In the context of the Bible, the term "detained" refers to the act of being held back or delayed, often by external circumstances or divine intervention. This concept appears in various narratives throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both physical and spiritual dimensions of being detained.

Old Testament References

1. Joseph in Egypt: One of the most notable instances of being detained is found in the account of Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph is detained in Egypt. His time in Potiphar's house and subsequent imprisonment (Genesis 39) serve as a period of divine preparation and testing. Despite his unjust detention, Joseph remains faithful to God, which ultimately leads to his rise to power and the preservation of his family during famine.

2. Moses and Pharaoh: In the book of Exodus, Moses repeatedly requests Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Pharaoh's refusal and the subsequent plagues can be seen as a form of divine detention, where God hardens Pharaoh's heart to demonstrate His power and sovereignty (Exodus 7-11). This detention serves a greater purpose in God's redemptive plan for His people.

3. David and Saul: David experiences a form of detention while fleeing from King Saul. Although anointed as the future king of Israel, David spends years in hiding and exile. This period of detention refines David's character and reliance on God, as seen in the Psalms he composed during this time (e.g., Psalm 57).

New Testament References

1. John the Baptist: John the Baptist is detained and imprisoned by Herod Antipas for his bold proclamation of truth and call to repentance. His detention ultimately leads to his martyrdom (Matthew 14:3-12). John's steadfastness in the face of detention exemplifies the cost of discipleship and the unwavering commitment to God's message.

2. Apostle Paul: The Apostle Paul frequently faced detention during his missionary journeys. His imprisonments, as recorded in Acts and his epistles, were opportunities for the spread of the Gospel. For instance, while detained in Rome, Paul writes several epistles, including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, which continue to edify the Church today (Acts 28:30-31).

3. Jesus Before Pilate: Jesus Himself was detained before His crucifixion. His trial before Pilate and subsequent crucifixion were part of God's sovereign plan for redemption. Jesus' willing submission to detention and death highlights His obedience to the Father's will and His sacrificial love for humanity (John 18:28-40).

Theological Implications

The concept of being detained in the Bible often serves a greater divine purpose. It is a period where faith is tested, character is refined, and God's sovereignty is displayed. Detention, whether physical or spiritual, is not without meaning in the biblical narrative. It often precedes deliverance, transformation, or the fulfillment of God's promises.

Practical Application

Believers today can draw encouragement from biblical accounts of detention. These accounts remind us that periods of waiting or being held back can be used by God for growth and preparation. Trusting in God's timing and purposes, even when detained by circumstances, is a recurring theme that offers hope and assurance of His ultimate plan for good.(imp. & p. p.) of Detain.3322. yatsag -- to set, place
... root Definition to set, place NASB Word Usage detained (1), establish (1), expose
(1), leave (1), made (1), placed (2), presented* (1), put (1), set (5), set ...
/hebrew/3322.htm - 6k

2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen
... 1), captured (1), carried out repairs (12), caught (1), caught fast (1), caught
hold (1), collected his strength (1), courageous (3), detained (1), devote (1 ...
/hebrew/2388.htm - 8k

6113. atsar -- to restrain, retain
... root Definition to restrain, retain NASB Word Usage able* (2), bond (5), checked
(3), closed fast (1), confined (3), could (1), detain (2), detained (1), held ...
/hebrew/6113.htm - 6k

Detained by Contrary Winds
... Wesley Collects Money for the Poor; Visits the House of Lords; His Reasons for his
Long Life; "How is the Tide Turned;" Last Entries Detained by Contrary Winds. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/detained by contrary winds.htm

Meanwhile, Angela Sovrani was Detained in Her Studio by the ...
... XI. Meanwhile, Angela Sovrani was detained in her studio by the fascinating
company and bewildering chatter? Meanwhile, Angela ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xi meanwhile angela sovrani was.htm

How the Same Holy Man, Being Detained There by Sickness, by his ...
... XIX. How the same holy man, being detained there by sickness, by his prayers quenched
a fire that had broken out among the houses, and was himself cured of his ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xix how the same.htm

Whereas it is Needful that they who were Detained from the Holy ...
... Canon I. Whereas it is needful that they who were detained from the holy
Synod and remained? Whereas it is needful that they who ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon i whereas it is.htm

That Bishops be not Detained Too Long in Council, Let them Choose ...
... Canon CXXVII. (Greek cxxviii.) That bishops be not detained too long in council,
let them choose three judges from themselves of the singular provinces. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon cxxvii greek cxxviii that.htm

It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature ...
... His Divine nature through the flesh descended into death, that by the infirmity
of the flesh He might effect salvation; not that He might be detained by death ...
/.../17 it is with no.htm

Hence Neither is it Lawful to Accuse those who have Left All...
... their confession to the end, on account of the cruelty of their tormentors, they
shall not be found fault with, even though others have been detained on their ...
/.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon xiii hence neither is.htm

Whether Christ Went Down into the Hell of the Lost?
... the lost He wrought this effect, that by descending thither He put them to shame
for their unbelief and wickedness: but to them who were detained in Purgatory ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ went down into.htm

Parables of the Mustard-Seed, and of the Leaven Transition to the ...
... be punishment inflicted by Him who excludes for punishment, when they shall behold
the righteous entering the kingdom of God, but themselves detained without. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxx parables of the mustard-seed.htm

Whether So Many Abodes Should be Distinguished?
... Objection 10: Further, just as the Fathers were delayed from obtaining full glory
of the soul before Christ's coming, so are they now detained from receiving ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether so many abodes should.htm

Detained (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Detain. Multi-Version Concordance
Detained (8 Occurrences). Acts 23:35 he said, "I will ...
/d/detained.htm - 8k

Detain (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To keep back or from; to withhold. 2. (vt) To restrain from proceeding;
to stay or stop; to delay; as, we were detained by an accident. ...
/d/detain.htm - 8k

Magus
... But after she had produced them, she was detained by them through envy, since they
were unwilling to be considered the offspring of any other being; for he ...
/m/magus.htm - 23k

Courtyard (59 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jeremiah 33:1 And there is a word of Jehovah unto Jeremiah a second time --
and he 'is' yet detained in the court of the prison -- saying: (See NIV). ...
/c/courtyard.htm - 24k

Lasea (1 Occurrence)
... If Paul's ship was detained long at this anchorage, it would be necessary to purchase
stores from Lasea; and this in addition to the inconvenience of the ...
/l/lasea.htm - 7k

Gazing-stock (2 Occurrences)
... the morning men are exposed to lions and bears; at mid-day to their spectators;
those that kill are exposed to one another; the victor is detained for another ...
/g/gazing-stock.htm - 9k

Galatia (6 Occurrences)
... During his second missionary journey Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy (Acts
16:6), visited the "region of Galatia," where he was detained by sickness ...
/g/galatia.htm - 23k

Gazingstock (2 Occurrences)
... the morning men are exposed to lions and bears; at mid-day to their spectators;
those that kill are exposed to one another; the victor is detained for another ...
/g/gazingstock.htm - 9k

Felix (11 Occurrences)
... On his arrival, Paul was presented to Felix and was then detained for five days
in the judgment hall of Herod, till his accusers should also reach Caesarea ...
/f/felix.htm - 15k

Fair (147 Occurrences)
... 5 miles to the east of which was the town of Lasea (Acts 27:8). Here the ship of
Alexandria in which Paul and his companions sailed was detained a considerable ...
/f/fair.htm - 40k

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