Topical Bible: The Poor: Rob Not

◄ The Poor: Rob Not ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The biblical mandate to protect and care for the poor is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's concern for justice and righteousness. The command "Rob not the poor" is a direct injunction found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Proverbs. This directive underscores the moral and ethical responsibility of individuals and society to uphold the dignity and rights of those who are economically disadvantaged.

Scriptural Foundation

Proverbs 22:22-23 states: "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 of life." This passage highlights the divine advocacy for the poor, warning against exploiting their vulnerability. The "gate" refers to the place of legal proceedings in ancient Israelite society, indicating that justice should be accessible to all, regardless of economic status.

Theological Implications

The command not to rob the poor is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a defender of the oppressed and a provider for the needy. Throughout the Old Testament, God is portrayed as one who hears the cries of the poor and acts on their behalf (Exodus 22:22-24; Psalm 12:5). This divine concern is reflected in the laws given to Israel, which include provisions for the poor, such as gleaning rights (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25).

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral standpoint, robbing the poor is not merely a violation of property rights but an affront to the justice and mercy that God requires of His people. The prophets frequently condemned the exploitation of the poor, associating it with societal corruption and impending judgment (Isaiah 10:1-2; Amos 2:6-7). The ethical call to protect the poor is further reinforced in the New Testament, where Jesus identifies with the marginalized and teaches that acts of kindness toward them are acts of service to Him (Matthew 25:40).

Practical Application

In practical terms, the command to "rob not the poor" extends beyond refraining from theft or exploitation. It calls for proactive measures to ensure justice and equity. This includes advocating for fair wages, opposing systems that perpetuate poverty, and supporting charitable efforts that empower the poor. The early church exemplified this through communal sharing and support for those in need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35).

Contemporary Relevance

In today's world, the principle of not robbing the poor remains relevant as economic disparities continue to challenge societies globally. Christians are called to reflect God's heart for justice by engaging in efforts that address poverty and inequality. This involves both personal responsibility and collective action, recognizing that true worship includes caring for the least among us (James 1:27).

The biblical injunction to "rob not the poor" serves as a timeless reminder of the ethical and spiritual duty to uphold justice and compassion, reflecting the character of God in a world that often overlooks the plight of the vulnerable.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 22:22
Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of Sir Rob^T. Hamilton of Preston.
... The Life of Sir ROB^T. HAMILTON of Preston. ... in Batavia and the Helvetian Cantons,
not without many ... toward his mother church, and the poor persecuted people in ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir rob%5Et.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... commandment of God, and that it must not be treated as ... although you despise us, defraud,
steal, and rob, we will ... But beware of this: When the poor man comes to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not steal.htm

A Sermon on a Text not Found in the Bible.
... Do not men go primed with drink to rob and slay ... We should not like to die without
being at peace with all ... infirmities peculiar to old age in a way poor men and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xli a sermon on a.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... (4) To rob the widow and orphan. Ye shall not afflict the widow or fatherless.'
Peccatum clamans [This sin shrieks aloud]. ... (5) To rob the poor. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

Whether one May Give Alms Out of Ill-Gotten Goods?
... Dom. xxxv, 2): "Give alms from your just labors. For you will not bribe Christ
your judge, not to hear you with the poor whom you rob . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one may give alms.htm

Whether Liberality is a virtue?
... unless he do as Eliseus did, who slew his oxen and fed the poor, that he ... i): "If
you assist to rob others of their possessions, your honesty is not to be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether liberality is a virtue.htm

Upon the Collections , iv.
... but also by deeds, many whom he could not rob of their ... Who would not dread evils
which are never to be ended? ... to spare them, have mercy on the poor; let them ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon ix upon the collections.htm

To Misser Lorenzo Del Pino of Bologna, Doctor in Decretals ...
... Whatever the mysterious condition may have been, it evidently did not rob Catherine
of ... of the hard man"evidently a lawyer"who makes the poor wait before ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to misser lorenzo del pino.htm

The Touch that Cleanses
... But the hope which gleamed before his poor eyes was only a gleam, obscured by his ...
meant for anything but the silent voice of pity and love, we do not rob it of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the touch that cleanses.htm

The Believer not an Orphan. "I Will not Leave You Comfortless: I ...
... I tell you, though you are poor and ignorant, and perhaps can ... In this sense, the
saints are not orphans ... The devil would rob us of our heritage if he could, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the believer not an orphan.htm