Topical Bible: Prisoners: Sustained on Bread and Water of Affliction

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In the biblical context, the phrase "bread and water of affliction" is often associated with the punishment and sustenance of prisoners. This concept is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern practices and is reflected in the Scriptures as a form of discipline and correction.

Biblical References

The phrase "bread and water of affliction" is explicitly mentioned in 1 Kings 22:27, where King Ahab orders the imprisonment of the prophet Micaiah. The king commands, "Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely." . This directive highlights the use of minimal sustenance as a means of punishment, reflecting the harsh conditions often faced by prisoners in biblical times.

Similarly, in Isaiah 30:20, the prophet speaks of the Lord's discipline, saying, "Though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will no longer hide themselves, but your eyes will see your teachers." . Here, the imagery of bread and water of affliction is used metaphorically to describe the trials and hardships that serve as divine instruction and correction.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, imprisonment was not as common as other forms of punishment such as fines, corporal punishment, or exile. However, when imprisonment was employed, it was often accompanied by severe conditions. The provision of bread and water was a basic sustenance strategy, ensuring the prisoner remained alive but under significant duress. This form of sustenance was intended to humble and discipline the individual, serving as a deterrent to further wrongdoing.

The use of bread and water as sustenance for prisoners can also be seen as a reflection of the broader societal norms of justice and retribution. The minimal provision was a means to maintain life while emphasizing the consequences of disobedience or rebellion against authority.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of being sustained on the bread and water of affliction can be seen as a representation of God's discipline. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." . The hardships faced by prisoners, whether literal or metaphorical, serve as a reminder of the refining process that believers undergo in their spiritual journey.

The imagery of affliction through bread and water also points to the sufficiency of God's provision, even in times of trial. While the sustenance may be minimal, it is a testament to God's continued presence and care, even in the midst of judgment or correction.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The treatment of prisoners, as depicted in the Bible, raises important moral and ethical questions about justice, mercy, and the dignity of the individual. While the Scriptures acknowledge the necessity of discipline and correction, they also call for compassion and fairness. Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts believers to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." .

In this light, the concept of sustaining prisoners on bread and water of affliction challenges contemporary readers to consider the balance between justice and mercy, and to advocate for humane treatment of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 22:27
And say, Thus said the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Elijah sustained the widow with a little bread; and Jesus ... a hundred men with a little
bread; and Jesus ... and burst its gates and brought forth its prisoners. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. ... of extraordinary ability, to
address his fellow-prisoners-he had ... Here is bread indeed, as also milk and meat ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... it would have polluted the fire, the earth, or the water"an unpardonable ... The recognised
offering consisted of flowers, bread, fruit, and perfumes, but these ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... When I went out to seek the bread of life ... goodness that such a sinner was sustained
with food ... saw the king's soldiers strip and wound the prisoners, and heard ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... a doubt about the well-being of that will be a clog, a burden, and an affliction
to our ... Hence prisoners, when sent to the jail, are said to be committed thither ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

A Canticle of Love
... to tell us if He be hungry, did not disdain to beg a little water from the ... Ignatius
of Antioch, ground by the teeth of wild beasts into a bread worthy of God ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... soul?' Yea, what shall the man that has sustained this loss ... the sin of My people'
as they eat bread (Hosea 4 ... their chains, and their being the prisoners of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm