The term "illtreated" refers to the experience of being subjected to harsh or unfair treatment, often involving suffering, persecution, or abuse. In the biblical context, illtreatment is frequently associated with the trials and tribulations faced by the faithful, as well as the injustices suffered by the oppressed.

Biblical Instances of Illtreatment

1. The Israelites in Egypt: One of the most prominent examples of illtreatment in the Bible is the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt. The Egyptians subjected them to harsh labor and cruel treatment. Exodus 1:11-14 describes this oppression: "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. And they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and flourished; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. They worked the Israelites ruthlessly and made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their harsh labor, the Egyptians worked them ruthlessly."

2. Prophets and Righteous Sufferers: Throughout the Old Testament, prophets and righteous individuals often faced illtreatment for their faithfulness to God. Jeremiah, for example, was persecuted for delivering God's messages. In Jeremiah 20:2 , it is recorded: "he had Jeremiah the prophet beaten and put in the stocks at the Upper Gate of Benjamin at the house of the LORD."

3. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of illtreatment in the New Testament is the suffering of Jesus Christ. He was mocked, beaten, and crucified despite His innocence. Isaiah 53:7 prophetically speaks of His suffering: "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth."

4. Early Christians: The early church also faced significant illtreatment and persecution. In Acts 5:40-41 , the apostles were flogged for preaching the gospel: "They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

Theological Reflections on Illtreatment

Illtreatment is often seen as a test of faith and a means of spiritual refinement. The Bible encourages believers to endure suffering with patience and to trust in God's ultimate justice. Romans 8:18 offers hope: "I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us."

Furthermore, believers are called to respond to illtreatment with love and forgiveness, following the example of Christ. In Matthew 5:44 , Jesus instructs: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."

God's Justice and Deliverance

The Bible assures that God is aware of the illtreatment of His people and will ultimately deliver them. Psalm 103:6 declares: "The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed." The promise of divine justice serves as a source of comfort and hope for those enduring suffering.

Practical Implications for Believers

Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith despite illtreatment, trusting in God's sovereignty and justice. They are also called to advocate for the oppressed and to act justly, as instructed in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Jesus Before Pilate.
... village: 'What are you come about so early? Why have you illtreated this
prisoner so shamefully? Is it not possible to refrain from ...
/.../chapter xvii jesus before pilate.htm

The Despair of Judas
... Priests have condemned the Galilean to death; he will be crucified; they will
accomplish his death; he has been already dreadfully illtreated; his patience is ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xiv the despair of.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... and distress. Remember them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also
in the body;" as members of the same body. 12. We are ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Greatest Trial on Record
... how shamefully wast thou illtreated by those who pretended to be the curators of
holy truth, the conservators of integrity, and the teachers of the law! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the greatest trial on record.htm

Jesus in the Garden of Olives.
... They vied with each other in tearing the seamless robe of his Church; many illtreated,
insulted, and denied him, and many turned contemptuously away, shaking ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter i jesus in the.htm

Illtreated (1 Occurrence)
...Illtreated (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound
with them; them that are illtreated, as being yourselves also in the body. ...
/i/illtreated.htm - 6k

Ill-treated (7 Occurrences)
Ill-treated. Illtreated, Ill-treated. Ill-treatment . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Illtreated, Ill-treated. Ill-treatment . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-treated.htm - 8k

Ill-treat (3 Occurrences)
Ill-treat. Ill-tempered, Ill-treat. Illtreated . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See RSV). Ill-tempered, Ill-treat. Illtreated . Reference Bible.
/i/ill-treat.htm - 7k

Persecution (22 Occurrences)
... sawn asunder, they were tempted, they were slain with the sword: they went about
in sheepskins, in goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, illtreated (of whom ...
/p/persecution.htm - 47k

Stephen (13 Occurrences)
... the entire speech and to draw parallels intended by Stephen: As Joseph and Moses,
types of the Messiah, had been rejected, scorned and illtreated (Acts 7:9, 27 ...
/s/stephen.htm - 33k

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