Topical Bible: The Poor: The Wicked: Grind the Faces of

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the phrase "grind the faces of the poor" is a vivid metaphor used to describe the severe oppression and exploitation of the impoverished by the wicked. This expression is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet Isaiah delivers a stern rebuke to the leaders and people of Judah for their unjust treatment of the vulnerable in society.

Biblical Reference:

Isaiah 3:15 states, "Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?" declares the Lord GOD of Hosts. This verse is part of a larger passage where God, through Isaiah, condemns the leaders of Judah for their corruption and abuse of power. The imagery of grinding the faces of the poor suggests a ruthless and dehumanizing exploitation, akin to the grinding of grain into flour, leaving the poor utterly destitute and powerless.

Context and Interpretation:

The book of Isaiah addresses the social injustices prevalent in Judah during the 8th century BC. The leaders and wealthy individuals are accused of using their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and needy. The phrase "grind the faces of the poor" underscores the severity of their actions, highlighting the physical and emotional toll inflicted upon the marginalized.

From a theological perspective, this passage reflects God's deep concern for justice and righteousness. The oppression of the poor is not merely a social issue but a moral and spiritual failing that incurs divine judgment. The prophets consistently emphasize that true worship of God is inseparable from ethical conduct and social justice.

Related Themes:

1. Justice and Righteousness: The Bible frequently calls for justice and righteousness, particularly in the treatment of the poor and vulnerable. Proverbs 31:9 exhorts, "Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy."

2. Divine Judgment: The oppression of the poor is met with divine disapproval and judgment. In Isaiah 10:1-2 , the prophet warns, "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of fair treatment and withhold justice from the oppressed of My people."

3. God's Compassion for the Poor: Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a defender of the poor and needy. Psalm 140:12 affirms, "I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy."

4. Call to Repentance: The prophetic call to repentance often includes a call to rectify social injustices. Isaiah 1:17 urges, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

Application:

The biblical condemnation of grinding the faces of the poor serves as a timeless reminder of the responsibility to uphold justice and compassion in society. It challenges individuals and communities to reflect on their treatment of the marginalized and to align their actions with the principles of God's kingdom, where justice, mercy, and humility prevail.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 3:15
What mean you that you beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? said the Lord GOD of hosts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Eighth Commandment
... What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of ... go up to heaven
in poverty"go up to heaven from the poor-house ... If the wicked restore the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

The Sinner's Friend
... full well they carry it out, while they grind the faces ... an enemy to God by a multitude
of wicked works ... and there was a grief unutterable; and that poor soul did ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the sinners friend.htm

Elijah's Appeal to the Undecided
... he can be covetous, and grasping in business, and grind the faces of the poor, and
yet be ... this or that mischief that brings joy to the wicked man's heart ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/elijahs appeal to the undecided.htm

The Lessons from Olivet
... and the Jews, to do just what their wicked hearts prompted ... said the mill; "what am
I here for but to grind? ... half so many; and those I have are too poor to help ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the lessons from olivet.htm

The Next Day, and the Next after That, were Passed by the Cardinal ...
... love one another for His sake"not to grind each other ... was no one but a priest, and
poor- looking even ... of the Creator,"of course that is a wicked thing to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/x the next day and.htm

God's Providence
... And you, poor, who are depressed and downcast, who ... against God's Providence; and
Providence will grind and crush him ... has many gordian knots which wicked men may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

"The House of Israel"
... on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to ... the hungry, and that thou bring
the poor that are ... While the wicked flee, Christ's followers will rejoice in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... from God, and far off from him by wicked works, yet he ... to comfort the mourner, to
aid the poor, to instruct ... your garners with wheat if you never grind the corn ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... where to rank these, whether among the godly or the wicked. ... Nay more, you may be
helpful to the poor in stirring ... sails of the mill and make it grind corn for ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

The Mediator --The Interpreter
... like ourselves; in all respects a sufferer, poor, needy, knowing ... you in the day of
the judgment of the wicked. ... If thy God break thee, and grind thee, it is to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/the mediatorthe interpreter.htm