Topical Encyclopedia The term "fatherless" in the Bible refers to orphans or children who have lost their fathers, often leaving them vulnerable and without protection or provision. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of caring for and protecting the fatherless, highlighting God's compassion and justice for these individuals.Biblical Mandate for Protection The Bible consistently commands the people of God to protect and provide for the fatherless. This mandate is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a defender of orphans. In Deuteronomy 10:18, it is written, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse underscores God's active role in ensuring justice and provision for those who are vulnerable. Prohibition Against Violence The Bible explicitly prohibits doing violence to the fatherless. In Jeremiah 22:3, the Lord commands, "This is what the LORD says: Do justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place." This directive is a clear call to protect the fatherless from harm and exploitation. Divine Retribution for Injustice The Scriptures warn of divine retribution against those who harm or exploit the fatherless. In Exodus 22:22-24, God warns, "You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children fatherless." This passage highlights the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of the fatherless and the severe consequences for such actions. Role of the Community The community of believers is called to reflect God's heart by actively caring for the fatherless. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through acts of compassion and care for those in need, including the fatherless. God's Compassionate Nature Throughout the Bible, God's compassionate nature is evident in His concern for the fatherless. Psalm 68:5 declares, "A father of the fatherless and a defender of widows is God in His holy habitation." This portrayal of God as a father to the fatherless serves as a model for believers to emulate in their interactions with orphans and vulnerable children. Conclusion The biblical call to do no violence to the fatherless is a reflection of God's justice and compassion. Believers are encouraged to protect, provide for, and advocate on behalf of the fatherless, aligning their actions with the heart of God as revealed in Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 22:3Thus said the LORD; Execute you judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence to the stranger, the fatherless, nor the widow, neither shed innocent blood in this place. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Civil Government. The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. Scriptural Christianity When the Oil Flows The Life of Captain John Paton. The Good Samaritan What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ... The Mystery of the Cross. A Good Friday Sermon. The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi. Advantages of Revelation Above Natural Reason. Resources Should a Christian consider foster care? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about caregiving? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org Fatherless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fatherless: A Curse on Those Who Oppress Fatherless: A Type of Zion in Affliction Fatherless: Blessedness of Taking Care of Fatherless: Daughters of Zelophehad Fatherless: God Will: Be a Father of Fatherless: God Will: Be a Helper of Fatherless: God Will: Execute the Judgment of Fatherless: God Will: Hear the Cry of Fatherless: God Will: Punish Those Who Judge Not Fatherless: God Will: Punish Those Who Oppress Fatherless: Let Them Share in Our Blessings Fatherless: Promises With Respect To Fatherless: The Wicked: Judge not For Fatherless: The Wicked: Murder Fatherless: The Wicked: Oppress Fatherless: The Wicked: Overwhelm Fatherless: Visit in Affliction Fatherless: Wrong Not, in Judgment Related Terms |
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