Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, oppressors are individuals or groups who unjustly exercise power or authority over others, often causing suffering and hardship. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of oppression, condemning it as contrary to God's will and calling for justice and righteousness.Old Testament References The Old Testament contains numerous references to oppression, often highlighting God's concern for the oppressed and His judgment against oppressors. In Exodus 3:9, God acknowledges the suffering of the Israelites under Egyptian bondage: "And now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me, and I have seen how severely the Egyptians are oppressing them." This passage underscores God's awareness and response to the plight of the oppressed. The prophets frequently spoke against oppression, calling for justice and righteousness. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Here, the call is not only to refrain from oppression but to actively work against it and support those who are vulnerable. In the wisdom literature, Proverbs 14:31 states, "Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him." This verse highlights the moral and spiritual implications of oppression, linking the treatment of the poor directly to one's relationship with God. New Testament References The New Testament continues the theme of God's concern for the oppressed and His opposition to oppressors. Jesus' ministry is marked by compassion for the marginalized and a challenge to unjust systems. In Luke 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 freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed." The epistles also address the issue of oppression. James 5:1-6 warns the rich oppressors of impending judgment: "Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This passage emphasizes the accountability of oppressors before God and the certainty of divine justice. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, oppression is seen as a manifestation of sin and a violation of God's justice. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the oppressed and a judge of oppressors. Believers are called to emulate God's character by seeking justice, showing mercy, and standing against oppression in all its forms. The biblical narrative encourages believers to advocate for the vulnerable and to work towards a society that reflects God's righteousness and justice. This involves both personal integrity and communal responsibility, as seen in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Practical Application In practical terms, Christians are urged to be vigilant against oppression in their communities and to support efforts that promote justice and equality. This includes addressing systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and advocating for policies that protect the rights of the marginalized. The biblical call to justice is a call to action, challenging believers to reflect God's love and justice in their interactions with others. Strong's Hebrew 3238. yanah -- to oppress, maltreat, perhaps suppress... maltreat, perhaps suppress NASB Word Usage do him wrong (1), mistreat (2), oppress (3), oppresses (1), oppressing (1), oppressor (2), oppressors (1), subdue (1 ... /hebrew/3238.htm - 6k 6031a. anah -- to be bowed down or afflicted 5065. nagas -- to press, drive, oppress, exact 3905. lachats -- to squeeze, press, oppress 6231. ashaq -- to oppress, wrong, extort 6862c. tsar -- adversary, foe 7429. ramas -- to trample Library Psalm 10 Prayer Heard, Saints Saved; Or, Pride, Atheism, and ... The Christian Conception of Life Has Already Arisen in Our Society ... Sin Slain The Poor Man's Friend The Almighty A Rebuke against Extortion The Gospel Day Seen in Prophecy. Significance of Compulsory Service. Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ... The Nations of the South-East Thesaurus Oppressors (31 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Oppressors (31 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 33:7 And this of Judah; and he said, Hear, Jehovah, the voice ... /o/oppressors.htm - 15k Habakkuk (3 Occurrences) Oppressor (28 Occurrences) Oppressed (81 Occurrences) Tyrants (4 Occurrences) Ruthless (21 Occurrences) Options (2 Occurrences) Outcasts (13 Occurrences) Oppressions (5 Occurrences) Goat (92 Occurrences) Resources Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the New Testament? | GotQuestions.org What does yoke mean in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Oppressors (31 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 33:7 Judges 2:18 Judges 6:9 Nehemiah 9:27 Job 6:23 Job 27:13 Psalms 6:7 Psalms 7:6 Psalms 27:11 Psalms 31:11 Psalms 54:3 Psalms 89:42 Psalms 105:24 Psalms 106:11 Psalms 112:8 Psalms 119:121 Psalms 119:139 Psalms 119:157 Psalms 123:4 Psalms 136:24 Ecclesiastes 4:1 Isaiah 3:12 Isaiah 14:2 Isaiah 16:4 Isaiah 19:20 Isaiah 49:26 Isaiah 60:14 Jeremiah 30:20 Zephaniah 3:1 Zephaniah 3:19 Malachi 3:5 Subtopics Related Terms |