Topical Bible: Parents: Prayers on Behalf of Children of Job

◄ Parents: Prayers on Behalf of Children of Job ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, Job stands as a profound example of a devout parent who intercedes for his children through prayer. The Book of Job, one of the wisdom books of the Old Testament, provides insight into the spiritual responsibilities and concerns of a parent, as exemplified by Job's actions.

Job's Righteousness and Devotion

Job is introduced as a man of exceptional integrity and faithfulness. The Berean Standard Bible describes him as "blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil" (Job 1:1). His righteousness is not only personal but extends to his family, reflecting his deep concern for their spiritual well-being.

Intercessory Prayers for His Children

Job's role as a father is highlighted by his regular practice of offering prayers and sacrifices on behalf of his children. The text states, "When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, 'Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.' This was Job’s regular custom" (Job 1:5).

This passage underscores several key aspects of Job's parental intercession:

1. Regularity and Consistency: Job's prayers and sacrifices were not sporadic but a regular custom, indicating his ongoing commitment to the spiritual welfare of his children.

2. Concern for Spiritual Purity: Job's actions reveal his concern for the spiritual purity of his children. He recognizes the possibility of sin, even in their hearts, and seeks to intercede on their behalf.

3. Role of Sacrifice: The burnt offerings symbolize Job's desire to atone for any potential sins of his children, reflecting the Old Testament understanding of sacrifice as a means of seeking God's forgiveness and favor.

4. Parental Responsibility: Job's intercession highlights the responsibility of parents to be spiritually vigilant and proactive in seeking God's grace and protection for their children.

Theological Implications

Job's prayers for his children illustrate the broader biblical theme of parental responsibility in nurturing the faith and spiritual health of the next generation. His example serves as a model for parents to actively engage in prayer and seek God's guidance and protection for their children.

The narrative of Job also emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spiritual dimension of parenting. It suggests that parents have a vital role in interceding for their children, acknowledging their own limitations, and relying on God's grace and mercy.

Conclusion

The account of Job's prayers on behalf of his children offers a timeless example of parental devotion and spiritual intercession. It encourages parents to embrace their role as spiritual leaders within the family, consistently seeking God's presence and intervention in the lives of their children.

Nave's Topical Index

Job 1:5
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

1 Cor. xv. 35, 36
... gather pardon [321] for them, from our prayers, from our gifts in their behalf,
from those ... how many, living, have made life intolerable to their parents. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xli 1 cor xv.htm

Letter Xlvi. To a Fallen virgin.
... him shall God destroy." [2130] So by my prayers I tried ... 2131] Yet all my toil on
your behalf has been ... friend who conducted the bride from her parents' or her ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xlvi to a fallen.htm

Prayers Answered
... drawn out in special prayer in her behalf, and finally ... sinful pleasures, had the
memory of Christian parents before him ... all his efforts, all his prayers, but he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

Treatise viii. On Works and Alms.
... had brought to the Lord the prayers entrusted to him ... we ought not to prefer either
our parents or children ... also Job offered numerous sacrifices on behalf of his ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise viii on works and.htm

The British Advance, 1801-1856.
... not once been omitted in our family prayers." At Bristol he ... year he travelled a thousand
miles on behalf of the ... If the parents desired it, their children, at a ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v the british advance.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... I exhort that supplications, prayers, intercessions, be made ... not you open your mouths
in their behalf? ... Parents sometimes impoverish themselves to enrich their ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Panegyric on his Brother S. C??sarius.
... made the object of the united earnest prayers to which ... wealth as a funeral offering
on his behalf, leaving nothing ... prepared as it was for his parents in their ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration vii panegyric on his.htm

My Call to the Ministry
... to again stir my soul to speak in behalf of the boy. ... through force of will or through
your parents' meekly yielding ... Our prayers were answered and I had no more ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vii my call to.htm

On Helping the Poor.
... exhibiting to the orphans the care of parents; to the ... God, because of his zealous
and constant prayers for those ... stand before my face in their behalf, I will ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

The History of Joseph the Carpenter.
... For her parents offered her in the temple when she was ... seest, and ear which hearest,
hearken to my prayers and supplications in behalf of the old ...
/.../unknown/the history of joseph the carpenter/the history of joseph the.htm