In biblical times, the concept of an outlaw was often associated with those who lived outside the boundaries of societal norms and legal structures. The term "outlaw" itself may not be explicitly used in the Bible, but the Scriptures provide numerous examples of individuals and groups who lived in defiance of established laws and authority, often due to persecution, rebellion, or necessity.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of being an outlaw is often linked with those who were forced to live outside the community due to their actions or circumstances. One of the earliest examples is Cain, who, after murdering his brother Abel, was cursed by God and became a wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:12-14). Although not labeled as an outlaw, Cain's life exemplifies the isolation and alienation associated with such a status.

David, before becoming king, also experienced life as an outlaw. Pursued by King Saul, David and his men lived in the wilderness, often hiding in caves and moving from place to place to avoid capture. During this time, David gathered a group of followers, many of whom were discontented or in distress (1 Samuel 22:1-2). Despite his outlaw status, David maintained his integrity and refrained from harming Saul, respecting the anointed king of Israel (1 Samuel 24:6).

The prophets also spoke against those who acted lawlessly, often equating such behavior with rebellion against God. The book of Isaiah warns against those who "call evil good and good evil" (Isaiah 5:20), highlighting the moral decay that accompanies lawlessness.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of outlaws is seen in the context of Roman occupation and the Jewish resistance. Barabbas, for example, is described as a notorious prisoner involved in an insurrection and murder (Mark 15:7). The crowd's choice to release Barabbas instead of Jesus highlights the complex social and political dynamics of the time.

Jesus Himself was often accused of being a lawbreaker by the religious leaders of His day. His actions, such as healing on the Sabbath and associating with tax collectors and sinners, challenged the established religious norms (Mark 2:16-17). However, Jesus emphasized that His mission was to fulfill the law, not to abolish it (Matthew 5:17).

The Apostle Paul also faced accusations of lawlessness. His teachings on grace and freedom in Christ were sometimes misunderstood as promoting antinomianism, or the rejection of the law. Paul clarified that while believers are not under the law but under grace, they are still called to live righteously (Romans 6:15).

Spiritual Implications

The Bible often uses the concept of lawlessness to describe spiritual rebellion against God. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, Paul speaks of the "mystery of lawlessness" already at work, pointing to the spiritual forces that oppose God's order. The ultimate outlaw, in a spiritual sense, is Satan, who embodies rebellion against God's authority.

Believers are called to live in obedience to God's commandments, recognizing that true freedom is found in submission to His will. The tension between law and grace is a recurring theme in Scripture, reminding Christians that while they are saved by grace, they are also called to uphold God's moral standards.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of outlaws serves as a reminder of the consequences of living outside God's law and the redemptive power of grace. Through the examples of individuals like David and the teachings of Jesus and Paul, Scripture provides guidance on navigating the complexities of law, grace, and obedience in the life of faith.

Introduction.
... upon the mountains," a fugitive and half a freebooter, taking service at foreign
courts, and lurking on the frontiers with a band of outlaws recruited from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

David's Weakness
... A shepherd first; a life"be it remembered"full of danger in those times and lands;
then captain of a band of outlaws; and lastly a king, gradually and with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon i davids weakness.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... and garrulous crustiness of Nabal, David's fierce blaze of hot wrath, the tribute
of the shepherds to the kindliness and honour of the outlaws, the rustic ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/viii the exilecontinued.htm

In Judaea
... glens. This had long been the home of outlaws, or of those who, in disgust
with the world, had retired from its fellowship. These ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

The Death of Saint James.
... steeds, they now, as pilgrims, journeyed homewards; but all who met them knew full
well what they had been, and even midnight robbers and outlaws respected them ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eighteen the death of.htm

Seemingly from the Dawn of Man all Nations have had Governments...
... were always regarded not merely with fear but with contempt; while all kinds of
careless smiters, bankrupt knights and swashbucklers and outlaws, were regarded ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 23 seemingly from the.htm

Struggling and Seeking
... by David at one of the very darkest days of his wanderings, probably in the Cave
of Adullam, where he had gathered around him a band of outlaws, and was living ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/struggling and seeking.htm

The Crucifixion.
... [These were doubtless robbers of the class of Barabbas. They were those who, led
on by fanatical patriotism, had become insurrectionists and then outlaws. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiii the crucifixion 2.htm

Paul's Narrow Escape from Death
... Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago started a rebellion and led four
thousand outlaws into the desert?" Paul answered, "I am a Jew, of Tarsus in ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/pauls narrow escape from death.htm

Love for Hate, the True Quid Pro Quo
... However he had been driven to consort with outlaws, and to live a kind of freebooter's
life, his natural sweetness was unspoiled, and was reinforced by solemn ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/love for hate the true.htm

Outlaws (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Outlaws (6 Occurrences). John 10:8 All who came before
me are thieves and outlaws: but the sheep did not give ear to them. (BBE). ...
/o/outlaws.htm - 8k

Edrei (8 Occurrences)
... It subsequently belonged to Manasseh, for a short time apparently, and afterwards
became the abode of banditti and outlaws (Joshua 13:31). ...
/e/edrei.htm - 11k

Outlaw (6 Occurrences)

/o/outlaw.htm - 8k

Outlay (2 Occurrences)

/o/outlay.htm - 7k

Exiles (46 Occurrences)
... NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 147:2 The Lord is building up Jerusalem; he makes all
the outlaws of Israel come together. (See NIV). Isaiah 11 ...
/e/exiles.htm - 20k

Bandits (3 Occurrences)
... Ephraim was made clear, and the evil-doing of Samaria; for their ways are false,
and the thief comes into the house, while the band of outlaws takes property ...
/b/bandits.htm - 7k

Cave (40 Occurrences)
... of 600 (23:29; 24:1). "On all sides the country is full of caverns which might serve
as lurking-places for David and his men, as they do for outlaws at the ...
/c/cave.htm - 25k

Judah (802 Occurrences)
... uninhabitable region, fit only to afford scanty pasturage for sheep and goats, and
a secure home for leopards, bears, wild goats, and outlaws" (1 Samuel 17:34 ...
/j/judah.htm - 101k

Rock (176 Occurrences)
... It is with difficulty traversed and frequently furnishes an asylum to outlaws. See
CRAG; FLINT; GEOLOGY OF PALESTINE; LIME. Alfred Ely Day. ROCK OF AGES. ...
/r/rock.htm - 49k

Philistines (224 Occurrences)
... of Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1) near Adullam at the foot of the Hebron Mountains (see
1 Samuel 23:27; 1 Samuel 24:1). David's band of outlaws gradually increasing ...
/p/philistines.htm - 75k

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