The oppression of God's people is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the trials and tribulations faced by those who are chosen by God. This oppression often serves as a test of faith, a call to repentance, or a demonstration of God's ultimate sovereignty and deliverance.

Old Testament Instances

1. Egyptian Bondage: One of the earliest and most significant instances of oppression is the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt. The Israelites, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were subjected to harsh labor under Pharaoh. Exodus 1:13-14 states, "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 hard labor, the Egyptians used them ruthlessly."