The concept of oppression is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often depicted as a grievous burden that weighs heavily upon individuals and communities. In the Scriptures, oppression is portrayed as an act of injustice and cruelty, typically perpetrated by those in positions of power against the vulnerable and marginalized. The Bible consistently condemns such acts and calls for justice, mercy, and righteousness.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites' experience in Egypt serves as a foundational narrative of oppression. The Egyptians subjected the Israelites to harsh labor and cruel treatment, as described in Exodus 1:13-14: "They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used them ruthlessly." This period of bondage is