“Because(A) of the multitude of oppressions they cry out;
They cry out for help because of the arm of the mighty.

Read full chapter

“People cry out(A) under a load of oppression;(B)
    they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.(C)

Read full chapter

“For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy,
Now I will arise,” says the Lord;
“I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

Read full chapter

“Because the poor are plundered(A) and the needy groan,(B)
    I will now arise,(C)” says the Lord.
    “I will protect them(D) from those who malign them.”

Read full chapter

Injustice Seems to Prevail

16 Moreover (A)I saw under the sun:

In the place of [a]judgment,
Wickedness was there;
And in the place of righteousness,
[b]Iniquity was there.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 3:16 justice
  2. Ecclesiastes 3:16 Wickedness

16 And I saw something else under the sun:

In the place of judgment—wickedness was there,
    in the place of justice—wickedness was there.

Read full chapter

The Vanity of Gain and Honor

If you (A)see the oppression of the poor, and the violent [a]perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for (B)high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Ecclesiastes 5:8 wresting

Riches Are Meaningless

If you see the poor oppressed(A) in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still.

Read full chapter

For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel,
And the men of Judah are His pleasant plant.
He looked for justice, but behold, oppression;
For righteousness, but behold, [a]a cry for help.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Isaiah 5:7 wailing

The vineyard(A) of the Lord Almighty
    is the nation of Israel,
and the people of Judah
    are the vines he delighted in.
And he looked for justice,(B) but saw bloodshed;
    for righteousness,(C) but heard cries of distress.(D)

Read full chapter