Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, the treatment of prisoners of war often involved severe and humiliating punishments. One such practice, as recorded in the Bible, was the cutting off of thumbs and toes. This act served both as a physical and symbolic gesture, rendering the captives powerless and unable to engage in combat or perform tasks requiring dexterity.The most notable biblical account of this practice is found in the Book of Judges. Adoni-Bezek, a Canaanite king, is captured by the Israelites, and they cut off his thumbs and big toes. Adoni-Bezek himself acknowledges the justice of this act, as he had previously inflicted the same punishment on seventy kings. The passage reads: "Adoni-Bezek said, 'Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to gather scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.' They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there." (Judges 1:7) This account highlights the principle of retributive justice, a common theme in the Old Testament, where individuals often face consequences that mirror their own actions. The mutilation of thumbs and toes was not merely a form of physical punishment but also a means of public humiliation and a demonstration of dominance over defeated foes. The removal of thumbs and toes had significant implications for the victims. Without thumbs, a person would struggle to wield weapons or tools effectively, severely limiting their ability to fight or work. Similarly, the loss of big toes would impair balance and mobility, further incapacitating the individual. This ensured that the captives could not pose a future threat to their captors. In the broader biblical narrative, the treatment of prisoners of war reflects the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the moral complexities faced by the Israelites as they settled in the Promised Land. While the Bible records such practices, it also provides a framework for understanding justice, mercy, and the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations. The account of Adoni-Bezek serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of violence and the divine justice that ultimately prevails. It underscores the biblical principle that actions have consequences and that God's justice, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable. Nave's Topical Index Judges 1:6,7But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. Nave's Topical Index Library One Thing is Needful; The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is Amnesty International? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Christians are the aroma of Christ? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus is a friend of sinners? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Prisoners of War by Divine Command Prisoners of War: Consolations For Prisoners of War: Put to Death Prisoners of War: Thumbs and Toes Cut off Prisoners: Confined in the Court of the Palace Prisoners: Confined in the House of the Captain of the Guard Prisoners: Confined in the House of the Scribe Prisoners: Guards Responsible For Prisoners: Kindness To by Felix Prisoners: Kindness To by Julius, the Centurion Prisoners: Kindness To by the Philippian Jailer to Paul Prisoners: Kindness To by the Prison Guard to Jeremiah Prisoners: Permitted to Make Defense Prisoners: Severe Hardships of, Mitigated Prisoners: Sustained on Bread and Water of Affliction Prisoners: To be Visited and Ministered To Prisoners: Tortured to Extort Self-Incriminating Testimony Related Terms Fellow-prisoners (1 Occurrence) |
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