Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men

◄ Commerce: Articles of Bodies and Souls of Men ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Commerce, in the biblical context, often refers to the exchange of goods, services, and commodities. However, the phrase "articles of bodies and souls of men" specifically alludes to a darker aspect of trade, one that involves the exploitation and dehumanization of individuals. This concept is most prominently addressed in the Book of Revelation, which provides a prophetic vision of the moral and spiritual corruption associated with such commerce.

Biblical References:

1. Revelation 18:11-13 :
"And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo—cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle and sheep; of horses and chariots; and of slaves and souls of men."

This passage from Revelation describes the lament of merchants over the fall of Babylon, a symbol of worldly wealth and corruption. The inclusion of "slaves and souls of men" in the list of commodities underscores the moral depravity of a system that treats human beings as mere items for trade. The prophetic imagery serves as a stark warning against the devaluation of human life and dignity in the pursuit of economic gain.

2. Ezekiel 27:13 :
"Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your merchants. They exchanged slaves and bronze articles for your merchandise."

In Ezekiel's lamentation over Tyre, a prominent trading city, the mention of slave trade highlights the historical reality of human trafficking in ancient commerce. The prophet condemns Tyre's pride and reliance on wealth, which included the unethical trade of human lives.

Theological Implications:

The Bible consistently upholds the inherent value and dignity of every human being, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The commodification of individuals, as seen in the trading of "bodies and souls of men," is a direct affront to this divine image. Such practices are condemned as they exploit the vulnerable and reduce people to objects of profit.

The prophetic literature, particularly in Revelation, uses the imagery of commerce to illustrate the broader spiritual corruption of societies that prioritize wealth over righteousness. The fall of Babylon serves as a metaphor for the ultimate judgment against systems that perpetuate injustice and dehumanization.

Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, slavery was a common practice, and individuals could become slaves through war, debt, or birth. The economic systems of powerful cities like Tyre and Babylon were often built on the backs of enslaved individuals. The biblical prophets, through divine inspiration, called out these injustices, urging societies to repent and align with God's standards of justice and mercy.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a biblical perspective, commerce that involves the exploitation of human beings is fundamentally opposed to God's commandments. The call to love one's neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39) and to act justly (Micah 6:8) stands in stark contrast to the dehumanizing practices of trading in "bodies and souls of men." Believers are encouraged to engage in commerce that reflects God's justice, mercy, and love, ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.

Nave's Topical Index

Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Destruction of Babylon.
... sheep, and horses, and chariots, and bodies, and souls ... And these articles of traffic
are symbolized by the ... The commerce of this ecclesiastical city, has been ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the Beloved Physician. "
... the body,"what are these but the very articles which create the main portion of
the commerce, and carrying ... the one in caring for men's bodies, and the ...
/.../chapter ii colossians 4 14 luke.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the ... name, but the
Pope has our wealth, our honour, our bodies, lives and souls, and all ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Almost Christian
... either the poor or rich, in whatsoever commerce they had ... men;" and to their souls
as well as their bodies. ... These articles of our faith the devils believe, and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 2 the almost christian.htm

Ripe for Gathering
... God: there shall be many dead bodies in every ... held up as shining lights of commerce,
who have the faculty of turning everything into saleable articles? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/ripe for gathering.htm

Of Eternal and Temporal Nature.
... creation is brought into a power of commerce with those ... fire which is the life of
our bodies, is the ... Socinians have brought against the first articles of our ...
/.../law/an appeal to all that doubt/of eternal and temporal nature.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ...
... these subordinate gods the souls and bodies of individuals ... their government, and
our doctrines as articles of faith ... have found peace to their souls, among whom ...
/.../chapter 6 from the close.htm

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... commerce was an import commerce exchanging natural ... churches translated more liberally
the Articles of the ... or care for broken constitutions and crippled bodies. ...
/.../chapter xii connecticut at the.htm

Bunsen's Biblical Researches.
... author's reasonings on the development of commerce and government ... presenting of our
souls and bodies, as an ... philosopher, sitting loose to our Articles, he may ...
/.../essays and reviews the education of the world/bunsens biblical researches.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... sin, lying in wait to catch and overthrow men; drawing them ... The dead bodies of thy
servants have they given to be ... The words of the souls under the altar (chap. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm