Biblical Teachings Used To Justify Oppression

Biblical Teachings on Oppression

The biblical teachings on oppression emphasize God's concern for the oppressed and the need for justice. Isaiah 3:12 states, "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths" ^[2]. This passage highlights the consequences of oppression and the importance of just leadership.

The Bible frequently condemns oppression, particularly when it is perpetrated by those in positions of power. Ezekiel 22:29 notes that "the people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery" ^[6]. The Psalmist also laments the wicked who "mock, and wickedly command oppression, From on high, they command" (Psalms 73:8) ^[1]. These passages demonstrate that oppression is a serious issue that is addressed throughout the biblical text.

The biblical response to oppression is not limited to condemnation; it also emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, the afflictions of the wicked are a result of their oppression of others ^[3]. In contrast, those who show compassion to the oppressed are promised blessings (Proverbs 19:17) ^[4]. The biblical teachings on oppression are closely tied to the concept of justice, which is a central theme in the biblical narrative.

The Jewish tradition, as represented in the Midrash Rabbah, also emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion. Rabbi Pinḥas bar Ḥama interprets Psalm 146:7 as referring to God's justice on behalf of the oppressed Israelites in Egypt ^[7]. This interpretation highlights the connection between God's justice and the experience of oppression.

In the Christian tradition, the biblical teachings on oppression are seen as having significant implications for social justice. John Calvin argues that the Bible frees believers from the bondage of human oppression, asserting the liberty purchased by Christ's blood ^[9]. This understanding is echoed in the Reformed tradition, which emphasizes the importance of resisting oppression and promoting justice.

The biblical teachings on oppression also have implications for individual behavior. According to John Gill's commentary on Ezekiel 18:17, those who "cruelly oppressed" others will be judged, while those who show compassion to the poor will be blessed ^[8]. This emphasis on individual responsibility is a common theme in biblical wisdom literature.

The consequences of oppression are not limited to the individual; they can also have national and societal implications. The biblical text notes that national sins, including oppression, can lead to divine judgment (Isaiah 1:5; Jeremiah 5:1-5) ^[5]. In contrast, nations that promote justice and compassion are promised blessings.

The biblical teachings on oppression remain relevant today, offering a framework for understanding and addressing social injustices. By emphasizing the importance of justice, compassion, and individual responsibility, these teachings provide a foundation for promoting human dignity and challenging oppressive systems.

Sources

Psalms “Psalms 73:8 (Rotherham) — They mock, and wickedly command oppression, From on high, they command;”
Isaiah “As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. -- Isaiah 3:12”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions of the Wicked, The — God is glorified in -- Ex 14:4; Eze 38:22,23. God holds in derision -- Ps 37:13; Pr 1:26,27. Are multiplied -- De 31:17; Job 20:12-18; Ps 32:10. Are continual -- Job 15:20; Ec 2:23; Isa 32:10. Are often sudden -- Ps 73:10; Pr 6:15; Isa 30:13; Re 18:10. Are often judicially sent -- Job 21:17; Ps 107:17; Jer 30:15. Are for examples to others -- Ps 64:7-9; Zep 3:6,7; 1Co 10:5-11; 2Pe 2:6. Are ineffectual of themselves, for their conversion -- Ex 9:30; Isa 9:13; Jer 2:30; Hag 2:17. Their persecution of saints, a cause of -- De 30:7; Ps 55”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sins, National — Pervade all ranks -- Isa 1:5; Jer 5:1-5; 6:13. Often caused and encouraged by rulers -- 1Ki 12:26-33; 14:16; 2Ch 21:11-13; Pr 29:12. Often caused by prosperity -- De 32:15; Ne 9:28; Jer 48:11; Eze 16:49; 28:5. Defile The land. -- Le 18:25; Nu 35:33,34; Ps 106:38; Isa 24:5; Mic 2:10. The people. -- Le 18:24; Eze 14:11. National worship. -- Isa 1:10-15; Am 5:21,22; Hag 2:14. Aggravated by privileges -- Isa 5:4-7; Eze 20:11-13; Am 2:4; 3:1,2; Mt 11:21-24. Lead the heathen to blaspheme -- Eze 36:20,23; Ro 2:24. Are a reproach to a people -- Pr 14:34. Sho”
Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 22:29: The people of the land have used oppression,.... The common people, the more powerful among them, such as were in greatest authority in cities and towns, in neighbourhoods and families, the richest among them; these oppressed the poor, and those that were under them, the servants of them, and tenants to them, and who were not able to defend themselves against them: the Septuagint and Syriac versions understand this of the prophets using the people of the land ill: and exercised robbery; such who had not the power as others had, became thieves and robbers, went on ”
Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Devarim Rabbah 4:9: “And you will say: I will eat meat, because your heart will desire to eat meat; with all your heart’s desire, you may eat meat” – this is what the verse said: “Who performs justice for the oppressed, gives bread to the hungry; the Lord releases the imprisoned” (Psalms 146:7) – it is speaking of Israel. Rabbi Pinḥas bar Ḥama said: It teaches that there were more than seventy nations in Egypt, and of all of them, they enslaved only Israel. Who executed justice on their behalf? He “who performs justice for the oppressed.” “Gives bread to the hungry” – this is I”
Ezekiel (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ezekiel 18:17: As for his father,.... It shall be otherwise with him: because he cruelly oppressed; or, "oppressed an oppression"; or, "with an oppression" (i); oppressed the poor, and had no mercy on them, but used them in the most rigorous manner: spoiled his brother by violence; took away the spoil of his brother; spoiled him of his substance; did injury to his person and property, and all the mischief that lay in his power: and did that which is not good among his people; neighbours, citizens, and countrymen; did nothing which was good, as he ought to have done; but ever”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 92: to us, still they contend that they are to be heard without exception; for the thing asked of us is not to consent to errors, but only to submit to the strict commands of those set over us,—commands which we are not at liberty to decline ( 1 Pet. 2:18 ). But here also the Lord comes to the succour of his word, and frees us from this bondage by asserting the liberty which he has purchased for us by his sacred blood, and the benefit of which he has more than once attested by his word. For the thing required of us is not (as they mali”

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