Topical Encyclopedia
The term "downtrodden" refers to those who are oppressed, crushed, or subjugated, often by unjust authority or circumstances. In the biblical context, the downtrodden are frequently mentioned as individuals who are marginalized, suffering, or in need of divine intervention and justice. The Bible consistently emphasizes God's concern for the downtrodden and His call for His people to act justly and compassionately towards them.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the plight of the downtrodden is a recurring theme. The Hebrew prophets, in particular, were vocal about the injustices faced by the poor and oppressed. For instance,
Isaiah 58:6-7 declares, "Is not this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the homeless poor into your home, when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?"
The Mosaic Law also provided specific instructions to protect the rights of the downtrodden.
Leviticus 19:15 commands, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This reflects God's desire for a just society where the vulnerable are safeguarded.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's compassion for the downtrodden. His ministry was marked by reaching out to those marginalized by society, including the poor, the sick, and sinners. In
Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming, "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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
The early church continued this mission, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles and the epistles. The apostle James, for example, admonishes believers to care for the downtrodden, stating in
James 1:27 , "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 SignificanceTheologically, the downtrodden are often seen as a test of the faithfulness and righteousness of God's people. The Bible teaches that true worship and devotion to God are demonstrated through acts of justice and mercy.
Proverbs 31:8-9 urges, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the justice of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy."
God's identification with the downtrodden is profound, as He is described as their defender and deliverer.
Psalm 9:9 affirms, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." This divine concern underscores the biblical mandate for believers to advocate for and support those who are oppressed.
Practical ImplicationsFor Christians, the call to care for the downtrodden is both a moral and spiritual obligation. It involves not only providing for their physical needs but also advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of their oppression. The biblical narrative encourages believers to reflect God's heart for justice and mercy in their communities and beyond, embodying the love and compassion of Christ in tangible ways.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Trodden down; trampled down; abused by superior power.
Library
The Poor Man's Friend
... The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed;
he undertakes the cause of all those that aredowntrodden....
The Right to Feel Superior
... "That's the way it was when he went to the field"the imperialistic white
man and thedowntrodden native"but times have changed....
What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and...
... society, the watchful philanthropist, the saviour of the widow and the fatherless,
of the despairing and the would-be suicide, of thedowntrodden and oppressed...
Sanctified for Service.
... The common crowd had a new interest for him, the suffering poor, thedowntrodden
slave, the heathen in his blindness, the degraded sinner....
Cause to be Heard in Thy Grace, the Tidings of Thy Salvation: for...
... 1. Cause to be heard in Thy grace, the tidings of Thy salvation: for an hearing
has been made, a path of passage; our minds have beendowntrodden, by messages...
March 18:
... A blade is a small thing. At first it grows very near the earth. It is often soiled
and crushed anddowntrodden. But it is a living thing,. . ....
Slaves and Free
... our submission, go far, far deeper than the most despotic sway of the most tyrannous
master, or than the most abject submission of the mostdowntrodden slave....
From the Creation to the Fall.
... The sad story ofdowntrodden women in heathen lands of all times since then, and
even today wherever Christ is not known, tells something of the awful results...
Desolation of the Earth.
... The time has come for God to vindicate the authority of Hisdowntrodden law.
Now the controversy is not alone with Satan, but with men....
Desolation of the Earth
... The time has come for God to vindicate the authority of Hisdowntrodden law.
Now the controversy is not alone with Satan, but with men....
Thesaurus
Downtrodden (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Downtrodden (2 Occurrences). Psalms 74:21 Don't let the
oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name. (See RSV).
...Downward (10 Occurrences)
Downstream (1 Occurrence)
Besai (2 Occurrences)
... be'-si (becay, "downtrodden"): The descendants of Besai (Nethinim) returned with
Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:49 Nehemiah 7:52 = Basthai, 1 Esdras 5:31)....
Fortified (79 Occurrences)
... Yahweh, in virtue of His righteous judgments, is a high tower to thedowntrodden,
a place of refuge and security (misgabh) to those who are in trouble (Psalm 9...
Fort (8 Occurrences)
... Yahweh, in virtue of His righteous judgments, is a high tower to thedowntrodden,
a place of refuge and security (misgabh) to those who are in trouble (Psalm 9...
Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... Yahweh, in virtue of His righteous judgments, is a high tower to thedowntrodden,
a place of refuge and security (misgabh) to those who are in trouble (Psalm 9...
Fortification (5 Occurrences)
... Yahweh, in virtue of His righteous judgments, is a high tower to thedowntrodden,
a place of refuge and security (misgabh) to those who are in trouble (Psalm 9...
Cities (427 Occurrences)
... Yahweh, in virtue of His righteous judgments, is a high tower to thedowntrodden,
a place of refuge and security (misgabh) to those who are in trouble (Psalm 9...
Resources
What is liberation theology? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about human rights? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Deborah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDowntrodden: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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