Topical Encyclopedia The theme of calling for deliverance and divine justice is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, reflecting the human cry for God's intervention in times of distress and the assurance of His righteous judgment. This theme is deeply rooted in the understanding of God as both a deliverer and a just judge, attributes that are central to His character as revealed in Scripture.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the call for deliverance is often associated with the Israelites' experiences of oppression and captivity. The Book of Exodus is foundational, where the Israelites cry out to God under the harsh bondage of Egypt. God responds by raising Moses as a deliverer, demonstrating His power and faithfulness. Exodus 3:7-8 states, "The LORD said, 'I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians.'" The Psalms frequently express personal and communal pleas for deliverance and justice. Psalm 34:17 declares, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." This verse encapsulates the belief that God is attentive to the cries of the righteous and acts on their behalf. The prophets also emphasize divine justice, often calling Israel to repentance while assuring them of God's ultimate justice. In Isaiah 61:8 , God proclaims, "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In My faithfulness, I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the call for deliverance and divine justice is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate deliverer, bringing salvation from sin and its consequences. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from Isaiah, affirming His mission: "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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." The New Testament also assures believers of God's future justice. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7 , Paul writes, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels." Theological Implications The call for deliverance and divine justice underscores the biblical understanding of God as both merciful and just. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, knowing that He hears their cries and will act according to His perfect will. This theme also calls Christians to reflect God's justice in their own lives, advocating for righteousness and standing against oppression. Throughout Scripture, the assurance of divine justice provides hope and comfort, affirming that God will ultimately set all things right. This hope is not only for the present but also for the eschatological future, when Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, establishing His eternal kingdom of justice and peace. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |