Topical Bible: The Poor: Defend

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The biblical mandate to defend the poor is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's concern for justice and righteousness. The defense of the poor is not merely a social or economic issue but a spiritual and moral obligation that reflects the character of God and His kingdom.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the defense of the poor, with numerous laws and prophetic exhortations. In the Mosaic Law, God commands His people to care for the poor and vulnerable. Leviticus 19:9-10 instructs, "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This provision ensured that the poor had access to food and sustenance.

The Psalms and Proverbs also echo this call to defend the poor. Psalm 82:3-4 states, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; save them from the hand of the wicked." Proverbs 31:8-9 urges, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the justice of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy."

The prophets were vocal advocates for the poor, often condemning Israel and Judah for neglecting justice. Isaiah 1:17 calls the people to "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Similarly, Amos 5:24 declares, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the theme of defending the poor, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and teaching compassion and justice. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, highlighting the kingdom's values (Matthew 5:3). His ministry consistently reached out to the marginalized, and He often rebuked the religious leaders for their neglect of justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23).

In the early church, the apostles emphasized caring for the poor as a vital aspect of Christian community. 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."

The Epistle of James strongly admonishes believers to defend the poor, warning against favoritism and neglect. James 2:5-6 states, "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 those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?"

Theological Implications

Defending the poor is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is described as a defender of the oppressed and a refuge for the needy. Psalm 68:5 portrays God as "A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation." This divine attribute calls believers to reflect God's heart in their actions and attitudes toward the poor.

The defense of the poor is also a reflection of the gospel message, which proclaims liberation and hope for the oppressed. Jesus' mission, as outlined in Luke 4:18-19 , includes "to proclaim good news to the poor... to set free the oppressed." The church, as the body of Christ, is called to continue this mission, advocating for justice and mercy in a world marred by sin and inequality.

Practical Application

Believers are called to actively engage in defending the poor through personal, communal, and societal actions. This includes providing for immediate needs, advocating for systemic change, and living out the principles of justice and mercy in everyday life. The biblical call to defend the poor challenges Christians to examine their own lives and communities, ensuring that they reflect the kingdom values of justice, compassion, and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 82:3,4
Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether an Advocate is Bound to Defend the Suits of the Poor?
... Therefore an advocate is bound to defend the suits of the poor. ... Therefore it seems
that in such a case an advocate is bound to defend the poor man's suit. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an advocate is bound.htm

To Defend the Weak, or to Help Strangers, or to Perform Similar ...
... To defend the weak, or to help strangers, or to perform similar duties, greatly
adds to ... one is held is also very much enhanced when one rescues a poor man out ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxi to defend the.htm

How the Poor and the Rich Should be Admonished.
... own judgment trodden on the neck of pride, and may not try to defend itself, being ...
to task, asked his judgment as if concerning the cause of a poor man against ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter ii how the poor.htm

The Gods of the Mythic Class the Poets a Very Poor Authority in ...
... your back in horror, indeed, on outcasts and exiles, on the poor and weak ... the wretched,
disgraceful and atrocious (examples) of your gods, you defend them as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/chapter vii the gods of the.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xix. 21,"Go, Sell that Thou Hast ...
... The bread which ye gave to My poor is consumed; the Bread which I ... Lastly, even though
by various precautions thou shouldest defend thy treasure and thy clothes ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxvi on the words.htm

The Poor Man's Friend
... the record of everything that was against, us; and, now, every poor sinner, who ... We
must have the Divine Advocate who alone can defend us against the suits of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 53 1907/the poor mans friend.htm

Three Pictures of one Reality
... 'As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem.' The ... It was but a poor
brood that had been hatched out, but yet 'as birds flying' He had watched ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/three pictures of one reality.htm

Association
... If the rich help and defend the poor, and the poor respect and love the rich, and
are ready to serve them as far as they can,"in short, if all ranks bear ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon xx association.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... In the psalm he exclaims: "Defend the fatherless and the needy; do justice to the
humble and the poor; deliver the poor, and rid the needy out of the hand of ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

Love's Prodigality Censured and vindicated
... was always sufficiently at leisure from itself to care for His friends and to defend
them. ... We know not what use He may make of our poor service; but we may be ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture i/loves prodigality censured and vindicated.htm