Topical Bible: Protection is Afforded to The Poor

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The theme of divine protection for the poor is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, reflecting God's deep concern for justice and care for the marginalized. Scripture consistently emphasizes that God is a refuge for the oppressed and a defender of those who are vulnerable.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, God's law explicitly commands the protection and fair treatment of the poor. The Mosaic Law includes numerous provisions to ensure that the poor are not exploited or neglected. For instance, Exodus 22:25 instructs, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of compassion and fairness in dealings with the impoverished.

The Psalms frequently highlight God's protective role over the poor. Psalm 12:5 declares, "Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise, says the LORD. I will bring safety to him who yearns." This verse illustrates God's active intervention on behalf of the needy, promising deliverance and safety.

Proverbs also speaks to the protection of the poor, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the community. Proverbs 22:22-23 warns, "Do not rob a poor man because he is poor, and do not crush the afflicted at the gate, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them." Here, the text assures that God Himself will advocate for the poor, holding accountable those who exploit them.

Prophetic Advocacy

The prophets of Israel were vocal advocates for the poor, often condemning the social injustices that left them vulnerable. Isaiah 25:4 proclaims, "For You have been a refuge for the poor, a stronghold for the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat." This imagery of God as a protective refuge reinforces His commitment to safeguarding the poor from harm.

Jeremiah and Amos also echo this theme, calling out the leaders and wealthy who oppress the poor. Amos 5:11-12 states, "Therefore, because you trample on the poor and exact from him a tax of grain, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you will not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you will not drink their wine." The prophets remind the people that divine justice will prevail, and those who exploit the poor will face consequences.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies God's concern for the poor, often ministering directly to them and teaching about their blessedness. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This pronouncement affirms the value and dignity of the poor, promising them a place in God's kingdom.

The early church continued this legacy of care and protection for the poor. Acts 4:34-35 describes how "there were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This communal sharing reflects the church's commitment to ensuring that the needs of the poor were met.

James 2:5 further emphasizes God's special regard for the poor: "Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised to those who love Him?" This passage highlights the spiritual richness and inheritance promised to the poor, affirming their esteemed place in God's plan.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the protection afforded to the poor is a testament to God's justice and mercy. From the laws of Moses to the teachings of Jesus, Scripture consistently calls for the defense and care of the poor, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable and His promise of refuge and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 14:6
You have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the LORD is his refuge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 72:12-14
For he shall deliver the needy when he cries; the poor also, and him that has no helper.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... The scant protection afforded by the little island did not avail them long, and
soon they ... But his heart yearned with pity for the poor souls around him, sinful ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... the business of the church; though certain poor and pious ... And where aid is kindly
afforded, still the concern ... dear ones, and he hath promised them protection. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Of the Kinds of Beneficence, and Works of Mercy.
... care of God, and that they will never want protection. ... is the burying of strangers
and the poor; which subject ... sure and just when it is now afforded, not to ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xii of the kinds of.htm

The Established Christian Urged to Exert Himself for Purposes of ...
... his distinguished abilities the disguise or protection of the ... the treasury, where
richer offerings cannot be afforded. ... become one of the many poor relieved out ...
/.../chapter xxviii the established christian.htm

On the Government of God
... the most glorious conquests of Rome had afforded far greater ... That poor men and slaves
might be quite as ... flight of many Romans to barbarian protection from the ...
/.../salvian/on the government of god/iv on the government of.htm

Providential Guidance
... and the low-lying, shrubless shore afforded no landmark ... fishermen actually guilty
of this poor Chinaman's death ... does not afford so good a protection against snow ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter xiv providential guidance.htm

Habits and Condition of the People. Mission Work and Retirement.
... and yet it must be acknowledged that many are poor. ... on with heavy rain, and the booth
was no protection. ... to avail myself of the leisure afforded of writing for ...
/.../chapter xxiii habits and condition.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... The last proof of humility afforded by the life of ... he could have placed himself under
the protection of Pilate ... only in the recollections of a few poor men, many ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

From the Second to the Fourth Commandment
... for their own protection or the protection of their ... possible, the same opportunity
must be afforded to their ... Sunday school, bringing relief to the poor and sick ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 32 from the second.htm

Life Amongst the Upper Ten Thousand
... discussed the case tried that very day, of the poor man who in ... should be lost to
China!" No armed bodyguard could have afforded him such protection as this ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xviii life amongst the.htm