The term "miscarries" in the context of the Bible generally refers to the loss of a child during pregnancy, commonly known today as a miscarriage. This topic is addressed in several passages of Scripture, reflecting the cultural, legal, and theological perspectives of ancient Israel.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 21:22-25 : This passage is one of the most direct references to miscarriage in the Bible. It states: "If men who are fighting strike a pregnant woman and her child is born prematurely, but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." This law indicates the value placed on both the life of the unborn child and the mother, with penalties reflecting the severity of the harm caused.

2. Hosea 9:14 : In this prophetic text, Hosea speaks of judgment upon Israel, saying, "Give them, O LORD—what will You give? Give them wombs that miscarry and breasts that dry up!" Here, miscarriage is depicted as a form of divine judgment, illustrating the severity of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting consequences.

Theological Considerations:

From a theological perspective, the issue of miscarriage is often viewed within the broader context of the sanctity of life. The Bible consistently affirms the value of human life, beginning in the womb. Passages such as Psalm 139:13-16 emphasize God's intimate involvement in the formation of life before birth, suggesting a divine purpose and care for the unborn.

Cultural and Legal Context:

In ancient Israel, the loss of a child through miscarriage was a significant event, both emotionally and legally. The legal stipulations in Exodus 21:22-25 reflect a society that sought to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for harm done, even unintentionally. The prescribed penalties underscore the importance of accountability and the recognition of the unborn as possessing inherent value.

Pastoral and Ethical Implications:

For those who have experienced miscarriage, the Bible offers both comfort and a framework for understanding suffering. The acknowledgment of miscarriage in Scripture provides a basis for pastoral care, emphasizing God's compassion and the hope of redemption. The church is called to support those grieving such losses, affirming the dignity of life and the promise of God's presence in times of sorrow.

In summary, the biblical treatment of miscarriage highlights the value of life, the need for justice, and the hope of divine comfort. While the specific cultural and legal contexts of ancient Israel differ from today, the underlying principles continue to inform Christian ethics and pastoral care.

He is Lovely in his Relations.
... 5. In a word, he obtains for us all the mercies for which he pleads. No cause
miscarries in his hand, which he undertakes, Rom.8:33, 34. ...
/.../flavel/christ altogether lovely/he is lovely in his 3.htm

Prosperity under Persecution
... OF GOD. The like means will appear in manifold operation. Men meditate mischief,
but it miserably miscarries. God grants protection ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/prosperity under persecution.htm

The Last Supper.
... "We can try," said Nathanael. "If it miscarries, it is still always open to us to
have our sentence carried out by our trusty friends in the commotion of a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter iii the last supper.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Miscarries (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Miscarries (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 2:19 The men
of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation ...
/m/miscarries.htm - 6k

Unfruitful (8 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (See NAS ...
/u/unfruitful.htm - 9k

Unproductive (5 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (See NIV). ...
/u/unproductive.htm - 7k

Miscarrieth (1 Occurrence)

/m/miscarrieth.htm - 6k

Miscarried (1 Occurrence)

/m/miscarried.htm - 6k

Situation (11 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (WEB KJV ...
/s/situation.htm - 10k

Pleasant (119 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (WEB KJV ...
/p/pleasant.htm - 37k

Sees (135 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (WEB DBY ...
/s/sees.htm - 35k

Bad (129 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (WEB JPS ...
/b/bad.htm - 37k

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, please, the situation of this city is pleasant,
as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the land miscarries." (WEB KJV ...
/e/elisha.htm - 61k

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