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◄ Being Oppressed►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Context
Oppression in the biblical context refers to the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power over individuals or groups, often resulting in suffering and hardship. The Bible addresses oppression as a significant moral and social issue, condemning it and calling for justice and righteousness.

Old Testament References
The Old Testament frequently addresses the plight of the oppressed, emphasizing God's concern for justice and His opposition to those who exploit others. InExodus 3:9, God acknowledges the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt: "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them." This highlights God's awareness and response to the suffering of His people.

The Law given to Israel includes numerous commands to protect the vulnerable from oppression.Leviticus 19:13 states, "You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker must not remain with you until morning." This command underscores the importance of fair treatment and timely justice.

The prophets also speak out against oppression.Isaiah 1:17 calls the people to "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This reflects the biblical mandate to actively oppose oppression and support those who are marginalized.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's concern for the oppressed. InLuke 4:18, Jesus declares His mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." Jesus' ministry consistently reached out to those who were marginalized and burdened by societal and spiritual oppression.

The apostles continue this theme, urging believers to act justly and care for those in need.James 1:27 emphasizes pure religion as caring for the oppressed: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Theological Implications
The biblical narrative presents God as a defender of the oppressed, calling His people to reflect His character by pursuing justice and mercy. Oppression is seen as a violation of God's created order, where every individual is made in His image and deserving of dignity and respect.

The Bible's teachings on oppression challenge believers to examine their own actions and societal structures, advocating for justice and compassion. The call to oppose oppression is not merely a social or political stance but a deeply spiritual one, rooted in the character of God and the example of Christ.

Practical Application
Believers are encouraged to actively oppose oppression in all its forms, whether it be economic, social, or spiritual. This involves advocating for the rights of the marginalized, providing for those in need, and working towards systems that reflect God's justice and righteousness. The church is called to be a community where the oppressed find refuge and support, embodying the love and justice of God in a broken world.

Topical Bible Verses

Psalm 9:9
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 10:18
To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 3:5
And the people shall be oppressed, every one by another, and every one by his neighbor: the child shall behave himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honorable.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Concerning Valentinian the Younger and Gratian. Persecution under...
... and Gratian. Persecution under Valens. The Homoousians,being oppressed
by the Arians and Macedonians, send an Embassy to Rome....

Of the Advent of Christ to Judgment, and of the Overcoming of the...
... The world thereforebeing oppressed, since the resources of men shall be insufficient
for the overthrow of a tyranny of immense strength, inasmuch as it will...

Of the Advent of Jesus; of the Fortunes of the Jews, and their...
... Likewise under the Kings,being oppressed by wars with their neighbours on account
of their iniquities, and at last taken captive and led to Babylon, they...

Of the Condition of the Beasts and Man.
... man than nature does on the dumb animals; since, in their case, neither greatness
of strength nor firmness of body can prevent them frombeing oppressed by us...

The Life of Henry Hall of Haugh-Head.
...being oppressed with the malicious persecutions of the curates and other malignants,
for his non-conformity, he was obliged to depart his native country, and...

Concerning "Peace" and what is Meant by "VeryBeing" Itself, "Very...
... and in conditions of variations and instability, I answer that these also are governed
by dim shadows of the desire for Peace; for,being oppressed by the...

This Necessity Our Opponents do not at all Consider. ...
... What kind of prayer would this be? "O Lord, I am indeed doubtful whether or not
thou art inclined to hear me; butbeing oppressed with anxiety I fly to thee...

The Power of Faith.
... But of the whole race of men on earth, I think,being oppressed by reason of their
wickedness and His tarrying with them, the Saviour said, "How long shall I...

Of the vision that Appeared to a Certain Man of God Before the...
... psalms, and prayer, to the end that thus coming before the presence of the Lord
in confession, you may find Him merciful." But he,being oppressed with great...

Two Things to be Observed in Gratuitous Justification.
... If part of the true knowledge of God consists inbeing oppressed by a consciousness
of our own iniquity, and in recognizing him as doing good to those who are...