James 5:1-6
Summary for Jas 5:1-6: 5:1-6 a This section denounces the rich people for their greed and arrogant oppression of the poor (Lev 19:13 b). James warns them to repent while they can; if they do not, they will face terrible troubles . . . on the day of judgment.5:2 c The wealth and fine clothes are so excessive that they deteriorate from lack of use; their destruction is a sign of the anticipated judgment.
5:3 d Material wealth, represented by gold and silver, is worthless in the face of God’s judgment. In fact, it will testify against them because it was unjustly gotten (5:4 e) and wickedly used (5:5-6 f).
5:4 g These rich people (5:1 h) were exploitive landowners. Like those in 2:6 i who oppressed and dragged Christians into court, they were exploiting the day laborers whose work was to harvest their fields.
• cries ... have reached the ears of the Lord: God hears the prayers of the oppressed (see Deut 24:14-15 j). Even while the laborers are still suffering, the Lord has heard (see Exod 3:7 k).
• the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (1 Sam 17:45 l; Ps 103:20-21 m; Rom 9:29 n): This title emphasizes God’s power to act when the oppressed cannot.
5:6 o killed innocent people (or killed the Righteous One): In this context, the phrase most likely refers to innocent people such as the oppressed laborers in this paragraph rather than to Jesus (cp. Acts 3:14 p; 7:52 q).
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