Topical Encyclopedia The theme of the wicked persecuting the poor is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, highlighting the moral and spiritual corruption of those who oppress the vulnerable. Scripture consistently portrays God as a defender of the poor and condemns those who exploit or persecute them.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 10:2 : "In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise." This verse illustrates the arrogance of the wicked, who actively seek to harm the poor. The psalmist calls for divine justice, asking that the wicked be ensnared by their own malicious plans. 2. Proverbs 14:31 : "Whoever oppresses the poor taunts their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors Him." This proverb underscores the spiritual dimension of oppressing the poor, equating it to an affront against God Himself. Conversely, showing kindness to the needy is an act of reverence toward God. 3. Isaiah 3:14-15 : "The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people: 'You have devoured the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. Why do you crush My people and grind the faces of the poor?' declares the Lord GOD of Hosts." Here, the prophet Isaiah conveys God's indictment against the leaders of Israel for their exploitation of the poor, emphasizing the severity of their actions in the eyes of the Lord. 4. Amos 5:11-12 : "Therefore, because you impose heavy rent on the poor and exact a tax on their grain, though you have built houses of cut stone, you will not live in them; though you have planted pleasant vineyards, you will not drink their wine. For I know your transgressions are many and your sins are great—oppressing the righteous, taking bribes, and depriving the poor of justice at the gates." The prophet Amos condemns the social injustices perpetrated by the wealthy and powerful, warning of divine retribution for their exploitation of the poor. 5. James 2:6 : "But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?" In the New Testament, James addresses the early Christian community, highlighting the irony and injustice of favoring the rich who are often the very ones oppressing them. Theological Implications: The persecution of the poor by the wicked is not merely a social or economic issue but a profound spiritual concern. The Bible consistently presents God as the protector and advocate of the poor, and those who persecute them are seen as opposing God's will. The scriptures call for justice, mercy, and humility, urging believers to align themselves with God's heart for the oppressed. Moral and Ethical Considerations: From a moral standpoint, the persecution of the poor is a grave sin that reflects a deep-seated disregard for God's commandments. Believers are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8), which includes defending the rights of the poor and standing against their oppressors. The biblical narrative encourages a community that supports and uplifts the vulnerable, reflecting the character of God in their actions and attitudes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 10:2The wicked in his pride does persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Wicked One Psalm 10 Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction. Antichrist in the Psalms The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache To Confirm what Has Been Said Above About Rewards and Punishments. ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... Pilgrims of the Victorious Life Psalm CXL. To Brother Raimondo of Capua of the Order of the Preachers Resources What does the Bible say about giving to the poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be poor in spirit? | GotQuestions.org Poor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Poor: Atonement Money of, Uniform With That of the Rich People Poor: Inexpensive offerings of People Who Have Very Little Money Poor: Kindness to Congregations Poor: Kindness to Congregations of Macedonia and Achaia Poor: Kindness to Prophet's Widow Poor: Kindness to The Congregation at Antioch (In Syria) Poor: Kindness to The Good Samaritan Poor: Kindness to The Temanites Poor: Kindness to To the Widow of Zarephath Poor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Poor are Such by God's Appointment The Poor by Mocking, God is Reproached The Poor by Oppressing, God is Reproached The Poor: A Care For is a Fruit of Repentance The Poor: A Care For is Characteristic of Saints The Poor: A Care For: should be Urged The Poor: Care For-Illustrated The Poor: Christ Lived As One of The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Bad Company The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Drunkenness and Gluttony The Poor: Condition of, often Results From: Sloth The Poor: Give to not Grudgingly The Poor: Give to Specially If Saints The Poor: Give To without Ostentation The Poor: God is the Refuge of The Poor: God: Despises No the Prayer of The Poor: God: Maintains the Right of The Poor: God: Regards Equally With the Rich The Poor: Harden not the Heart Against The Poor: May Be: Rich in Faith The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Neglect of Christ The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Proof of Unbelief The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: Inconsistent With Love to God The Poor: Offerings of, Acceptable to God The Poor: Oppression of-Illustrated The Poor: Punishment For: Acting Unjustly Towards The Poor: Punishment For: Oppressing The Poor: Punishment For: Refusing to Assist The Poor: Punishment For: Spoiling The Poor: Regard For: Church at Antioch The Poor: Regard For: Churches of Macedonia and Achaia The Poor: Regard For: Cornelius The Poor: Regard For: Nebuzaradan The Poor: Regard For: Peter and John The Poor: Regard For: Zacchaeus The Poor: Rule Not, With Vigour The Poor: Shall Never Cease out of the Land The Poor: should Commit Themselves to God The Poor: should Provided for Under the Law The Poor: should Rejoice in God The Poor: should when Converted, Rejoice in Their Exaltation The Poor: Shut not the Hand Against The Poor: The Wicked: Care not For The Poor: The Wicked: Despise the Counsel of The Poor: The Wicked: Grind the Faces of The Poor: The Wicked: Persecute The Poor: The Wicked: Regard not the Cause of The Poor: The Wicked: Tread Down The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Blessed The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe are Happy The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have Promises The Poor: They Who in Faith, Believe: Have the Favour of God The Poor: Wrong not in Judgment Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |