Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, widows hold a significant place, often representing the vulnerable and marginalized in society. The Scriptures consistently exhort widows to place their trust in God, who is portrayed as their protector and provider. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's compassion and justice.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law provided specific instructions for the care of widows, emphasizing God's concern for their welfare. In Deuteronomy 10:18, it is stated, "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 widows, encouraging them to rely on His faithfulness. The account of Ruth is a poignant example of a widow who trusted in God. After the death of her husband, Ruth chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, declaring, "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's faith and trust in God led to her redemption and inclusion in the lineage of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the early church is instructed to care for widows, reflecting the continuation of God's concern for them. The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, provides guidance on the treatment of widows within the church community. He writes, "Honor widows who are truly widows" (1 Timothy 5:3), urging the church to support those who are genuinely in need. Paul further exhorts younger widows to remarry and manage their households, while older widows are encouraged to devote themselves to prayer and good works (1 Timothy 5:5, 14). This instruction highlights the importance of widows maintaining their faith and trust in God, actively participating in the life of the church. Jesus' Compassion for Widows Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated deep compassion for widows, as seen in the Gospels. In Luke 7:11-15, Jesus encounters a widow in Nain who has lost her only son. Moved by compassion, He raises the young man from the dead, restoring hope and security to the widow. This miracle illustrates Jesus' divine authority and His care for those who are vulnerable. In another instance, Jesus commends a poor widow for her faith and trust in God. Observing her offering at the temple, He says, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others" (Luke 21:3). Her sacrificial giving, despite her poverty, exemplifies a profound trust in God's provision. Exhortation to Trust Throughout Scripture, widows are consistently exhorted to place their trust in God. Psalm 68:5 describes God as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows," affirming His role as their protector. Widows are encouraged to seek refuge in God's unfailing love and faithfulness, assured of His provision and justice. The biblical exhortation for widows to trust in God serves as a reminder of His unwavering commitment to care for those who are vulnerable. Through His people, the church, and His divine intervention, God continues to uphold and provide for widows, inviting them to rest in His promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 49:11Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Holiness Demanded Letter cxxx. (AD 412. ) The Permanent Significance of the Old Testament The Epistle of St. James Life at Herrnhut. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. 1 Cor. vii. 1, 2 Resources What does the Bible say about how widows are to be treated? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about orphans and widows? | GotQuestions.org What is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands Widows were Frequently Oppressed and Persecuted Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands Widows were Under the Special Protection of God Widows: A Type of Zion in Affliction Widows: Allowed to Marry Again Widows: Blessings on Those Who Relieve Widows: Curse for Perverting Judgment of Widows: Exhorted to Trust in God Widows: God: Establishes the Border of Widows: God: Surely Hears the Cry of Widows: God: Will Witness Against Oppressors of Widows: Increase of, Threatened As a Punishment Widows: Intermarrying With, of Kings Considered Treason Widows: Laws Respecting: Bound to Perform Their Vows Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to be Oppressed Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry With Priests Widows: Laws Respecting: Raiment of, not to be Taken in Pledge by Creditors Widows: Laws Respecting: To be Allowed to Glean in Fields and Vineyards Widows: Laws Respecting: To Have a Share of the Triennial Tithe Widows: Laws Respecting: To Share in Public Rejoicings Widows: Laws Respecting: when Daughters of Priests and Childless to Partake of The Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Widows: Not to be Deplored By, Considered a Great Calamity Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Widows: Reproach Connected With Widows: Saints: Disappoint Not Widows: should be Allowed to Share in Our Blessings Widows: should be Honored, If Widows Indeed Widows: should be Relieved by the Church Widows: should be Relieved by Their Friends Widows: should be Visited in Affliction Widows: should not Be: Afflicted Widows: should not Be: Deprived of Raiment in Pledge Widows: should not Be: Oppressed Widows: should not Be: Treated With Violence Widows: Specially Taken Care of by the Church Widows: The Wicked: do No Good To Widows: The Wicked: Make a Prey of Widows: The Wicked: Reject the Cause of Widows: The Wicked: Send, Away Empty Widows: The Wicked: Take Pledges From Widows: Though Poor, May be Liberal Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Widows: Woe to Those Who Oppress Related Terms |
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