Bible Dictionaries
Confiscation

Holman Bible Dictionary

Appropriation of private property for public or governmental use. Confiscation was not practiced in Israel until the rise of the monarchy and was not permitted by God. This practice was foretold by Samuel before Israel elected its first king (1 Samuel 8:14 ) as an inherent danger of Kings following Near Eastern patterns. Ahab exercised this royal right when he confiscated the property of a person (Naboth) executed by the state (1 Kings 21:15-16 ), but he had to bear God's punishment for his act (1 Kings 21:18-19 ). Ezekiel reacted strongly against the abuses of this royal prerogative (Ezekiel 45:7-8; Ezekiel 46:16-18 ).