The term "oppresseth" is an archaic form of the verb "oppress," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It generally refers to the act of subjecting someone to harsh or unjust treatment, often involving the abuse of power or authority. The concept of oppression is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's concern for justice and His call for His people to act righteously.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, oppression is frequently mentioned in the context of social justice. The Law given to Israel includes numerous commands to protect the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners, from oppression. For example, Exodus 22:21-22 states, "You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must not mistreat any widow or orphan."

The prophets often spoke out against the oppression of the poor and needy, calling the people of Israel to repentance and justice. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Similarly, in Micah 2:2 , the prophet condemns those who "covet fields and seize them, or houses, and take them away. They oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the theme of oppression is addressed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself came to proclaim freedom to the oppressed, as stated in Luke 4:18 : "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed."

The early church was also instructed to care for those who were oppressed and to live out the principles of justice and mercy. James 2:6 warns against favoritism and partiality, stating, "But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?"

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, oppression is seen as a manifestation of sin and a violation of God's righteous standards. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the oppressed and a judge of those who perpetrate injustice. Psalm 9:9 declares, "The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

Believers are called to reflect God's character by standing against oppression and advocating for justice. Proverbs 31:8-9 instructs, "Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the justice of all the dispossessed. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy."

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be mindful of the ways in which oppression can manifest in society and to actively work towards alleviating the suffering of those who are marginalized. This includes engaging in acts of charity, supporting fair and just policies, and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. The call to oppose oppression is a call to embody the love and justice of Christ in a broken world.

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ...
... Of an offence beware, but of a press of trouble not so much. The last presseth thee,
an offence oppresseth thee. What then is the difference between the two? ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxi on the words.htm

The Scales of Judgment
... executes vengeance. The Lord God is the avenger of every one that is oppressed,
and the executor of every one that oppresseth. I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the scales of judgment.htm

Say with what Salutations?
... might. He comes, He comes with gladness! O'erflows with love to thee,
To chase away the sadness He knows oppresseth thee. Sin's ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/say with what salutations.htm

The Third Epistle.
... dwell, the craft of the devil rageth so violently against the people of Christ,
and breaketh forth in delusions so manifold, that it oppresseth and troubleth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the third epistle.htm

Psalm CXIV.
... 4. But Egypt, since it is said to mean affliction, or one who afflicteth, or one
who oppresseth, is often used for an emblem of this world; from which we must ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxiv.htm

Psalm 56
... 8,6,8,6. ^1Shew mercy, Lord, to me, for man. would swallow me outright; He me
oppresseth, while he doth. against me daily fight. ^2They daily would me swallow ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 56.htm

Such was the Story of Pontitianus; but Thou, O Lord...
... saidst that for an uncertain truth thou likedst not to cast off the baggage of vanity;
now, it is certain, and yet that burden still oppresseth thee, while ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vii such was the.htm

Letter Li. To Bishop Bosporius.
... He will not despise us; for "he that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker."
[2179] They, however, who have patched up this new tragedy of blasphemy seem ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter li to bishop bosporius.htm

May 8 Evening
... And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye
shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/may 8 evening.htm

Whether Every Punishment is Inflicted for a Sin?
... 1:13): "Why lookest Thou upon the contemptuous [Vulg.: 'them that do unjust things'],
and holdest Thy peace, when the wicked man oppresseth [Vulg.: 'devoureth ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether every punishment is inflicted.htm

Oppresseth (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Oppresseth (8 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Job 24:21 He oppresseth
the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow. (WBS). ...
/o/oppresseth.htm - 8k

Oppressing (11 Occurrences)
... Numbers 10:9 And when ye go to war in your land against the adversary that oppresseth
you, then ye shall sound an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be ...
/o/oppressing.htm - 10k

Oppresses (6 Occurrences)

/o/oppresses.htm - 8k

Gracious (106 Occurrences)
... Of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath.} Be gracious unto me,
O God; for man would swallow me up: all the day long fighting he oppresseth me. ...
/g/gracious.htm - 37k

Jonath-elem-rehokim (1 Occurrence)
... Jonath-elem-rehokim (1 Occurrence). Psalms 56:1 Be merciful unto me, O God; for
man would swallow me up: All the day long he fighting oppresseth me. (See JPS). ...
/j/jonath-elem-rehokim.htm - 6k

Jonathelem-rechokim (1 Occurrence)
... Of David. Michtam; when the Philistines took him in Gath.} Be gracious unto me,
O God; for man would swallow me up: all the day long fighting he oppresseth me. ...
/j/jonathelem-rechokim.htm - 6k

Far-off (14 Occurrences)
... hold of him in Gath. Favour me, O God, for man swallowed me up, All the
day fighting he oppresseth me, (See RSV). Psalms 65:5 You ...
/f/far-off.htm - 10k

Torture (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 16:10 And Asa is angry at the seer, and giveth him to the house of
torture, for 'he is' in a rage with him for this; and Asa oppresseth 'some' of ...
/t/torture.htm - 9k

Reproacheth (12 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker:
but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/r/reproacheth.htm - 9k

Rehokim (2 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Psalms 56:1 Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up:
All the day long he fighting oppresseth me. (See JPS BBE). ...
/r/rehokim.htm - 7k

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