Definition and Overview:
Oppression in the biblical context refers to the unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power, often manifesting in the mistreatment or exploitation of individuals or groups. The Bible addresses oppression as a significant moral and social issue, condemning it and calling for justice and righteousness.

Old Testament References:
The Old Testament frequently addresses the theme of oppression, particularly in the context of social justice. The Law of Moses includes numerous provisions to protect the vulnerable 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 also spoke out against oppression, often linking it to the moral decay of Israel and Judah. 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, Amos 5:11-12 condemns those who "trample on the poor and exact a tax of grain from him," highlighting the divine displeasure with societal injustices.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry is marked by a concern for the oppressed. He fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, as noted 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 apostles also address oppression, urging believers to act justly and care for those in need. James 5:4 warns, "Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts."

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, oppression is seen as a violation of God's justice and love. The Bible consistently portrays God as a defender of the oppressed, emphasizing His concern for justice and righteousness. Psalm 103:6 declares, "The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."

Believers are called to emulate God's character by advocating for justice and opposing oppression in all its forms. This includes personal conduct, as well as societal and systemic issues. 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:
Christians are encouraged to actively oppose oppression by supporting fair treatment and justice for all individuals, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable. This involves both personal actions and broader social engagement, reflecting the biblical mandate to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not provide a systematic treatise on oppression, its teachings consistently affirm the importance of justice and compassion. Believers are called to reflect God's heart for the oppressed, advocating for righteousness and standing against all forms of injustice.6217. ashuqim -- oppression, extortion
... 6216, 6217. ashuqim. 6218 . oppression, extortion. Transliteration: ashuqim
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-shook') Short Definition: oppressions. ...
/hebrew/6217.htm - 6k

Dr. Beardsley's Address.
... Hence the English Church as a whole felt herself bound to cast off allegiance to
him, for, in addition to the various oppressions which he had heaped upon her ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/dr beardsleys address.htm

The Twenty-Second and Twenty-Third Verses
... The solace which the apostle produces, in opposition to those oppressions and
distresses to which holy people are liable, while they remain in this world ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/the twenty-second and twenty-third verses.htm

Of the Navigation of King Agrippa to Rome, to Tiberius Caesar; and ...
... had filled themselves, and so grew more unconcerned about getting more; and this
because they are removed before they have had time [for their oppressions]. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 of the navigation.htm

From the Introduction of Methodism into the City of New York, in ...
... The spirit of discontent had already begun to vent itself in low murmurings and
secret whispers against the supposed wrongs and oppressions of the mother ...
/.../chapter 2 from the introduction.htm

James v. 1-6
... He then describes the oppressions inflicted by the rich (not necessarily such as
belonged to Christian churches) on the pious poor in humble life. ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james v 6-jan.htm

From Maximian, God, the Avenger of Religion and of his People...
... oppressed the provinces, so now, that he might recompense them by celebrating the
promised festival, he used the like pretext for repeating his oppressions. ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxxi from maximian god.htm

The Scales of Judgment
... The whole history of God's dealings with mankind proves that though a nation may
go on in wickedness it may multiply its oppressions; it may abound in bloodshed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the scales of judgment.htm

The Dissolution of Our Tabernacle Consistent with the Resurrection ...
... Now the privilege of this favour awaits those who shall at the coming of the Lord
be found in the flesh, and who shall, owing to the oppressions of the time of ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xli the dissolution of our.htm

The Fourth vial.
... Notwithstanding the oppressions to which the people were subjected, and the exactions
under which they groaned, they made no recognition of God's sovereignty. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the fourth vial.htm

The First Epistle.
... appeal and have recourse as to a mother, that they may be nourished by her breasts,
defended by her authority, and relieved of their oppressions, because "a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/the first epistle.htm

Oppressions (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Oppressions (5 Occurrences). Hebrews ... so. (WEB). Job
35:9 "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. ...
/o/oppressions.htm - 8k

Oppression (67 Occurrences)
... YLT). Job 35:9 "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out.
They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty. (Root ...
/o/oppression.htm - 29k

Oppressive (6 Occurrences)

/o/oppressive.htm - 8k

Oppressed (81 Occurrences)
... Job 35:9 By reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to
cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. (KJV WBS). ...
/o/oppressed.htm - 31k

Kicking (4 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 33:15 Whoso is walking righteously, And is speaking uprightly, Kicking against
gain of oppressions, Shaking his hands from taking hold on a bribe ...
/k/kicking.htm - 7k

Oppressors (31 Occurrences)
... Ecclesiastes 4:1 Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under
the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no ...
/o/oppressors.htm - 15k

Load (22 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Job 35:9 "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out.
They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty. (See NIV). ...
/l/load.htm - 14k

Gestures (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 33:15 He who walks righteously, and speaks blamelessly; He who despises the
gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing to take a bribe ...
/g/gestures.htm - 6k

Insult (25 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 10:33 partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly,
becoming partakers with those who were treated so. (See NIV). ...
/i/insult.htm - 13k

Fleece (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To strip of money or other property unjustly, especially by trickery
or fraud; to bring to straits by oppressions and exactions. ...
/f/fleece.htm - 9k

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