Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, widows are often depicted as vulnerable members of society who are in need of protection and care. The Scriptures consistently affirm that God is deeply concerned with the plight of widows and is attentive to their cries for help. This divine concern is rooted in God's character as a just and compassionate protector of the marginalized.Old Testament References The Old Testament provides numerous instances where God expresses His care for widows. In Exodus 22:22-23 , 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." This passage underscores God's commitment to hearing and responding to the cries of widows, emphasizing the seriousness with which He regards their treatment. Deuteronomy 10:18 further highlights God's protective nature: "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is portrayed as an active defender of widows, ensuring that justice is served on their behalf. The Psalms also reflect this theme. Psalm 68:5 describes God as "a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation." This imagery presents God as a divine guardian who resides in holiness yet is intimately involved in the lives of those who are vulnerable. Prophetic Literature The prophets echo this divine concern. Isaiah 1:17 calls the people to "learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This exhortation aligns with God's own actions and desires, urging His people to mirror His justice and compassion. Jeremiah 49:11 reassures, "Leave your orphans; I will preserve their lives. Your widows can trust in Me." This promise from God offers assurance to widows that they are not forgotten and can rely on His provision and care. New Testament Affirmations In the New Testament, the care for widows continues to be a significant concern. Jesus Himself demonstrates compassion towards widows, as seen in Luke 7:12-15 , where He raises the son of the widow of Nain, moved by her plight and sorrow. The early church also took this responsibility seriously. In Acts 6:1-6 , the apostles addressed the needs of widows by appointing deacons to ensure they were not neglected in the daily distribution of food. This action reflects the community's commitment to living out God's concern for widows. James 1:27 succinctly captures the essence of true religion: "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 reinforces the idea that caring for widows is integral to the Christian faith, aligning with God's own heart for justice and mercy. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, God's attentiveness to the cries of widows is a recurring theme that underscores His justice, compassion, and faithfulness. The biblical mandate to care for widows serves as a call to God's people to reflect His character in their treatment of the vulnerable and marginalized. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 22:23If you afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God Seeks Intercessors The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows Prayer. Death by Disuse I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- The Inexhaustible Barrel Holiness Demanded Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources What does the Bible say about remarriage after the death of your spouse? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Prochorus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Dorcas / Tabitha in the Bible? | 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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