In biblical times, the concept of an "outlaw" was not explicitly defined as it is in modern legal systems. However, the Bible does provide instances and narratives that align with the idea of individuals living outside the accepted laws and norms of society. These individuals often found themselves in conflict with established authorities or societal expectations, either due to their actions or the circumstances they faced.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides several examples of individuals who could be considered outlaws. One prominent figure is David, who, before becoming king, was pursued by King Saul. David and his men lived as fugitives, often hiding in caves and wilderness areas to escape Saul's attempts to capture him. In 1 Samuel 22:1-2 , it is recorded: "So David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and the rest of his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. And all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him."

Another example is found in the account of Jephthah, a judge of Israel. Jephthah was initially rejected by his family and lived in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of "worthless men" around him (Judges 11:3). Despite his status as an outcast, Jephthah was later called upon to lead Israel against the Ammonites, demonstrating how God can use those outside societal norms for His purposes.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of an outlaw is less prevalent, but there are still instances where individuals are seen as living outside the law. Jesus Himself was often at odds with the religious authorities of His time, who accused Him of breaking the Sabbath and other Jewish laws. In Mark 2:23-28 , Jesus defends His disciples for picking grain on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' interpretation of the law.

The Apostle Paul also faced accusations and legal challenges throughout his ministry. In Acts 24:5 , Paul is described by his accusers as "a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes." Despite these accusations, Paul continued to preach the Gospel, often from prison, demonstrating his commitment to God's law over human law.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of an outlaw in the Bible often highlights the tension between human laws and divine purposes. God's chosen individuals, such as David and Jephthah, sometimes found themselves outside societal norms, yet they were used by God to fulfill His plans. This underscores the biblical theme that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes the idea of Christians as "aliens and strangers" in the world (1 Peter 2:11), suggesting that followers of Christ may often find themselves at odds with worldly systems and values. This spiritual "outlaw" status calls believers to live according to God's commandments, even when it conflicts with societal expectations.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "outlaw," it provides numerous examples of individuals who lived outside the accepted norms and laws of their time. These narratives reveal the complex relationship between divine authority and human law, encouraging believers to prioritize God's will above all else.1. (n.) A lawbreaker; a fugitive; a habitual criminal.

2. (v. t.) To deprive of the benefit and protection of law; to declare to be an outlaw; to proscribe.

3. (v. t.) To remove from legal jurisdiction or enforcement; as, to outlaw a debt or claim; to deprive of legal force.

The Outlaw
... THE OUTLAW. Oh, I wadna be a yeoman, mither, to follow my father's trade,
To bow my back in miry banks, at pleugh and hoe and spade. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the outlaw.htm

A Libation to Jehovah
... He was little different from an outlaw at the head of a band of 'broken men,'
but there were depths of chivalry and poetry in his heart. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a libation to jehovah.htm

The Beatific vision.
... years, and is as fresh, and mighty, and full of meaning and of power, now, here,
to us in England, as it was to David, when he was a poor outlaw, wandering in ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxvii the beatific vision.htm

The Exile.
... We may call them "The Songs of the Outlaw." The titles in the psalter connect several
with specific events during his persecution by Saul, and besides these ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/iv the exile.htm

The Criminal and his Relation to Society.
... own life-blood, every injury done him. Without the tribal mark a man becomes
an outlaw. Many scholars, therefore, think that the ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study iii the criminal and.htm

Gambling, Card-Playing
... resorts. Being a professional outlaw, and subject at any time to arrest
and imprisonment, usually he has an accomplice. Sometimes ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

The King --Continued.
... in Scripture. How pathetically he paints his sore need in metaphors which
again bring to mind the songs of the outlaw:". The snares ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.htm

Forgiveness
... the man still, in spite of his sins, as much almost as you did when you heard of
him as a shepherd boy slaying the giant, or a wanderer and an outlaw among the ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xix forgiveness.htm

Endurance
... If he will not live under discipline, if he expects to break the law with impunity,
he makes himself an outlaw; he puts himself by his rebellion outside the law ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxi endurance.htm

Christ Our Advocate
... In this respect he is under sentence for a capital crime; consequently be is an
outlaw, and the government can not recognize him as being capable of performing ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xvii christ our advocate.htm

Outlaw (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To deprive of the benefit and protection of law; to declare to be an outlaw;
to proscribe. ... Multi-Version Concordance Outlaw (6 Occurrences). ...
/o/outlaw.htm - 8k

Bandit (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An outlaw; a brigand. ... Proverbs 6:11 Then loss will
come on you like an outlaw, and your need like an armed man (See NIV). ...
/b/bandit.htm - 7k

Vagabond (4 Occurrences)
... shall slay me. (KJV WBS). Proverbs 6:11 Then loss will come on you like
an outlaw, and your need like an armed man (See NAS RSV). ...
/v/vagabond.htm - 9k

Outlandish (1 Occurrence)

/o/outlandish.htm - 7k

Outlaws (6 Occurrences)

/o/outlaws.htm - 8k

Gets (122 Occurrences)
... 10:1 Truly I say to you, He who does not go through the door into the place where
the sheep are kept, but gets in by some other way, is a thief and an outlaw. ...
/g/gets.htm - 33k

Proclaim (172 Occurrences)
... proclaim war or peace. 2. (vt) To outlaw by public proclamation. Multi-Version
Concordance Proclaim (172 Occurrences). Matthew 4:17 ...
/p/proclaim.htm - 36k

Loss (90 Occurrences)
... open places. (See NAS). Proverbs 6:11 Then loss will come on you like an
outlaw, and your need like an armed man (BBE). Proverbs 6 ...
/l/loss.htm - 37k

Cared (25 Occurrences)
... 30:17 For I will make you healthy again and I will make you well from your wounds,
says the Lord; because they have given you the name of an outlaw, saying, It ...
/c/cared.htm - 14k

Scarcity (3 Occurrences)
... scarcity as an armed man. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 24:34 So loss will come on you
like an outlaw, and your need like an armed man. (See NIV). ...
/s/scarcity.htm - 7k

Does the Bible condone slavery? | GotQuestions.org

Was Martin Luther anti-Semitic? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view prayer in public schools? | GotQuestions.org

Outlaw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus