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 emphasize God's concern for widows and His promise to act as a defender against those who would oppress them. This theme is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting God's justice and compassion.Divine Advocacy for Widows God's commitment to defending widows is clearly articulated in the Old Testament. 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 underscores the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of widows, promising divine retribution against their oppressors. The prophet Isaiah also speaks to this issue, declaring God's judgment against those who exploit widows. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts the people to "learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Here, the call to defend widows is part of a broader mandate for justice and righteousness, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people. God's Witness Against Oppressors In Malachi 3:5 , God explicitly states His role as a witness against those who oppress widows: "Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers; against those who defraud the hired worker of his wages, who oppress the widow and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigner of justice, but do not fear Me," says the LORD of Hosts. This passage highlights God's active involvement in bringing justice, serving as a witness against those who violate His commands regarding the treatment of widows. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues to affirm God's concern for widows. In James 1:27 , the apostle James writes, "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 an essential expression of true faith and devotion to God. Furthermore, Jesus Himself condemns the exploitation of widows by religious leaders. In Mark 12:40 , He warns of the scribes who "devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." Jesus' words serve as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting those who take advantage of widows. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, God's commitment to defending widows and witnessing against their oppressors is a testament to His justice and mercy. The consistent biblical mandate to protect and care for widows reflects God's heart for the vulnerable and His call for His people to embody His righteousness in their treatment of others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 3:5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, said the LORD of hosts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library the Use of Humiliation Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Epistle of St. James The Fifth Book Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. The Apology of Aristides the Philosopher. Translated from the ... English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 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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