Topical Encyclopedia The theme of a dead child appears in several poignant narratives throughout the Bible, each illustrating profound theological truths and the power of God in the face of human suffering and mortality. These accounts often highlight themes of faith, divine intervention, and the hope of resurrection.1. The Widow of Zarephath's Son (1 Kings 17:17-24): In the time of Elijah, a widow in Zarephath experienced the death of her son. This event occurred after Elijah had been staying with her, and she had witnessed the miraculous provision of flour and oil. When her son fell ill and died, she questioned Elijah, suggesting that his presence had brought her sin to remembrance and resulted in her son's death. Elijah took the child to his upper room, laid him on his own bed, and cried out to the LORD. He stretched himself upon the child three times and prayed for the child's life to return. The LORD heard Elijah's plea, and the child's life was restored. This miracle affirmed Elijah's status as a prophet and demonstrated God's power over life and death. 2. The Shunammite Woman's Son (2 Kings 4:18-37): Elisha, the successor of Elijah, also encountered a situation involving a dead child. The Shunammite woman, who had shown great hospitality to Elisha, was blessed with a son as a reward for her kindness. However, the child later died unexpectedly. The woman sought Elisha, expressing her distress and faith in his ability to help. Elisha sent his servant Gehazi ahead with his staff to lay on the child's face, but the child did not awaken. When Elisha arrived, he prayed to the LORD and lay upon the child, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. The child's flesh became warm, and after Elisha's further intercession, the child sneezed seven times and opened his eyes. This miracle reinforced the power of God working through His prophets and the importance of faith and persistence in prayer. 3. Jairus' Daughter (Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:40-56): In the New Testament, Jesus Himself performed a miracle involving a dead child. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approached Jesus, pleading for the healing of his dying daughter. As Jesus was on His way to Jairus' house, news came that the girl had died. Jesus, undeterred, encouraged Jairus to believe. Upon arriving at the house, Jesus found mourners weeping. He declared that the child was not dead but asleep, prompting ridicule from the crowd. Jesus took the child's parents and His disciples into the room where the child lay. He took her by the hand and said, "Talitha koum," which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5:41). Immediately, the girl arose and walked. This miracle demonstrated Jesus' authority over death and His compassion for those who seek Him in faith. 4. The Widow of Nain's Son (Luke 7:11-17): Another account of Jesus raising a dead child is found in the account of the widow of Nain. As Jesus approached the town, He encountered a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. Moved with compassion, Jesus told the grieving mother not to weep. He touched the bier and commanded the young man to arise. The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. This miracle not only showcased Jesus' power over death but also His deep compassion for human suffering. These accounts collectively underscore the biblical themes of resurrection, divine compassion, and the power of faith. They serve as reminders of God's sovereignty over life and death and His ability to bring hope and restoration in the midst of despair. Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |