Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, widows are often depicted as vulnerable members of society who are in need of protection and justice. The Scriptures consistently reveal God's deep concern for widows, emphasizing His role as their defender and judge. This entry explores the biblical portrayal of God's judgment on behalf of widows, highlighting His commitment to justice and righteousness.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law underscores the importance of caring for widows, reflecting God's heart for 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 illustrates the severity with which God views the mistreatment of widows, promising divine retribution against those who oppress them. The book of Deuteronomy further reinforces this theme. Deuteronomy 10:18 declares, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is portrayed as actively executing justice for widows, ensuring their needs are met and their rights upheld. Prophetic Literature The prophets frequently echo God's concern for widows, often using their plight as a measure of Israel's faithfulness to God's covenant. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts the people, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to action reflects God's expectation that His people mirror His justice and compassion. Jeremiah 22:3 also emphasizes this divine mandate: "This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do not exploit or mistreat the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow." The prophets consistently remind Israel that neglecting the needs of widows is tantamount to forsaking God's commands. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues to affirm God's concern for widows, with Jesus Himself highlighting their significance. In Mark 12:40 , Jesus condemns the scribes who "devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." This denunciation underscores the seriousness of exploiting widows and the certainty of divine judgment against such actions. The early church also recognized the importance of caring for widows, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appoint deacons to ensure that widows are not neglected in the daily distribution of food. This reflects the continuation of God's justice through the church's ministry. God as Judge for Widows Throughout Scripture, God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate judge and protector of widows. His judgments are characterized by righteousness and compassion, ensuring that the vulnerable are defended and their oppressors held accountable. Psalm 68:5 beautifully encapsulates this truth: "A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation." In summary, the biblical portrayal of God as a judge for widows reveals His unwavering commitment to justice and His deep compassion for those who are marginalized. His judgments serve as a reminder of His righteous character and His call for His people to reflect His heart in their treatment of widows. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 10:18He does execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:5 Library Though Many Other Widows came Near to Judith in virtue... St. Ambrose Returns to the Story of the Widow of Sarepta... The Life of St. Silvester. The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner Elucidations. Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ... A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... The Banquet of the Ten Virgins, or Concerning Chastity General Consistency of the Apostle. A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert Resources Should a Christian go on welfare? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about feeding the hungry? | GotQuestions.org What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | 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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