Topical Bible: Fatherless: The Wicked: Vex

◄ Fatherless: The Wicked: Vex ►

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In the biblical context, the term "fatherless" often refers to orphans or those without a paternal figure, who are considered vulnerable and in need of protection and justice. The Scriptures frequently address the treatment of the fatherless, emphasizing God's concern for their welfare and the moral obligation of His people to care for them. However, the wicked are depicted as those who exploit and oppress the fatherless, drawing the ire of God and His righteous judgment.

The Bible explicitly condemns the actions of the wicked who vex or oppress the fatherless. In the book of Job, Job defends his integrity by contrasting his actions with those of the wicked, stating, "They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox in pledge" (Job 24:3). This verse highlights the callousness of the wicked, who take advantage of the vulnerable for their gain.

Psalm 10 provides a vivid portrayal of the wicked's attitude towards the fatherless. The psalmist laments, "The wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises" (Psalm 10:2). The wicked boast of their heart's desires and renounce the LORD, believing they will not be held accountable. The psalmist continues, "He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent. His eyes watch in stealth for the helpless" (Psalm 10:8). This passage underscores the predatory nature of the wicked, who target the defenseless, including the fatherless.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks against those who oppress the fatherless, declaring God's impending judgment on them: "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless" (Isaiah 10:1-2). Here, the wicked are condemned for their systemic injustice and exploitation of the vulnerable, including the fatherless.

In the New Testament, James reiterates the importance of caring for the fatherless, stating, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). This verse serves as a stark contrast to the actions of the wicked, emphasizing the call for believers to embody God's compassion and justice.

Throughout Scripture, the vexation of the fatherless by the wicked is met with divine disapproval and promises of judgment. God's heart for justice and protection of the vulnerable is clear, and His people are called to reflect His character by defending and caring for the fatherless, standing in opposition to the wicked who seek to exploit them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 22:7
In you have they set light by father and mother: in the middle of you have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in you have they vexed the fatherless and the widow.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy.
... once go to heaven, he shall never vex nor trouble ... right belong to any widow or
fatherless child, presume ... this the Lord answereth, "Let the wicked forsake his ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations against despair or doubting.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth ... And it shall be, if the
wicked man be ... deciding controversies, of begetting peace, to vex and anger ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

The Forgiving Spirit in Prayer
... time, He adds, as long as those so wicked and detestable ... fifth petition of it, some
of us who vex you, or ... Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/xxi the forgiving spirit in.htm

Job's Regret and Our Own
... by grace be strong and overcome the Wicked One; the ... are licensed to prevail occasionally,
neither vex your graces ... About 200 fatherless boys are in the Orphanage ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/jobs regret and our own.htm

Little Sins
... some purpose." But suppose your friend should vex and grieve ... see how he wronged the
widow and robbed the fatherless! ... The wicked, it is true, shall be sent there ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/little sins.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... and outrage that our brethren suffer at the hands of wicked men should ... of malice,
of old grudge, and on purpose to vex and afflict ... seest thou the fatherless? ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... These, they also that are of the wicked one commit, and therefore sin after the ... the
naughty temper of some that are about him, who trouble and vex, and labour ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... Some come into the worship of God to sleep there; some come thither to meet with
their chapmen, and to get into the wicked fellowship of their vain companions. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm