The book “Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson describes “extractive economies,” where institutions are designed to extract resources from the many by the few.
These nations are characterized by a small group of individuals who exercise great power over the rest of the population.
There are horrific stories of how Spanish conquerors, who colonized Latin America, extracted silver and gold from the indigenous population and sent it back to Spain. We can only wonder if some of Latin America’s troubles in the current era didn’t stem from that period in their history.
Under Stalin, the Soviet Union maintained control over all production means, suppressed political opposition, and utilized the nation’s resources primarily for the ruling elite’s benefit.
The starvation of Ukrainians during Stalin’s rule exemplifies this extractive economy.
Regrettably, Russia has seen little change in this regard. The majority of its population still lives in poverty, while the ruling elite continues to prosper.
The reason I am so interested in the book by Robinson and Acemoglu is that extractive economies seem to be the norm. Around the world, the few appear to be benefiting at the cost of the many to the detriment of their countries and the world at large.
Israel’s Extractive Economy
Jesus taught, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” (Luke 12.48).
In a world that appears lawless, God serves as the ultimate judge. He evaluates the mighty based on their responsibilities, which come with their abilities.
They are expected to care for the vulnerable and weak, rather than exploiting or oppressing them.
Hear this, you who trample on the needy,
and bring to ruin the poor of the land,
Saying, “When will the new moon be over
so that we may sell grain,
and the Sabbath,
so that we may offer wheat for sale?
We will make the ephah smaller and the shekel heavier
and practice deceit with false balances,
Buying the poor for silver
and the needy for a pair of sandals
and selling the sweepings of the wheat.” (Amos 8.4-6)
In Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, the majority of the military personnel are not recruited from major cities, where there might be opposition to such conscription.
Instead, they are predominantly drawn from the nation’s minority populations. These soldiers are often described as cannon fodder, expendable in the face of Ukrainian defenses.
Recent reports in the United States have highlighted the use of immigrant children as laborers in the meatpacking industry. These children are often employed under hazardous conditions, frequently working late at night.
It is apparent that the trampling of the poor by the powerful has not changed since the days of Amos.
The defense for former President Trump’s alleged overvaluation of his real estate properties is that such actions are commonplace and considered normal business practice in New York.
Regardless of the truth of the former President’s claims, this situation mirrors the criticism by Amos of dishonest business practices.
If dishonesty is an acceptable business practice throughout the earth, the average citizens are certain to be harmed. Even more so will the poor and the vulnerable suffer.
During the Afghanistan war, thousands, possibly millions, of Afghan people sought refuge in Pakistan. Now, Pakistan is repatriating them to Afghanistan, often without any resources.
One account tells of a teenage girl who was sold into marriage by her family, a desperate act to ensure their survival.
She had aspired to pursue education and achieve independence. However, her dreams were dashed as she was forced into marriage with a stranger, sacrificing her own aspirations to provide for her family.
This modern-day example of buying and selling the poor at minuscule rates is repeated daily throughout impoverished nations in our world.
God’s Response
Hebrews states, “It is appointed for mortals to die once and after that the judgment” (Hebrews 9.27).
Jesus’ message, “To whom much is given, much will be required,” was spoken in the context of judgment. Whether the judgment comes in the here and now or in the hereafter, we can be certain that it will take place.
The Lord has sworn by the pride of Jacob:
Surely I will never forget any of their deeds. (Amos 8.7)
Our Response
You’ll hear me say many times in the videos that Rudy Ross and I produce: God did not send the prophets because He wanted to “drop the hammer” on His people in judgment.
He sent the prophets so that people would hear His word, repent, and adjust their lives to His plan for the earth.
May we repent, and also may we take the words of the prophets and pray on behalf of God’s purposes in the world.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 