In the biblical narrative, the concept of preventing escape is often associated with divine intervention, human responsibility, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. Throughout Scripture, various accounts illustrate how escape is thwarted, either by God's direct action or through human agency, to ensure that His plans are accomplished.

Divine Intervention

One of the most prominent examples of preventing escape through divine intervention is found in the account of Jonah. Jonah, a prophet, attempts to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh by boarding a ship to Tarshish. However, God intervenes by sending a great storm, making escape impossible. Jonah 1:4 states, "Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart." This divine act prevents Jonah's escape and ultimately leads to his mission being fulfilled.

Similarly, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul experiences divine intervention when he is imprisoned. In Acts 16:26 , an earthquake opens the prison doors, yet Paul and Silas do not escape, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This incident demonstrates how God can use circumstances to prevent escape for a greater purpose.

Human Responsibility

The Bible also records instances where human responsibility plays a role in preventing escape. In the Old Testament, the account of the spies sent by Joshua to Jericho highlights this aspect. Rahab, a resident of Jericho, hides the spies and prevents their capture, ensuring their safe return to Joshua. Joshua 2:4-6 describes her actions: "But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. So she said, 'Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, they left. I do not know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them.' But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out."

In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter's escape from prison is prevented by human means. Herod Agrippa, seeking to please the Jewish leaders, arrests Peter and places him under heavy guard. Acts 12:4 notes, "After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each." Despite this, an angel of the Lord eventually facilitates Peter's escape, illustrating the interplay between human efforts and divine will.

Fulfillment of God's Purposes

Preventing escape is often linked to the fulfillment of God's purposes. In the case of Joseph, his brothers' initial plan to kill him is thwarted, and instead, they sell him into slavery. This act, intended for harm, ultimately leads to the preservation of the Israelites during a famine. Genesis 50:20 reflects Joseph's understanding of God's sovereignty: "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

In the New Testament, Jesus' arrest and crucifixion are pivotal events where escape is not sought, as they fulfill God's redemptive plan. Jesus willingly submits to His arrest, knowing it is necessary for the salvation of humanity. In Matthew 26:53-54 , Jesus says, "Do you not think that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen this way?"

Throughout Scripture, the prevention of escape serves as a means by which God's will is accomplished, whether through divine intervention, human responsibility, or the fulfillment of His purposes.