Proverbs 22:22-23 Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.
‘Neither oppress the afflicted in the gate.’ The “gate” refers to the place where legal matters and public judgments were handled in ancient cities. It was the centre of justice, leadership, and decision-making.
In the culture reflected in Job 5:4; 31:21; Psalms 127:5; and Jeremiah 38:7, the city gate served as a courtroom where elders and leaders would hear cases and render judgments.
To “oppress in the gate” therefore means denying justice in legal proceedings, showing partiality to the powerful, silencing or dismissing the poor, and using authority to favour the wealthy over the needy.
This is a serious corruption of justice. The very place meant to protect the vulnerable becomes the place where they are wronged.
To be continued…
Living the Word 