nts 507 wealth and poverty in the bible class v: wealth and poverty in prophets ii © dr. esa autero

NTS 507 WEALTH AND POVERTY IN THE BIBLE

Class V: Wealth and Poverty in Prophets II

© Dr. Esa Autero

Wealth and Poverty in Prophets II

1.1 Introduction What are the most important things youhave learned about wealth/poverty from theprophets?

Exilic prophets continue addressing

the same topics – Israel did not heed the message Post-exilic prophets need to address the same topics

Israel did not learn

https://youtu.be/JlH-ClyEkBc




2.1 Exilic and Postexilic prophets and prophecy Jeremiah, Ezekiel – just prior and during the Exile

Isaiah (40-66) & Malachi Isaiah addresses returnees from the Exile Malachi rebukes disillusioned post-exilic

community


Jeremiah – the weeping prophet Demise of Assyria (†Ashurbanibal 627BC) & rise of Babylon

Jeremiah’s call c. 627BC – 13th yr. of Josiah’s reign (1:1-8) Priest and of some means (1:1-2; 32:6-8)

Prophesied during Josiah (640-609BC), Jehoiakim (609-598BC), Jehoiachin* Josiah’s sudden death in Megiddo c. 609BC (2 Kgs 22:1-23:30)

Religious reforms and relief from oppression “died” w/ Josiah Josiah’s sons try to negotiate imperial powers

Jehoahaz deposed by Pharaoh Neco Jehoakim – vassal of Egypt and opposed Jeremiah (1:3; 24:1; 27:1, 20; 37:1)

Nebuchadnezzar overthrew Egypt (605BC) Judah vassal of Babylon Jehoakim sought help from Egypt – Judah crushed by Babylon (598BC) Jehoachin carried to Babylon and Zedekiah to the throne – he rebelled against

Babylon (2Kgs 24:20b) 586/7BC

Major deportations to Babylon 598BC and 587/6BC

Jeremiah prophesied

about 120 yrs. after Isaiah and

Micah – in Jerusalem

Judg

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ope


Oppression of the vulnerable (2:33-35; 5:25-31*; 7:3-11; 9:3-6; 21:12; 22:3, 11-19)

“How well you prepare your way, To seek love! Therefore even the wicked women You have taught your ways. 34 “Also on your skirts is found The lifeblood of the innocent poor (Hb. dam niphshot ebyonim); You did not find them breaking in. But in spite of all these things, 35 Yet you said, ‘I am innocent; Surely His anger is turned away from me.’ Behold, I will enter into judgment with you Because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ (2:33-35) Recounting of YHWH’s deliverance and Israel’s sin (2:1-8, 9-29**)

Harlotry imagery & sexual perversion Life of the innocent poor is crushed – exploited/killed for personal gain

Possible religious justification – self-defense & robbery of home (Ex 22:2-3) Connection b/w idolatry and exploitation (2:33-34; 2:1-2)

Is denial of guilt – “I have not sinned” – genuine or pretense?


‘Your iniquities have turned these (rain & harvest [vv. 23-24]) away, And your sins have withheld good from you. 26 ‘For wicked men are found among My people, They watch like fowlers lying in wait; They set a trap, They catch men. 27 ‘Like a cage full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit; Therefore they have become great and rich. 28 ‘They are fat, they are sleek, They also excel in deeds of wickedness; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the orphan, that they may prosper; And they do not defend the rights of the poor (Hb. ebyonim). 29 ‘Shall I not punish these people?’ declares the LORD, ‘On a nation such as this Shall I not avenge Myself?’ (5:25-29)

Spiritual senselessness of the people (2:20-24) Simile of the fowler and the net* as a metaphor of cunning wickedness

Wealth accumulated by cunning great and rich at the expense of poor/weak Fowler simile indicates the planned action of people to steal from the poor Exploitation of the poor through courts & justice (cf. Deut 16:18-20)

Judgment will ensue


The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 “Stand in the gate of the LORD’S house and proclaim there this word and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, all you of Judah, who enter by these gates to worship the LORD!’” 3 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Amend your ways and your deeds, and I will let you dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’ 5 For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor, 6 if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor walk after other gods to your own ruin, 7 then I will let you dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever. 8 “Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail. 9 Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known, 10 then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—that you may do all these abominations? 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I, even I, have seen it,” declares the LORD. (7:1-11)*

Oracle at the Temple – “Temple sermon”: “Hear…all…who enter…to worship”** “Amend your ways…I let you live in this place…Don’t say…This is the Temple of the

LORD, Temple of the LORD, the Temple of the LORD”

WHAT IS

HAPPENING?

WHAT IS Jeremiah

speaking against?


Abiding in the land & Temple depend on Torah obedience Justice toward the vulnerable (orphan, widow, alien) True allegiance to covenant God

Why repetition “This is the Temple of the LORD” x3? Temple had become…

a religious “amulet” of deception – “inviolability of the Temple” (cf Isa 37:33-35*)

Means of socio-economic manipulation & injustice Jeremiah exposed “false theology” & “structural hypocrisy” in the Temple

Impossible to worship YHWH & practice injustice Breach of 10 commandments: “you steal, murder, and commit adultery” v. 9 “…swear falsely…[you] stand before me and say ‘we are safe’” Temple turned into “den of robbers” – place of robbery, injustice & festivities

Jeremiah’s words like socio-religious and political “treason” (26:1-18) Inevitable judgment – like Shiloh (1 Sam 1-4): “I have seen it”


Responsibility of the king – Justice & oppression (22:1-4, 13-19*)

…say…[to]…king of Judah…Thus says the LORD, “Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you men will indeed perform this thing, then kings will enter the gates of this house, sitting in David’s place on his throne, riding in chariots and on horses, even the king himself and his servants and his people. 5 But if you will not obey these words, I swear by Myself,” declares the LORD, “that this house will become a desolation.”’” (22:3-4)

Responsibility of the king to practice justice & care for the vulnerable National prosperity/calamity depends on justice as embodied by the king


“Woe to him [king Jehoiakim] who builds his house without righteousness And his upper rooms without justice, Who uses his neighbor’s services without pay And does not give him his wages, 14 Who says, ‘I will build myself a roomy house With spacious upper rooms, And cut out its windows, Paneling it with cedar and painting it bright red.’ 15 “Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did not your father (=Josiah) eat and drink And do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. 16 “He pled the cause of the afflicted (Hb. ani) and needy (Hb. ebyon); Then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?” Declares the LORD. 17 “But your eyes and your heart Are intent only upon your own dishonest gain, And on shedding innocent blood And on practicing oppression and extortion.”… “He [king Jehoiakim] will be buried with a donkey’s burial, Dragged off and thrown out beyond the gates of Jerusalem. (22:13-17, 19)

What is the specific charge against Jehoiakim? Exploitation of workers to build lavish royal buildings

Intentional wealth accumulation, injustice, and exploitation


Jehoiakim’s wickedness compared to Josiah’s righteousness Exploitation of the poor and the vulnerable vs. justice and care for the poor “Do you become a king by competing in cedars?” – marks of a ruler…

Cedar & vermillion the most expensive and luxurious interior material* Opulent luxury palace for the king – “I will build for myself” “builds, makes, says, cuts” – economic exploitation

Profit at the expense of workers – forced labor Josiah practiced justice and righteousness – “then it was well with him”

Ironically Josiah died young despite his godliness (2 Kgs 23:28-29)** “Is not that what it means to know Me?” HOW to know YHWH?

Practice of justice, righteousness & care of the vulnerable = knowing God

Rhetorical and literary center of the oracle Jehoiakim – “donkey’s burial…dragged”

Jehoiakim lived long despite his sin (2 Kgs 24:6) though had shameful burial


Land redemption (32:1-25, 43-44) & Sabbath Year (34:8-17) The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar.2 Now at that time the army of the king of Babylon was besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the guard, which was in the house of the king of Judah, 3 because Zedekiah king of Judah had shut him up, saying, “Why do you prophesy, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Behold, I am about to give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will take it;…6 And Jeremiah said, “The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 7 ‘Behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum your uncle is coming to you, saying, “Buy for yourself my field which is at Anathoth, for you have the right of redemption to buy it.”… 9 “I bought the field which was at Anathoth from Hanamel my uncle’s son, and I weighed out the silver for him, seventeen shekels of silver. …24 Behold, the siege ramps have reached the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, the famine and the pestilence; and what You have spoken has come to pass; and behold, You see it. 25 You have said to me, O Lord GOD, “Buy for yourself the field with money and call in witnesses”—although the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.’” … (Jer 32:1-44) Jeremiah buys a field by faith – “Fields shall be bought…deeds signed” (v. 43-44) Release of slaves withdrawn by king Zedekiah (34:8-17) – YHWH releases doom


Everyone is guilty (5:1-6; 6:13-14; 8:10-11)

O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You have smitten them, But they did not weaken; You have consumed them, But they refused to take correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to repent. 4 Then I said, “They are only the poor, they are foolish; For they do not know the way of the LORD Or the ordinance of their God. 5 “I will go to the great And will speak to them, For they know the way of the LORD And the ordinance of their God.” But they too, with one accord, have broken the yoke And burst the bonds. “Everyone is greedy for unjust gain…prophet, priest…all” (6:13-14; 8:10-11)

Priest, prophet & king receives the most poignant critique All alike are guilty – even the poor and vulnerable (5:4)


Wealth, poverty, and sin (3:3; 11:1-5; 12:4; 18:21; 20:13*; 33:14-16; 34:15-18**)

Judah will experience judgment due to sin – covenant violation Withholding of rain (3:3) Covenant curses (11:1-5; cf. Deut 28) Injustice prevails (12:1) & natural world

dies/mourns (12:4) Famine, disease, and death (18:21; 34:17-18)

All this culminates into Exile from the land Land represented God’s blessing, prosperity & national pride


Poor and the Exile (39:10; 40:7; 52:15-16; 49:11*) Some poorest (Hb. dallim) “are left” in Judah – landless given land by

Nebuchadnezzar (39:10; 52:15 cf. 40:7) Ironically some landless are given the land of the wealthy

Some poorest taken to Babylonian

captivity (52:16)

Fate of the poor and the rich was sealed


Ezekiel – the visionary prophet Ezekiel – “God strengthens ”

son of Buzi, a Zadokite priest (1:3) Taken to Babylonian exile 597BC (2Kgs 24:10-17)

Settled near the Kebar river (canal) Called to be a prophet 593BC – before the Exile Last oracle 571BC (29:17)

Socio-economic injustice important but not a major theme Number of smaller sections


Injustice and oppression (16:48-49; 22:6-16; 34:1-3, 15-16; 45:8-11)

As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “Sodom, your sister and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. 49 Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. 50 Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them when I saw it. (16:48-50) Context: Jerusalem “a girl” who was rescued & enriched but turned away

Preparation for the fall of Jerusalem – Jerusalem likened to Sodom & Samaria Sodom or Samaria (Israel) were not as bad as Jerusalem

Specification of Sodom’s sins – note the absence of sexual immorality Excess living, arrogance & pride Ignoring the poor and the needy

Urban luxury coupled with sumptuous consumption & lack of concern for poor


6 “Behold, the rulers of Israel, each according to his power, have been in you for the purpose of shedding blood. 7 They have treated father and mother lightly within you. The alien (Hb. ger) they have oppressed in your midst; the fatherless and the widow they have wronged in you. … 12 In you they have taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and profits, and you have injured your neighbors for gain by oppression, and you have forgotten Me,” declares the Lord GOD. 13 “Behold, then, I smite My hand at your dishonest (Hb. betsa*) gain which you have acquired and at the bloodshed which is among you. (22:6-8, 12-13)

Sins of Israel’s leaders Violence & oppression of the vulnerable Injustice & bribes in legal cases leading to capital punishment or in murder

cases in general Economic exploitation in form interest, profiteering & injuring neighbors


8 This shall be his land for a possession in Israel; so My princes shall no longer oppress My people, but they shall give the rest of the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.” 9 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Enough, you princes of Israel; put away violence and destruction, and practice justice and righteousness. Stop your expropriations (Hb. gerusha*) from My people,” declares the Lord GOD. 10 “You shall have just balances, a just ephah and a just bath. 11 The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity, so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer and the ephah a tenth of a homer; their standard shall be according to the homer. 12 The shekel shall be twenty gerahs; twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, and fifteen shekels shall be your maneh. (Ezek 45:8-12)

Future vision: no more oppression Equal land distribution among the tribes – as opposed to royal land-grabbing**

Rebuke to the leaders of Israel: Practice justice and righteousness by… No land-grabbing; just and standard balances for business transactions***


True righteousness before YHWH (18:1-32; 33:14-17)Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, ‘The fathers eat the sour grapes, But the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3 As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore. 4 Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine. The soul who sins will die. 5 “But if a man is righteous and practices justice and righteousness, 6 and does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her menstrual period— 7 if a man does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 8 if he does not lend money on interest or take increase, if he keeps his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between man and man, 9 if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully—he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord GOD. 10 “Then he may have a violent son who sheds blood and who does any of these things to a brother 11 (though he himself did not do any of these things), that is, he even eats at the mountain shrines, and defiles his neighbor’s wife,12 oppresses the poor and needy, commits robbery, does not restore a pledge, but lifts up his eyes to the idols and commits abomination, 13 he lends money on interest and takes increase; will he live? He will not live! He has committed all these abominations, he will surely be put to death; his blood will be on his own head. 14 “Now behold, he has a son who has observed all his father’s sins which he committed, and observing does not do likewise. 15 He does not eat at the mountain shrines or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defile his neighbor’s wife, 16 or oppress anyone, or retain a pledge, or commit robbery, but he gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 17 he keeps his hand from the poor, does not take interest or increase, but executes My ordinances, and walks in My statutes; he will not die for his father’s iniquity, he will surely live. 18 As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother and did what was not good among his people, behold, he will die for his iniquity. (18:1-18)

Disputation oracle against Exiles b/c of irresponsibility & pessimism:* who is righteous?


‘The fathers eat the sour grapes, But the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3 As I live,” declares the Lord GOD, “you are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore. (cf. Jer 31:29-30) Blaming God for punishing Judah for the sins of the parents

Denial of guilt and fatalistic attitude Focus on individual’s (not ancestor’s) deeds as basis for

righteousness* Choice of (eschatological) life or death (in the land)** – based on Deut 24:16

Individual guilt vs. collective guilt (Ezek 18:1-32; 16; 23:3-31; Ex 34:7; 20:5; Deut 5:9; 24:16)

“practice of righteousness and justice” No idolatry, sexual immorality, ritual impurity (18:6)


if a man does not oppress (Hb. yna) anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery (Hb. gezela lo jigzol*), but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing, 8 if he does not lend money on interest or take increase, if he keeps his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between man and man, 9 if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully—he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord GOD. (18:7-9)

Oppression – returning pledge after payment of debts (cf. Ex 22:25; Deut 24:10-15)

“Robbery” – seizure of the property from the poor by the wealthy** Sharing resources w/ the poor and needy Interest free loans as way to help the needy not to get rich (v. 8) Practice of true justice

This person is righteous – one is faithful to the covenant & experiences “life” “Son” practices evil, receives “death” (v. 10-13) & “grandson” good, lives (14-17)

Call to repentance and “life”


Isaiah 40-66 – is there life after the Exile? Isa 1-39 – Assyrian threat and looks forward to Babylonian Exile Isa 40-66 – Addresses the Exiles (40-55) & returnees in Jerusalem (56-66)

Judah has returned from Exile and settled in the land. Promises of God (Isa 40:1) have been fulfilled – but only partially

Israel in the land and the Temple has already been rebuilt Gentiles still rule – no full independence Economic hardship and political struggles – internal & external Pre-exilic sins flourish:

Idolatry & syncretism economic oppression; exploitation; violence national pride; false worship


Poor as a metaphor for Exiles (Isa 41:17)“The afflicted (Hb. haniyyim) and needy

(haebyonim) are seeking water, but there

is none, And their tongue is parched with

thirst; I, the LORD, will answer them Myself,

As the God of Israel I will not forsake

them. (Isa 41:17)

Spiritual poverty & need of Israel – many were no doubt materially crushed also

Oppression done to Israel as a nation suffered injustice (51:13-16; 54:11)


Servant of the LORD establishes justice (42:1-4; cf. 49:1-6; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12)

“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights.I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.2 “He will not cry out or raise His voice, Nor make His voice heard in the street.3 “A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 “He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law.” (42:1-4) Servant will be killed due to “perversion of justice” (53:8) He will make many “righteous” (53:11) Jerusalem will be established in justice – no more oppression (54:14) Future glory of Jerusalem – wealth of the nations (60:5; 61:6)


Oppression in post-Exilic community (56:9-11; 58:1-14; 59:1-4; , 8-9, 11-15; 61:1-2)

Rebuke to leaders and shepherds – greed and drunkenness (56:9-11)

Wealth and Poverty in Prophets II “Cry loudly, do not hold back; Raise your voice like a trumpet, And declare to My people their transgression And to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 “Yet they seek Me day by day and delight to know My ways, As a nation that has done righteousness And has not forsaken the ordinance of their God. They ask Me for just decisions, They delight in the nearness of God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted and You do not see? Why have we humbled ourselves and You do not notice?’ Behold, on the day of your fast you find your desire, And drive hard (Hb. tingosu*) all your workers. 4 “Behold, you fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist. You do not fast like you do today to make your voice heard on high. 5 “Is it a fast like this which I choose, a day for a man to humble himself? Is it for bowing one’s head like a reed And for spreading out sackcloth and ashes as a bed? Will you call this a fast, even an acceptable day to the LORD? 6 “Is this not the fast which I choose, To loosen the bonds of wickedness, To undo the bands of the yoke, And to let the oppressed go free And break every yoke? 7 “Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry And bring the homeless poor into the house; When you see the naked, to cover him; And not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 “Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. 9 “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, 10 And if you give yourself to the hungry And satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. 11 “And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. 12 “Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up the age-old foundations; And you will be called the repairer of the breach, The restorer of the streets in which to dwell. Keeping the Sabbath 13 “If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot From doing our own pleasure on My holy day, And call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, And honor it, desisting from your own ways, From seeking your own pleasure And speaking your own word, 14 Then you will take delight in the LORD, And I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; And I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isa 58:1-14)


Israel’s transgression and complaint & God’s response Corrupt and self-serving worship “Seek” “delight in nearness of God” “fasting, humbling” “righteous nation” Fasting four times a year as a nation (2 Kgs 25:3-21; Jer 52:12-13; 2 Kgs 25:23-25)*

routinized occasions of mourning & rituals (58:5; cf. Joel 2:13; Jer 14:12; Zech 7-8)

Sins of Judah: Oppressing workers and doing one’s own desires (58:3) Violence, strife (58:4) & accusations (58:9) Slavery of fellow Israelites (58:6, 9; cf. Neh 5:4-5) Turning away needy – even own relatives (58:7) Worship without justice and acts of mercy useless

Consequences – prophet’s cry against the sins of Judah Prayers not heard (58:5) Fasting and worship is abomination


True worship – alleviation of poverty & freedom from oppression Releasing the oppressed and victims of injustice (58:6) Sharing food, housing, and clothing with the needy (58:7) Caring for one’s relatives and kin (58:7) “pouring oneself on behalf of the poor” (58:10) Keeping Sabbath – doing God’s will (58:13)

Consequences Light breaks forth; recovery; righteousness front & glory rear guard (58:8)

Exodus allusions – God’s delight, presence & restoration of blessings Prayers will be heard & God is present w/ His people (58:9) Fulfillment of God’s promises & restoration of Jerusalem (58:10-12)

Comfort, strength, guidance, heath, joy – restoration of covenant blessings (cf. Deut 27)

https://youtu.be/ce7GGpZE5UY




Ministry of releaseThe Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted (Hb. anawim);He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty (Hb. deror) to captives And freedom to prisoners;2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, (61:1-2)

Ministry of the Servant to the broken and afflicted Ministry in the power of the Spirit – good news to the poor/afflicted Freeing the captives and restoring the broken hearted

Jubilee year terminology (cf. Lev 25) as a metaphor for freedom* Restoration of God’s promises to Israel and Jerusalem (61:1-5)


Malachi – “robbing God” Post-exilic prophet – c. 450BC Malachi’s disputation speeches

Mixed marriages (Mal 2:11-15;

Neh 13:23-27) Failure to tithe (Mal 3:8-10;

Neh 13:15-22) Breaking of the Sabbath (Mal 2:8-9;

4:4; Neh 13:15-22) Corruption of priesthood (Mal 1:6-2:9; Neh 13:7-9) Socio-economic injustice (Mal 3:5; 1:16; 2:16; Neh 5:1-13)

God accused of injustice


17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them,” or, “Where is the God of justice (Hb. hamishpat)?” … 5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment (Hb. lamishpat); and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me,” says the LORD of hosts. 6 “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 “From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ You Have Robbed God 8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. 11 Then I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of the ground; nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes,” says the LORD of hosts. 12 “All the nations will call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the LORD of hosts. (2:17, 3:5-12) God’s justice questioned – God will come forth w/ judgment/justice

Lord will come & purify His people – “draw near for judgment”


Sins of Israel Adultery, lying, sorcery False oaths, oppression of workers; neglect & injustice to the vulnerable Return and repentance – Israel’s callous heat “How shall we return/repent*?”

Stopping robbing God

Whole nation under curse for “robbing God” (3:9) “Test me” by…

Bring tithes (Hb. maaser) faithfully (Num 18:21-32; Lev 27:30-33;Deut 14:22-29) Sacrifices (Hb. teruma) – offerings for specific services, 1st fruit of herd &

flock** (earlier stolen & sick animals; 1:6-14; Num 5:9-10; 18:8-20; Ezek 44:28-31) Consequence

Curse for “robbing God” Blessing for bringing “full tithe”

“opening widow of heaven”; fields will produce abundant crops

Which part of this passage is applicable today?***


2.2 Application and connections to present-day realities

1) What are the most important themes regarding wealth and poverty in the prophets?

Which ones are the most pressing for our day? How should the message be conveyed to God’s people today?

2) What are the most common standards that the prophets use for evaluating people’s and nation’s faithfulness to covenant?

Should the same standards used today? Why, why not?

3) What reasons do the prophets give for people’s wealth and poverty? To what extent are the same reasons still true today?


4) What does the message of the prophets reveal us about God’s character?

How has this impacted your live?

5) What are some difficulties whenapply God’s Word from the OT toour current situation?* 6) Has God spoken to you about something that you should do concretely as a result of studyingthe prophets? If so, what?

nts 507 wealth and poverty in the bible class v: wealth and poverty in prophets ii © dr. esa autero

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