Topical Bible: Women: Taken Captive

◄ Women: Taken Captive ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The topic of women taken captive in the Bible is addressed in various passages, reflecting the historical and cultural contexts of ancient times. The treatment and fate of these women often reveal the complexities of war, societal norms, and divine instructions given to the Israelites.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the capture of women during wartime is mentioned in several instances. One of the most detailed accounts is found in the Book of Numbers, where the Israelites, under Moses' leadership, engage in battle with the Midianites. After the victory, the Israelite soldiers bring back captives, including women and children. Moses, following God's command, instructs the soldiers to kill all the male children and non-virgin women, sparing only the virgin girls (Numbers 31:17-18). This directive underscores the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the perceived need to maintain the purity and continuity of the Israelite community.

Deuteronomy 21:10-14 provides specific laws regarding the treatment of female captives. If an Israelite man desires to marry a captive woman, he must first allow her to mourn her family for a month. Afterward, he may take her as his wife. However, if he later finds her displeasing, he must let her go free and not sell her or treat her as a slave, recognizing her dignity and humanity (Deuteronomy 21:10-14). This law reflects a measure of protection and respect for the captive woman, acknowledging her rights even in a vulnerable position.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

The capture of women during conflicts was a common practice in the ancient Near East, not unique to Israel. Such practices were often driven by the need for labor, the desire to assimilate or eliminate enemy populations, and the patriarchal structures that viewed women as part of the spoils of war. The biblical laws concerning captives, while reflecting these realities, also introduce elements of compassion and justice, setting Israel apart from surrounding nations.

Prophetic and Poetic References

The theme of women taken captive also appears in the prophetic and poetic literature of the Bible. The prophets frequently use the imagery of captivity to describe the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God. For example, in Lamentations, the city of Jerusalem is personified as a woman who has been taken captive, lamenting her desolation and loss (Lamentations 1:1-3). This metaphor highlights the profound sorrow and humiliation associated with captivity, serving as a powerful call to repentance and restoration.

New Testament Reflections

While the New Testament does not directly address the issue of women taken captive in the same manner as the Old Testament, it does emphasize themes of liberation and dignity for all individuals. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles promote the inherent worth of every person, transcending cultural and societal barriers. In Galatians 3:28, Paul declares, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . This radical equality in Christ challenges the norms of the ancient world and offers a vision of freedom and respect for all, including those who have been marginalized or oppressed.

Conclusion

The biblical treatment of women taken captive reflects the complex interplay of divine law, cultural practices, and the moral imperatives of justice and compassion. While rooted in the historical context of ancient Israel, these passages continue to provoke reflection on the dignity and rights of individuals in all circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 31:9,15,17,18,35
And the children of Israel took all the women of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods.
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Lamentations 1:18
The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.
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Ezekiel 30:17,18
The young men of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword: and these cities shall go into captivity.
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Library

In what Manner the Iberians were Converted to Christianity.
... a devout and chaste life, was, in the providential ordering of God, taken captive
by the ... to the custom of the country, sent the child to other women to be cured ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xx in what manner the.htm

Matt. xxvii. 62-64.
... restraint, when ye teach them to take delight in these things with which the harlot
women deck themselves. For this cause they are so quickly taken captive. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxix matt xxvii 62-64.htm

How the Iberians Received the Faith of Christ.
... by the representations of the king, and the women by those ... When evening came on,
the female captive remained alone on ... as all the rest had taken their departure ...
/.../chapter vii how the iberians received.htm

Ambrose.
... leprous [3503] shepherd; and afterwards, when the Greeks had become victorious in
the war, and burnt cities, and taken women and children captive, and the land ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents ambrose.htm

Appeal to the Christian Women of the South
... say that American masters cannot according to Jewish law substantiate their claim
to the men, women, or children ... Were the southern slaves taken captive in war? ...
/.../an appeal to the christian women of the south/appeal to the christian women.htm

Of Learning Philosophy, and what Great Qualifications are ...
... Lastly, they never taught any women to study philosophy, except Themiste [474 ... slaves,
though they had fallen into servitude, for they had been taken captive. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxv of learning philosophy and.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... suspected him, and only permitted him to come with the women he brought ... back to the
city rejoicing, as if they had taken Simon himself captive, and were ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

How the Weaker Part of the Soul is the First to Yield to the ...
... to the powerful attacks of the foe, and to run the risk of being taken captive by
those ... set for them, as he had no doubt that when a supply of women was offered ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xvii how the weaker.htm

Faith and Courage.
... It is said that "women received their dead raised to life again." Many of you have
children who have gone far astray, and have been taken captive by strong ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iii faith and courage.htm

Matthew's Genealogy of Jesus Christ
... who reigned for three months and was taken captive to Egypt ... reigned eleven years
and was carried captive to Babylon ... The four women mentioned are Thamar a harlot ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/matthews genealogy of jesus christ.htm