Topical Bible: Prisoners of War: Consolations For

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In the annals of human history, the plight of prisoners of war (POWs) has been a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of conflict. The Bible, while not explicitly addressing modern concepts of POWs, offers timeless consolations and spiritual insights that can be applied to those enduring captivity due to warfare.

Divine Presence and Comfort

The Scriptures affirm that God's presence is a source of comfort and strength, even in the direst circumstances. Psalm 34:18 declares, "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This assurance of God's nearness provides solace to those who find themselves in the depths of despair, including prisoners of war. The knowledge that God is close to them, sharing in their suffering, can be a profound source of hope.

Endurance and Perseverance

The Bible encourages believers to endure hardships with faith and perseverance. James 1:12 states, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." This promise of eternal reward for those who endure trials can inspire POWs to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that their suffering is not in vain.

Hope in Deliverance

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous accounts of God's deliverance of His people from captivity. The account of Joseph, who was sold into slavery and later imprisoned, serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to bring about deliverance and restoration. Genesis 50:20 recounts Joseph's words to his brothers: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." This narrative reassures prisoners of war that God can transform their circumstances for a greater purpose.

Prayer and Intercession

Prayer is a vital means of seeking God's intervention and comfort. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." For POWs, prayer can be a lifeline, providing peace and strength amidst uncertainty and fear.

Community and Support

The early Christian community exemplified the importance of mutual support and encouragement. Hebrews 13:3 exhorts believers, "Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them." This call to empathy and solidarity reminds the broader Christian community of their responsibility to support and pray for those in captivity, including prisoners of war.

Eternal Perspective

Finally, the Bible offers an eternal perspective that transcends earthly suffering. Romans 8:18 provides a profound consolation: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us." This assurance of future glory and redemption can sustain POWs, reminding them that their current trials are temporary in light of eternity.

In summary, while the Bible may not directly address the modern concept of prisoners of war, its teachings offer profound consolations for those enduring captivity. Through divine presence, endurance, hope, prayer, community support, and an eternal perspective, prisoners of war can find spiritual strength and solace in the midst of their trials.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 69:33
For the LORD hears the poor, and despises not his prisoners.
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Psalm 79:11
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you; according to the greatness of your power preserve you those that are appointed to die;
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Psalm 102:19,20
For he has looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;
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Psalm 146:7
Which executes judgment for the oppressed: which gives food to the hungry. The LORD looses the prisoners:
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Library

Prison Experiences for Conscience' Sake --Our Prison
... we saved much suffering, as the other prisoners were kept ... telling her, the President
was in the War Office and ... I am happy in the enjoyment of His consolations. ...
/.../prison experiences for conscience sakeour.htm

The Holy War,
... richly enjoy the comforts, instructions, consolations, and strength ... Progress,' and
that of the prisoners brought to ... as traitors in the 'Holy War.' The judge ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy war.htm

"But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?"
... small thing to them, and his consolations appear also ... Would the denunciation of war,
the publishing of affliction ... is liberty to captives and prisoners, light to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x but whereunto shall.htm

Acts ix. 26, 27
... these things, let us devise what consolations we can ... For the war from without
exceedingly afflicted them ... our commemoration of truth), and the prisoners are set ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi acts ix 26.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... as heavenly consolation to bind up the broken-hearted; liberating the prisoners
of Giant ... These reminiscences are alluded to in the prologue of the Holy War:". ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... Mead, who undertook to carry the consolations of religion ... few months about thirty
of these prisoners were formed ... I have been ready to proclaim war against them ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... took place; but as soon as the war was at ... They were drawn partly from foreign races;
prisoners who had ... the means of procuring some few consolations: they could ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... They shall suck and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations'; verse 13 ...
distance betwixt him and them, as betwixt the judge and the prisoners at the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Prophecies
... all, and the end of that war shall accomplish ... that thou mayest say to the prisoners:
Go forth ... comforted Zion, and heaped upon her blessings and consolations. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xi the prophecies.htm