua 15:16 And Caleb
saith, 'He who smiteth Kirjath-Sephar, and hath captured ...
/c/captures.htm - 7k

Captureth (24 Occurrences)

/c/captureth.htm - 13k

Obadiah (21 Occurrences)
... There are on record the account of four captures of Jerusalem, (1) by Shishak in
the reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25); (2) by the Philistines and Arabians in ...
/o/obadiah.htm - 32k

Captured (143 Occurrences)

/c/captured.htm - 36k

Gideon (45 Occurrences)
... he is through with his present task, Gideon pushes on with his half-famished but
courageous men, overtakes the Midianites, defeats them, captures Zebah and ...
/g/gideon.htm - 36k

Jerusalem (782 Occurrences)
... The Empress Eudoxia Rebuilds the Walls 56. Justinian 57. Chosroes II Captures the
City 58. Heracleus Enters It in Triumph 59. Clemency of Omar 60. ...
/j/jerusalem.htm - 89k

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