Captivity
Is captivity always a punishment? More than once God allowed nations that didn't believe in or follow him to carry Israel and Judah - his chosen people - away from their land and into slavery. He allowed it because his people chose not to follow him. But God always brought back a remnant; he always kept his promises to them.

Captivity isn't always a punishment for wrongdoing. Sometimes the innocent suffer. Joseph was sold into captivity by his brothers. Why? He irritated them; they were jealous of Joseph because he was their fathers favorite. Yet God used Joseph's captivity to prepare for a famine that would affect many nations. In the end, God used Joseph to save his own family.

God allows foreigners to take the nation of Israel captive because the Israelites refuse to follow the Lord.
2 Kings 17:5-23
1 Kings 14:15-16
2 Kings 18:9-12
Hosea 10:1-10
Amos 5:25-27
The Babylonians also take the nation of Judah into exile. They first carry off Judah's wealthy and educated men. Later they carry off all but the very poorest people.
2 Kings 24:1-16
2 Chronicles 36:5-20
Ezra 2:1
Nehemiah 7:6
Jeremiah 13:17
Daniel 1:1-2
Joseph is sold into captivity by his brother. While a slave, Joseph is unjustly imprisoned by his owner.
Genesis 37:12-28; 39:6-20
John the Baptist is thrown into prison for displeasing Herod.
Matthew 14:3-4
Mark 6:17-18
Betrayed by Judas, Jesus is captured by the temple guard.
Matthew 26:47-55
Mark 14:43-48
After Jesus' arrest, the people are given a choice to release either Jesus or Barabbas, a dangerous revolutionary.
John 18:39-40
Some people are imprisoned for following God.
Acts 12:1-5
Acts 16:16-24
Hebrews 11:36