Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows are often highlighted as a group deserving special care and attention. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of providing for widows, reflecting God's compassion and justice. The Bible portrays widows as recipients of great liberality, both from God and His people.Old Testament Context The Old Testament law explicitly commands the Israelites to care for widows, alongside orphans and foreigners, as part of their covenantal obligations. In Deuteronomy 10:18, it is stated, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse underscores God's direct involvement in ensuring justice and provision for widows, setting a divine standard for His people to emulate. The Book of Ruth provides a narrative example of this principle. Ruth, a Moabite widow, is shown great kindness and generosity by Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband. Boaz's actions reflect the liberality commanded by the law, as he allows Ruth to glean in his fields and ultimately redeems her, securing her future (Ruth 2:8-12; 4:9-10). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the care for widows continues to be a significant concern. Jesus Himself highlights the plight of widows and condemns those who exploit them. In Mark 12:40-44, Jesus observes a poor widow contributing two small coins to the temple treasury and commends her for giving out of her poverty, contrasting her liberality with the superficial offerings of the wealthy. The early church took the responsibility of caring for widows seriously. Acts 6:1-6 describes the appointment of deacons to ensure that the daily distribution of food was not neglected, particularly for the widows. This passage illustrates the church's commitment to practical support and equitable treatment for all members, especially the vulnerable. Paul's epistles further instruct the church on the treatment of widows. In 1 Timothy 5:3-16, Paul provides detailed guidelines for the support of widows, emphasizing the need for family members to care for their widowed relatives and for the church to assist those who are truly in need. This passage highlights the balance between personal responsibility and communal support. Theological Implications The biblical mandate to care for widows reflects God's character as a defender of the vulnerable and a provider for those in need. The liberality shown to widows is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of divine grace and mercy. The consistent biblical theme of caring for widows serves as a reminder of the church's calling to embody God's love and justice in tangible ways. Widows, therefore, occupy a special place in the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and compassion. The liberality extended to them is a model for believers, encouraging a spirit of generosity and care for all who are marginalized or in need. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 17:9-15Arise, get you to Zarephath, which belongs to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 12:42,43 Library Of Liberality. ... Moral Characteristics. On Kindness and Its Several Parts, Namely, Good-Will and ... Of the Kinds of Beneficence, and Works of Mercy. The Precepts of the Apostle Concerning a Widow Indeed are Laid ... Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms? 2 Cor. Ix. 1 The Foundation of the Church among the Jews 1 Cor. Ix. 1 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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