Topical Encyclopedia Extortion, in the biblical context, refers to the unlawful or unethical acquisition of money, goods, or services through coercion, threats, or manipulation. It is a sin that is condemned throughout Scripture, as it violates the principles of justice, righteousness, and love for one's neighbor. The Bible consistently upholds the dignity and rights of individuals, and extortion is seen as a direct affront to these values.Old Testament References The Old Testament provides several references to extortion, often in the context of social justice and the treatment of the poor and vulnerable. In Ezekiel 22:12, the prophet condemns the people of Jerusalem for their corrupt practices, stating, "In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take interest and profit and gain from your neighbors by extortion. And you have forgotten Me, declares the Lord GOD." Here, extortion is linked with other forms of injustice and is seen as evidence of a society that has turned away from God. The Psalms also speak against extortion. Psalm 62:10 warns, "Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them." This verse highlights the futility and moral bankruptcy of relying on ill-gotten gains, urging believers to place their trust in God rather than in wealth acquired through unjust means. New Testament References In the New Testament, extortion is addressed as part of the broader call to ethical living and repentance. John the Baptist, in his call to repentance, specifically instructs tax collectors to "collect no more than you are authorized" (Luke 3:13), implicitly condemning the extortionate practices that were common among tax collectors of the time. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, includes extortion among the sins that are incompatible with the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, he writes, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." The term "swindlers" in this context can be understood to include those who engage in extortion. Moral and Ethical Implications From a biblical perspective, extortion is not merely a legal issue but a profound moral failing. It reflects a heart that is turned away from God and neighbor, prioritizing personal gain over justice and compassion. The Bible calls believers to a higher standard, one that reflects the character of God, who is just, merciful, and loving. The teachings of Jesus further emphasize the importance of integrity and fairness in all dealings. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). This principle stands in stark contrast to the merciless nature of extortion, urging believers to embody mercy and justice in their interactions with others. Conclusion While the Bible does not provide an exhaustive legal code, its teachings on extortion are clear and consistent. Extortion is condemned as a violation of God's law and an affront to the dignity of others. Believers are called to reject such practices and to live lives marked by honesty, integrity, and love, reflecting the character of Christ in all their dealings. Concordance Extortiofn (1 Occurrence)Jeremiah 22:17 Thesaurus Extortiofn (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Extortiofn (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 22:17 But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness ... /e/extortiofn.htm - 6k Extortion (14 Occurrences) Extorted (3 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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