Confiscation refers to the act of seizing property by authority, often without compensation. In biblical times, confiscation was a practice that could be employed by rulers or authorities as a means of punishment or control. The concept of confiscation is seen in various contexts throughout the Bible, reflecting both divine judgment and human governance.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, confiscation is often associated with divine judgment against nations or individuals who have acted wickedly. For example, in the conquest of Canaan, God commanded the Israelites to destroy certain cities completely, taking no spoils for themselves, as an act of divine judgment. In Joshua 6:17-19, the city of Jericho is devoted to destruction, and the Israelites are instructed not to take any of the accursed things, lest they bring trouble upon themselves.

Another instance is found in the account of Naboth's vineyard in 1 Kings 21. King Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, orchestrates the false accusation and execution of Naboth to confiscate his vineyard. This act of injustice is condemned by the prophet Elijah, who pronounces God's judgment upon Ahab and his household.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, confiscation is mentioned in the context of persecution faced by early Christians. Hebrews 10:34 speaks of believers who "sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves have a better and lasting possession." This passage highlights the early Christians' willingness to endure loss for the sake of their faith, trusting in their eternal inheritance.

Theological Implications

Confiscation in the Bible often serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice. When God commands the destruction or confiscation of property, it is typically in response to sin and rebellion, underscoring the seriousness of disobedience. Conversely, when human authorities unjustly confiscate property, as in the case of Naboth, it serves as a warning against the abuse of power and the perversion of justice.

The biblical perspective on confiscation also emphasizes the transient nature of earthly possessions. Believers are encouraged to hold loosely to material goods, recognizing that their true treasure is in heaven. This is evident in Jesus' teachings, such as in Matthew 6:19-21, where He instructs His followers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

Practical Considerations

For Christians today, the biblical accounts of confiscation can inform their understanding of justice, stewardship, and the proper use of authority. While the Bible acknowledges the reality of confiscation, it also calls believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). In situations where confiscation occurs, whether justly or unjustly, Christians are reminded to trust in God's ultimate justice and provision.(n.) The act or process of taking property or condemning it to be taken, as forfeited to the public use.CONFISCATION

kon-fis-ka'-shun.

See PUNISHMENTS.

6065. anash -- amercing, confiscation
... 6064, 6065. anash. 6066 . amercing, confiscation. Transliteration: anash
Phonetic Spelling: (an-ash') Short Definition: confiscation. ...
/hebrew/6065.htm - 6k

Of the Confiscation of the Sacred Treasures and Taking Away of the ...
... Book III. Chapter VIII."Of the confiscation of the sacred treasures and
taking away of the allowances. Even when the wicked had ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter viii of the confiscation of.htm

Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book I. Chapter
LII."Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lii banishment of the christians.htm

Concerning those who have Yielded Merely Upon Threat of Penalties ...
... Canon VI. Concerning those who have yielded merely upon threat of penalties
and of the confiscation of? Concerning those who have ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon vi concerning those who.htm

Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, Also ...
... Book II. Chapter XXXV."Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors,
also of those who had suffered Banishment or Confiscation of Property. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxxv of the inheritance of.htm

A Law Granting Release from Exile, from Service in the Courts, and ...
... Book II. Chapter XXX."A Law granting Release from Exile, from Service in
the Courts, and from the Confiscation of Property. "Let ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xxx a law granting release.htm

the life of constantine
... Chapter LII.--Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property.
Chapter LIII.--Edict that Women should not meet with the Men in the Churches. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/

I have not Dealt with any Details Touching Distributed Ownership.. ...
... means. It is not at all too late to restore an approximately rational state
of English possessions without any mere confiscation. ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 49 i have not.htm

Letter ccxl. To the Presbyters of Nicopolis.
... No one of us has been torn by lashes; [3024] no one of us has suffered confiscation
of his house; we have not been driven into exile; we have not suffered ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter ccxl to the presbyters.htm

His Charge of Cowardice is Baseless: for Basil Displayed the ...
... It was a time of exile, confiscation, banishment, threats of fines, danger of life,
arrests, imprisonment, scourging; nothing was too dreadful to put in force ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 12 his charge of.htm

To Olympias. Why do You Lament? Why do You Belabour Yourself...
... or in being ill-treated when it is the occasion of so much gain? or why
should exile be grievous or confiscation of goods? These ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/to olympias why do you.htm

Confiscation (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONFISCATION. kon-fis-ka'-shun. See PUNISHMENTS.
Multi-Version Concordance Confiscation (2 Occurrences). ...
/c/confiscation.htm - 7k

Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... Kings 25:7); also alluded to in the life of Paul (Acts 28:20 Ephesians 6:20 2 Timothy
1:16); and in the case of Peter (Acts 12:6). (3) Confiscation of Property ...
/p/punishments.htm - 36k

Imprisonment (15 Occurrences)
... of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all
diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods ...
/i/imprisonment.htm - 11k

Executed (39 Occurrences)
... of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all
diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods ...
/e/executed.htm - 18k

Banishment (1 Occurrence)
... of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all
diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods ...
/b/banishment.htm - 7k

Condemned (49 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Condemn. 2. (a.) Pronounced to be wrong, guilty, worthless, or
forfeited; adjudged or sentenced to punishment, destruction, or confiscation. ...
/c/condemned.htm - 20k

Conflagration (1 Occurrence)

/c/conflagration.htm - 6k

Confiscated (1 Occurrence)

/c/confiscated.htm - 7k

Strictly (19 Occurrences)
... of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all
diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods ...
/s/strictly.htm - 11k

Speedily (38 Occurrences)
... the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon
him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods ...
/s/speedily.htm - 18k

How can I find joy in the midst of trials? | GotQuestions.org

Confiscation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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