Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Practised by the Ishmaelites (Gen. 16:12), the Chaldeans and Sabeans (Job 1:15, 17), and the men of Shechem (Judg. 9:25. See also 1 Sam. 27:6-10; 30; Hos. 4:2; 6:9). Robbers infested Judea in our Lord’s time (Luke 10:30; John 18:40; Acts 5:36, 37; 21:38; 2 Cor. 11:26). ” In the temple at Ephesus there was a great treasure-chamber, and as all that was laid up there was under the guardianship of the goddess Diana, to steal from such a place would be sacrilege (Acts 19:37).
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
Robbery has ever been one of the principal employments of the nomad tribes of the East. From the time of Ishmael to the present day the Bedouin has been a “wild man,” and a robber by trade. (Genesis 16:12) The Mosaic law on the subject of theft is contained in (Exodus 2:2) There seems no reason to suppose that the law underwent any alteration in Solomon’s time. Man-stealing was punishable with death. (Exodus 21:16; 24:7) Invasion of right in land was strictly forbidden.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
ROB'BERY is one of the chronic troubles in Palestine, where the Bedouin of to-day are robbers. T. reveals a similar state of things during the period of the Judges, when might was right. " Jud 9:25. Hosea and Micah, by a few touches, paint a sad picture of pillage and robbery in the northern kingdom in their day. T. prove the insecurity of person and property in Palestine in the first century. Luke 10:30; John 18:40; Acts 5:36-37; Josh 21:38; 2 Cor 11:26. The "thieves" between whom our Lord was crucified were highway robbers. Matt 27:38.