The concept of "Instructions for Escape" in the Bible often refers to divine guidance provided to individuals or groups to flee from impending danger or judgment. These instructions are typically given by God or His messengers and are meant to preserve the faithful from physical or spiritual harm. The theme of escape is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's providence and care for His people.

Old Testament Examples

1. Noah and the Ark: One of the earliest examples of divine instructions for escape is found in the account of Noah. In Genesis 6:13-14, God instructs Noah to build an ark to escape the coming flood: "Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all living creatures has come before Me, because through them the earth is full of violence. Now behold, I will destroy both them and the earth. Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out.'" Noah's obedience to these instructions led to the preservation of his family and the animal species.

2. Lot's Escape from Sodom: In Genesis 19, God sends angels to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels instruct Lot, "Flee for your lives! Do not look back or stop anywhere in the plain. Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!" (Genesis 19:17). Lot's adherence to these instructions, albeit with some hesitation, results in his escape from the divine judgment that befalls the cities.

3. The Exodus: The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt is another significant instance of divine instructions for escape. In Exodus 12, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the Passover, which includes the sacrifice of a lamb and the marking of doorposts with its blood. This act of obedience ensures the Israelites' protection from the plague of the firstborn. Subsequently, God guides them out of Egypt, leading them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21).

New Testament Examples

1. Flight to Egypt: In the New Testament, Joseph receives divine instructions to escape with Mary and the infant Jesus to Egypt to avoid King Herod's massacre. An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him" (Matthew 2:13). Joseph's prompt obedience ensures the safety of the Holy Family.

2. Warnings to Flee Persecution: Jesus provides instructions to His disciples regarding the coming persecution and the destruction of Jerusalem. In Matthew 24:15-16, He warns, "So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." This prophetic warning underscores the importance of heeding divine instructions to escape impending danger.

Spiritual Escape

Beyond physical escape, the Bible also addresses spiritual escape from sin and judgment. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of fleeing from sin and pursuing righteousness. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul assures believers of God's provision for escape from temptation: "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it."

Conclusion

The theme of "Instructions for Escape" in the Bible highlights God's sovereignty and His active role in guiding and protecting His people. Whether through physical deliverance or spiritual guidance, these instructions serve as a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire for His people to seek refuge in Him.