Topical Bible: Widows: A Desolate Condition

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, widows are often depicted as vulnerable and in need of protection and care. The Scriptures provide numerous references to the plight of widows, emphasizing the responsibility of the community and the faithful to support and defend them. The condition of widowhood is frequently associated with desolation, as widows in ancient times faced significant social and economic challenges.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law underscores the importance of caring for widows, reflecting God's compassion and justice. In Exodus 22:22-24 , God commands, "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 severe consequences for those who oppress widows, indicating the seriousness with which God views their plight.

The Book of Deuteronomy further instructs the Israelites to include widows in their community support systems. Deuteronomy 14:29 states, "Then the Levites—because they have no portion or inheritance among you—and the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows within your gates may come and eat and be satisfied. And the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands." Here, widows are grouped with other marginalized individuals, underscoring their need for communal care.

The account of Ruth provides a narrative example of a widow's desolation and eventual redemption. Ruth, a Moabite widow, remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi, also a widow, and together they navigate the challenges of their status. Through God's providence and the kindness of Boaz, Ruth finds security and restoration, illustrating God's provision for widows.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the care for widows continues to be a significant concern. Jesus Himself condemns those who exploit widows, as seen in Mark 12:40 : "They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." This criticism of the religious leaders of the time highlights the ongoing vulnerability of widows and the moral obligation to protect them.

The early church took practical steps to support widows, as evidenced in Acts 6:1 : "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenistic Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food." This led to the appointment of deacons to ensure fair distribution, demonstrating the church's commitment to caring for widows.

Paul's epistles provide further guidance on the treatment of widows. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4 , Paul instructs, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." This passage emphasizes the responsibility of family members to care for widows, while also recognizing the church's role in supporting those without family.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of widows as desolate reflects a broader theological theme of God's concern for the marginalized and oppressed. Widows, often without a male protector or provider, symbolize the need for divine intervention and community support. The consistent biblical mandate to care for widows serves as a reminder of God's justice and mercy, calling believers to embody these attributes in their treatment of the vulnerable.

Throughout Scripture, the condition of widowhood is used to illustrate the broader spiritual truths of reliance on God and the call to righteous living. The care for widows is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's character and His kingdom values.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 47:8,9
Therefore hear now this, you that are given to pleasures, that dwell carelessly, that say in your heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm CXXXII.
... me that he might now listen to me, on the condition that I ... have husbands, take pride
in the protection of their husbands: widows seem desolate, and their ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... 30. Now what makes this work specially suitable to widows but their bereaved
and desolate condition? Whosoever, then, understands ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxx a d 412.htm

The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows
... upon the cross, and you find him, after he bemoaned his desolate condition, comforting
himself ... for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the gladness of the man.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... indeed," that is, such as are desolate and have no ... can say to Timothy, "the younger
widows refuse," [3311 ... A forgetfulness of his true condition gradually creeps ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel ... cut like a knife as their
real condition was set ... Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Luke 13 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

Letter to a Young Widow.
... grief, nor driven out of thy natural condition of mind ... And "the younger widows" he
says "refuse;" and then he ... she who is a widow indeed and desolate hath set ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letter to a young widow.htm

A Discourse
... To be, as was said, in a wood, and without light too, is a condition very desolate:
the Egyptians found it so, for all they were in their houses (Exodus 10:21 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

National Sins and Miseries
... 4. Such is the condition of Englishmen at home ... Who considered his helpless children,
now desolate orphans, " it may ... more especially to the poor widows, to the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 130 national sins and.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... Thus was the land left desolate; and thus ended the ... In this debased and forlorn
condition the mighty conqueror ... And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

The Church.
... and tremblings, with the cries of the widows, children, and ... can the world judge of
the condition of the ... Egypt; it is an empty, forlorn, desolate, solitary, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm