Topical Encyclopedia The tenderness of women towards their offspring is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the natural, God-given instinct of mothers to nurture and protect their children. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the deep bond between a mother and her child and serving as a metaphor for God's own care and compassion for His people.Biblical Examples and Teachings 1. The Maternal Instinct: The Bible often highlights the innate tenderness of mothers. In Isaiah 49:15, the prophet uses the imagery of a mother's compassion to describe God's unfailing love for His people: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" . This verse underscores the natural inclination of a mother to care for her child, even as it serves to illustrate God's greater love. 2. Hannah's Devotion: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah's deep desire for a child and her subsequent dedication of Samuel to the Lord exemplify a mother's tender love and commitment. Her prayers and vows reflect the profound connection and responsibility she feels towards her offspring, demonstrating the spiritual dimension of maternal care. 3. The Wisdom of Solomon: In 1 Kings 3:16-28, the account of Solomon's judgment between two women claiming to be the mother of a child reveals the true mother's tenderness. When Solomon suggests dividing the child, the real mother immediately offers to give up her claim to save the child's life, showcasing her selfless love and compassion. 4. The Comforting Mother: Isaiah 66:13 provides another powerful image of maternal tenderness: "As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you; and you will be consoled over Jerusalem" . This verse not only highlights the comforting role of a mother but also parallels it with God's comforting presence. 5. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: The New Testament provides a profound example of maternal tenderness in Mary, the mother of Jesus. From the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) to the crucifixion (John 19:25-27), Mary's life is marked by her unwavering love and care for her Son. Her presence at key moments in Jesus' life underscores the enduring bond between mother and child. Theological Implications The tenderness of women towards their offspring is not merely a cultural observation but is deeply rooted in the created order as designed by God. This maternal instinct is a reflection of God's own nurturing character, as seen in various biblical metaphors where God is likened to a mother. The Scriptures affirm the value and dignity of women in their role as mothers, highlighting their unique contribution to the family and society. Practical Applications In the Christian community, the tenderness of mothers is to be honored and supported. The church is called to uphold the sanctity of motherhood, providing encouragement and resources for mothers to fulfill their God-given roles. Additionally, believers are reminded to emulate the compassion and care exemplified by mothers in their own relationships, reflecting the love of Christ to others. The biblical portrayal of women as tender to their offspring serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing relationships and the divine love that undergirds them. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 49:15Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you. Nave's Topical Index Lamentations 4:10 Library Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... The Ark among the Flags St. Ambrose Explains that He is not Speaking against Marriage... The Era of Persecution Whether the Particular Punishments of Our First Parents are ... Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius. On his Sister Gorgonia. Of the Discipline and Advantage of Chastity. Letter cvii. To Laeta. Resources What does the Bible have to say about women missionaries? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from what the Bible says about Jesus and women? | GotQuestions.org Since women preachers can be just as good as men, doesn't that mean they are called to preach? | GotQuestions.org Women: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Women are Courteous to Strangers Women are Tender to Her offspring Women of the Body (Ekklesia) of Christ Women: A Persian Queen Sat on a Throne Beside Her King Women: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Women: As Prophets: Philip's Four Unmarried Daughters Women: Athaliah, in Destroying the Royal Household and Usurping the Throne Women: Bath-Sheba, in Her Adultery, in Becoming the Wife of Her Husband's Murderer Women: Consecrated Jewels to Tabernacle Women: Converted by Preaching of Paul Women: Could not Marry Without the Consent of Parents Women: Deborah, a Judge, Prophetess, and Military Leader Women: Delilah, in Her Conspiracy Against Samson Women: Difference in Ceremonies Made Between Male and Female Children Women: Dinah, in Her Fornication Women: Eve, in Yielding to Temptation and Seducing Her Husband Women: Fall of, and Curse Upon Women: First to Whom the Risen Lord Appeared Women: Fond of Self-Indulgence Women: Forbidden to Wear Men's Costume Women: Gomer, the Adulterous Wife of Hosea Women: had Separate Apartments in Dwellings Women: Haman's Wife, in Advising Him to Hang Mordecai Women: Hannah, the Mother of Samuel Women: Help in Defensive Operations Women: Herodias, in Her Incestuous Marriage With Herod Antipas Women: Herodius, by Indirectly Causing John the Baptist to be Decapitated Women: Jezebel, in Her Conspiracy Against Naboth, to Cheat Him out of his Vineyard Women: Jezebel, in Her Evil Counsels To, and Influence Over, Ahab Women: Jezebel, in Her Persecution and Destruction of the Prophets of the Lord Women: Jezebel, in Her Persecution of Elijah Women: Job's Wife, in Suggesting to Him That he Curse God and Die Women: Leah, in Her Imitation of Rachel in the Matter of Children Women: Lot's Wife, in Her Rebellion Against Her Situation, and Against the Destruction of Sodom Women: Michal, in Her Derision of David's Religious Zeal Women: Miriam, in Her Sedition With Aaron Against Moses Women: Not to be Given in Marriage Was Considered a Calamity Women: Patriotic: The Women of Israel Women: Patriotic: The Women of the Philistines Women: Peninnah, the Wife of Elkanah, in Her Jealous Taunting of Hannah Women: Potiphar's Wife, in Her Lascivious Lust and Slander Against Joseph Women: Property Rights of in Inheritance Women: Property Rights of To Sell Real Estate Women: Punishment for Seducing, when not Betrothed Women: Punishment to be Inflicted Upon Men for Seducing, when Betrothed Women: Purifications of After Childbirth Women: Purifications of After Menstruation Women: Rachel, in Her Jealousy of Leah Women: Rachel, in Stealing Images Women: Religious Privileges of, Among Early Christians Women: Required to Attend to the Reading of the Law of Moses Women: Rules for Dress of Christian Women: Sapphira, in Her Blasphemous Falsehood Women: Sarah, in Her Jealousy and Malice Toward Hagar Women: Silly, and Easily Led Into Error Women: Social Status of in Persia Women: Social Status of in Roman Customs Women: Sold for Husband's Debts Women: Solomon's Wives, in Their Idolatrous and Wicked Influence Over Solomon Women: Symbolical of Wickedness Women: Tended Flocks and Herds Women: The Cannibalistic Mothers of Samaria Women: The Daughters of Lot, in Their Incestuous Lust Women: The Midianite Woman in the Camp of Israel, Taken in Adultery Women: The Philippian Christians Women: The Shunammite Woman, Who Gave Hospitality to Elisha Women: The Sodomites of the Southern Kingdom (Judah) Women: The Widow Who Put Her Two Mite (Small Coins, Greek: Leptas) Into the Treasury Women: The Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery and Brought to Jesus in the Temple Women: Took Part in Ancient Worship Women: Treated With Cruelty in War Women: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Women: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Women: Wicked: Commits Forgery Women: Wicked: Full of Deceit and Licentiousness Women: Wicked: Silly and Wayward Women: Wicked: Zeal of, in Licentious Practices of Idolatry Women: Widow of Zarephath, Who Fed Elijah During the Famine Women: Worshiped in Separate Compartments Women: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Women: Zipporah, in Her Persecution of Moses on Account of his Religious Obligations Related Terms Women-servants (21 Occurrences) |
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