Topical Bible: Answers To Prayer: Denied to Those Who: Cruelly Oppress Saints

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In the biblical narrative, the theme of prayer is central to the relationship between God and His people. However, Scripture makes it clear that God does not respond favorably to the prayers of those who engage in the cruel oppression of His saints. This principle is rooted in the character of God as just and righteous, and it is reflected in various passages throughout the Bible.

One of the key passages that highlight this principle is found in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 21:13 states, "Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer." This verse underscores the idea that those who ignore or oppress the vulnerable, including the saints, will find their own prayers unanswered by God. The oppression of the saints, who are often among the marginalized and persecuted, is a grave offense in the eyes of the Lord.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to this issue. In Isaiah 1:15 , God declares, "When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood." This passage indicates that God refuses to hear the prayers of those whose actions are marked by violence and oppression, including the persecution of His faithful ones.

In the New Testament, the apostle James addresses the issue of oppression and its impact on prayer. James 5:4 warns, "Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts." This verse illustrates that God is attentive to the cries of those who are oppressed, and He stands against those who exploit and mistreat them.

Furthermore, the book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the consequences faced by those who oppress the saints. Revelation 6:9-10 describes the souls of the martyrs crying out for justice: "When the Lamb opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony they had upheld. And they cried out in a loud voice, 'How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You avenge our blood and judge those who dwell upon the earth?'" This passage reveals that God is aware of the suffering of His saints and will ultimately bring justice to those who oppress them.

The biblical witness consistently affirms that God is a defender of the oppressed and that He will not tolerate the mistreatment of His people. Those who engage in the cruel oppression of the saints find themselves alienated from God's favor, and their prayers go unanswered as a result of their unjust actions.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Micah 3:2-4
Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
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... be longer or shorter, this is my prayer at present ... and righteously, giving by his
curse, to those that are ... in his drawers; but she violently denied it; wishing ...
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