Topical Bible: Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Stranger and Fatherless

◄ Injustice: Specially to be Avoided Towards: The Stranger and Fatherless ►

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Injustice, particularly towards the stranger and the fatherless, is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God’s people are repeatedly admonished to act justly and show compassion. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of justice and mercy, especially towards those who are vulnerable and marginalized in society.

Biblical Mandate for Justice

The Bible consistently calls for justice and righteousness, underscoring the need to protect and care for the stranger and the fatherless. In Deuteronomy 10:18-19, God’s character is revealed as one who "executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This passage commands the Israelites to love the foreigner, reflecting God’s own actions and character.

Protection of the Vulnerable

The Law given to Israel includes specific instructions to safeguard the rights of the stranger and the fatherless. Exodus 22:21-22 warns, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child." This commandment is rooted in the Israelites' own experience of oppression in Egypt, serving as a reminder of their obligation to treat others with fairness and compassion.

Prophetic Condemnation of Injustice

The prophets frequently denounce the mistreatment of the vulnerable, highlighting the moral decay of societies that neglect justice. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to action emphasizes the active role believers must take in advocating for those who cannot defend themselves.

Jeremiah 22:3 further reinforces this message: "This is what the LORD says: Do justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do not exploit or mistreat the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow." The prophet’s words serve as a divine directive to uphold justice and protect the rights of the marginalized.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament continues this theme, with James 1:27 defining pure and undefiled religion as "to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse underscores the importance of practical expressions of faith through acts of justice and mercy.

Divine Justice and Accountability

The Bible assures that God is a God of justice who will hold individuals and nations accountable for their treatment of the vulnerable. Psalm 68:5 describes God as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows," highlighting His protective nature. Believers are called to emulate this divine attribute by ensuring justice for the stranger and the fatherless.

Conclusion

The biblical call to avoid injustice towards the stranger and the fatherless is clear and compelling. It is a reflection of God’s own character and a mandate for His people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. Through obedience to these commands, believers demonstrate their faith and commitment to God’s righteous standards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:21,22
You shall neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 24:17
You shall not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge:
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Jeremiah 22:3
Thus said the LORD; Execute you judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... When Jacob went from Beersheba towards Haran, he met with God in the way by a ... It
was this, therefore, that Job would have avoided in the day that he would have ...
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Memoir of John Bunyan
... upon his knees, and, with uplifted hands towards heaven, cried ... and devotion, they
ought to be avoided as sinful ... He was a stranger to the rules of Hebrew rhetoric ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm