Definition and Usage:
The term "bereaves" refers to the act of being deprived of a loved one through death. In the biblical context, it often conveys a deep sense of loss and mourning. The concept of bereavement is frequently associated with God's judgment or the natural consequences of sin, yet it also highlights the human experience of grief and the need for divine comfort.

Biblical References:
The Bible addresses the theme of bereavement in various contexts, often illustrating the profound sorrow and emotional turmoil that accompany the loss of loved ones.

1. Genesis 42:36 :
Jacob laments the loss of his sons, saying, "You have bereaved me of my children. Joseph is no more and Simeon is no more, and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!" This passage reflects the deep anguish and sense of helplessness that accompanies bereavement.

2. Lamentations 1:20 :
The prophet Jeremiah expresses the collective grief of Jerusalem, "See, O LORD, how distressed I am! I am in torment within, and in my heart I am disturbed, for I have been most rebellious. Outside, the sword bereaves; inside, there is only death." Here, bereavement is linked to the consequences of sin and rebellion, leading to national and personal sorrow.

3. Ezekiel 36:13-14 :
The land of Israel is personified and accused of being a land that "devours its people and bereaves your nation of children." This metaphorical use underscores the devastating impact of judgment and the loss of future generations.

Theological Implications:
Bereavement in the Bible is often intertwined with themes of divine justice and human frailty. It serves as a reminder of the temporal nature of life and the reality of death as a consequence of sin. However, Scripture also offers hope and comfort to those who mourn.

· Psalm 34:18 : "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit." This verse assures believers of God's presence and compassion in times of deep sorrow.

· Matthew 5:4 : "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Jesus' words in the Beatitudes promise divine comfort to those who experience loss, highlighting the hope of restoration and peace.

Practical Considerations:
In the Christian life, bereavement is an opportunity for the community of faith to demonstrate love and support. The church is called to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15) and to provide practical and spiritual support to those who are grieving. The process of mourning is recognized as a natural and necessary part of healing, and believers are encouraged to seek solace in God's promises and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Bereavement, while a painful reality, is also a moment for reflection on the brevity of life and the importance of living in accordance with God's will. It serves as a poignant reminder of the hope found in the resurrection and the ultimate victory over death through Christ.

Of the Perfect Stripping of the Soul which is United to God's Will ...
... Love did all this, Theotimus, and it is love also which, entering into a soul to
make it happily die to itself and live to God, bereaves it of all human desires ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi of the perfect.htm

Of what Vast Importance Right Principles are we May See by This
... But suppose the world were all yours, if this principle be rooted in you, to prize
nothing that is yours, it blots out all at one dash, and bereaves you of a ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/16 of what vast importance.htm

Rom. x. 14, 15
... He again springs upon the disputatiousness of the Jews, in what has just
been quoted; and on this ground bereaves them of excuse. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xviii rom x 14.htm

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... But still we are gaping after this present world, and we take not thought of the
devil's cunning, who by little things bereaves us of those great ones, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... Such an one bereaves not only his own soul of peace, and his name of credit, but
himself of life, his friends of all cause of rejoicing, and casteth reproach ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Bereaves (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bereaves (1 Occurrence). Lamentations 1:20 See,
Yahweh; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled; My ...
/b/bereaves.htm - 6k

Bereaver (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who bereaves. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. BEREAVE; BEREAVER; BEREFT. be-rev', be-rev'-er, be ...
/b/bereaver.htm - 8k

Bereaving (2 Occurrences)

/b/bereaving.htm - 7k

Grievously (17 Occurrences)
... 1:20 See, Yahweh; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled; My heart is turned
within me; for I have grievously rebelled: Abroad the sword bereaves, at home ...
/g/grievously.htm - 14k

Torment (19 Occurrences)
... 1:20 See, Yahweh; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled; My heart is turned
within me; for I have grievously rebelled: Abroad the sword bereaves, at home ...
/t/torment.htm - 13k

Rebelled (61 Occurrences)
... 1:20 See, Yahweh; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled; My heart is turned
within me; for I have grievously rebelled: Abroad the sword bereaves, at home ...
/r/rebelled.htm - 25k

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