Human oppression of others has been a classic problem in civilization. Humans oppress other humans. One nation that feels superior, oppresses another. Even in modern times, oppression has not disappeared, turning into a new, more sophisticated and covert form. But in this reality that is still far from ideal conditions, God still leads us to live in hope in Him. That liberation and love for all of creation will one day be established and we will be involved in the process of its realization.
The nation of Israel was very sensitive to the reality of oppression. They had a collective history of slavery by the Egyptians that happened to their ancestors. At the beginning of our reading this time, the bitter reality is mentioned again. The condition of oppression is described as suffocating. Israel as a nation is personified. The experience of oppression had been experienced since she was young. For so long he was oppressed but not defeated, even though he was positioned as a plowman, tied with ropes and ordered to plow.
The Psalmist realized that the power and work of deliverance was not due to His strength. It is the Lord Himself who breaks the cords of the wicked. The phrase describes the grip and power of the wicked over Israel, like a plowshare that binds and torments. The ungodly power and regime was brought down by God Himself. God destroys the power structure that oppresses Israel because He is the only liberator and just judge. This deliverance became a recurring pattern in Israel's history. Proving God's never-ending love and provision.
It is this conviction of faith that we also live by as believers. There are two perspectives that we can reflect from there. First, God who liberates everyone who is oppressed and marginalized. So when we experience distress and oppression, do not be afraid because God will help and free us. Secondly, God's people should not be involved as oppressors of their neighbors because God does not want oppression to happen. Hope for his deliverance and realize justice and love in our interactions with others.
