Lexical Summary chamots: Sour, leavened Original Word: חָמוֹץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oppressed From chamets; properly, violent; by implication, a robber -- oppressed. see HEBREW chamets NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chamats Definition the ruthless (ones) NASB Translation ruthless (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חָמוֺץ noun [masculine] collective the ruthless — only ׳אַשְּׁרוּ ח Isaiah 1:17 set right the ruthless, so Hi EW Kn De Che Di; Vrss give passive (perhaps חָמוּץ) hence AV relieve the oppressed; but on form חָמוֺץ = doer of action see Ew§ 152 b. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence חָמוֹץ appears once, in Isaiah 1:17, where the prophet urges Judah, “Learn to do right; seek justice, correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the cause of the widow”. The term designates the person who is violently squeezing, extorting, or crushing others, a figure emblematic of social injustice. Semantic Range and Theological Themes Though limited to a single verse, the word embodies a broad ethical demand woven through Scripture. The concept of “the oppressor” contrasts with the covenant ideal of righteousness (צֶדֶק) and justice (מִשְׁפָּט). God reveals Himself as the Defender of the powerless (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 146:7–9), so any practice of חָמוֹץ is a direct violation of His character. Isaiah’s use of the term places oppression alongside orphan-neglect and widow-abandonment, framing it as a moral failure in both personal conduct and national policy. Historical Background Isaiah prophesied during a period of outward religious activity coupled with rampant social corruption (Isaiah 1:10–15). The monarchy possessed economic leverage, and aristocrats accumulated land (Isaiah 5:8). Against this backdrop, the lone mention of חָמוֹץ targets those exploiting systemic vulnerability—landlords, magistrates, or merchants who profited by “squeezing” others. Isaiah’s call therefore exposed entrenched patterns rather than isolated incidents. Implications for Justice and Mercy in Israel The prophet’s mandate—“correct the oppressor”—demands active redress, not mere avoidance of evil. Israel’s law already prohibited exploitation (Exodus 22:21–24; Leviticus 19:13). Isaiah moves beyond prohibition to command restorative action, anticipating the prophetic standard later reiterated by Jeremiah 22:3 and Micah 6:8. Addressing חָמוֹץ becomes a test of covenant fidelity; failure leads to judgment (Isaiah 1:24–25), while obedience invites cleansing and renewal (Isaiah 1:18–20). Messianic and Eschatological Perspectives Later in Isaiah, the Servant-Messiah embodies the antithesis of חָמוֹץ: “He will bring justice to the nations… A bruised reed He will not break” (Isaiah 42:1–3). The kingdom He inaugurates eradicates oppression (Isaiah 9:6–7; 11:4). Thus the lone Old Testament appearance of חָמוֹץ foreshadows the ultimate deliverance from every oppressor when righteousness and peace kiss in the reign of Christ (Psalm 85:10). New Testament Echoes and Continuity The ethical trajectory carries into the New Covenant. John the Baptist demands tangible repentance that ends extortion (Luke 3:13–14). Jesus proclaims release for the oppressed (Luke 4:18) and condemns those who “devour widows’ houses” (Mark 12:40). James 5:4 widens the indictment to economic systems that withhold wages. Each passage implicitly addresses the attitude captured by חָמוֹץ, confirming the unity of biblical revelation on social ethics. Practical Ministry Application 1. Pastoral oversight: Leaders must guard congregations against financial or relational exploitation, ensuring transparent stewardship and equitable care. Conclusion Though חָמוֹץ surfaces only once, its presence is strategic, crystallizing Scripture’s unwavering stance against every form of exploitation. Isaiah’s imperative remains a timeless summons: worship divorced from justice is empty, but faith that “corrects the oppressor” reflects the character of the righteous King who will ultimately banish oppression forever. Forms and Transliterations חָמ֑וֹץ חמוץ chaMotz ḥā·mō·wṣ ḥāmōwṣLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 1:17 HEB: מִשְׁפָּ֖ט אַשְּׁר֣וּ חָמ֑וֹץ שִׁפְט֣וּ יָת֔וֹם NAS: Reprove the ruthless, Defend KJV: relieve the oppressed, judge INT: justice Reprove the ruthless Defend the orphan 1 Occurrence |
    |