Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of parenthood is deeply rooted in the understanding that children are a divine gift from God. This perspective is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the sacred responsibility and blessing that comes with raising children.Children as a Gift from God The Bible consistently portrays children as a blessing and heritage from the Lord. In Psalm 127:3 , it is written, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward." This verse underscores the belief that children are not merely the result of human effort but are bestowed by God as a reward and inheritance. The imagery of children as a "heritage" suggests a legacy and a continuation of God's covenantal promises through generations. Divine Sovereignty in Childbearing The Scriptures affirm God's sovereignty in the process of childbearing. In Genesis 4:1 , Eve acknowledges God's role in the birth of her son, saying, "With the help of the LORD, I have brought forth a man." This acknowledgment reflects the understanding that God is intimately involved in the creation of life. Similarly, in Genesis 30:22 , it is noted, "Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb," highlighting God's active participation in granting children. The Role of Parents as Stewards Receiving children from God carries with it the responsibility of stewardship. Parents are called to nurture, instruct, and guide their children in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse emphasizes the duty of parents to provide spiritual and moral guidance, ensuring that their children grow up with a strong foundation in faith. The Example of Biblical Parents Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of parents who recognized their children as gifts from God and sought to fulfill their responsibilities faithfully. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is a notable example. In 1 Samuel 1:27-28 , she declares, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD." Hannah's dedication of Samuel to God's service exemplifies the acknowledgment of God's hand in granting children and the commitment to raising them for His purposes. The Blessing of Parenthood The Bible also speaks to the joy and blessing that children bring to their parents. In Psalm 128:3-4 , it is written, "Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house, your sons like olive shoots around your table. Yes, may you see your children’s children." This passage paints a picture of familial blessing and prosperity, with children being a source of joy and continuity for future generations. Conclusion The biblical view of parenthood is one that recognizes children as a divine gift, entrusted to parents by God. This understanding calls for a response of gratitude, stewardship, and dedication to raising children in accordance with God's will. Through the examples of faithful parents in Scripture and the teachings found throughout the Bible, parents are encouraged to embrace their role with reverence and joy, acknowledging the profound blessing of receiving their children from God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 33:5And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with you? And he said, The children which God has graciously given your servant. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 1:27 Psalm 127:3 Library That Pious Parents have Reason to Hope it is Well with those Dear ... On Our First Parents and their Fall Christ and Little Children On Matrimony Pious Parents, under Such a Dispensation, May Conclude it is Well ... The Promises of the Christian Home. Blessing the Children Match-Making. Parental Duties Considered and Urged. Family Prayer. Resources What does the Bible say about overbearing or controlling parents? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about respecting your parents? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about obeying parents? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Athaliah Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Eli Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Herodias Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Manasseh Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Mother of Micah Parents: Bad - Exemplified: Saul Parents: Covenant, Benefits of, Entailed on Children Parents: Good - Exemplified: Abraham Parents: Good - Exemplified: David Parents: Good - Exemplified: Hannah Parents: Good - Exemplified: Jacob Parents: Good - Exemplified: Job Parents: Good - Exemplified: Joseph Parents: Good - Exemplified: Lois and Eunice Parents: Good - Exemplified: Manoah Parents: Good - Exemplified: Mother of Lemuel Parents: Good - Exemplified: Mother of Moses Parents: Good - Exemplified: Nobleman Parents: Good - Exemplified: Shunammite Parents: Involved in Children's Wickedness Parents: Negligence of, Sorely Punished Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by David Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Father of the Demoniac Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Hagar Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Hannah Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Isaac Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Isaac and Rebekah Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Jacob Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Jairus Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Laban Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Mary Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Moses' Mother Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Naomi Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Rebekah's Mother Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by Rizpah Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by The Nobleman Parents: Parental Affection Exemplified by The True Mother of the Infant Brought to Solomon Parents: Partiality of Isaac for Esau Parents: Partiality of Jacob for Benjamin Parents: Partiality of Jacob for Joseph Parents: Partiality of Rebekah for Jacob Parents: Paternal Blessings of Abraham Parents: Paternal Blessings of Isaac Parents: Paternal Blessings of Jacob Parents: Paternal Blessings of Noah Parents: Prayers on Behalf of Children of David Parents: Prayers on Behalf of Children of Hannah Parents: Prayers on Behalf of Children of Job Parents: Receive Their Children from God Parents: should Pray for Their Children for Their Spiritual Welfare Parents: should Pray for Their Children: when in Sickness Parents: should Pray for Their Children: when in Temptation Parents: Sins of, Visited on Their Children Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: Not to Make Unholy Connections for Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: Not to Provoke Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Bless Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Bring Them to Christ Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Command Them to Obey God Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Correct Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Instruct Them in God's Word Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Love Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Pity Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Provide for Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Rule Them Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Tell Them of God's Judgments Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Tell Them of the Miraculous Works of God Parents: Their Duty to Their Children Is: To Train Them up for God Parents: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Parents: when Faithful are Blessed by Their Children Parents: when Faithful: Leave a Blessing to Their Children Parents: when Wicked: Instruct Their Children in Evil Parents: when Wicked: Set a Bad Example to Their Children Parents: Wicked Children, a Cause of Grief To Related Terms |