Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the status and treatment of widows are significant themes, reflecting the broader social and spiritual health of the community. The increase of widows is sometimes depicted as a divine judgment or punishment upon a nation or people, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and moral decay.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 47:9 : "But these two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells." This passage addresses Babylon, symbolizing the sudden and complete nature of divine judgment. The increase of widows here is a direct result of God's retribution against pride and idolatry. 2. Jeremiah 15:8 : "I will make their widows more numerous than the sand of the sea. At midday I will bring a destroyer against the mothers of young men. I will suddenly bring down on them anguish and dismay." In this context, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's message to Judah, warning of the impending Babylonian invasion. The multiplication of widows serves as a vivid image of the devastation and loss that will befall the nation due to its persistent sin and rebellion. 3. Lamentations 1:1 : "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow. The princess among the provinces has become a slave." The book of Lamentations mourns the destruction of Jerusalem, personifying the city as a widow. This metaphor underscores the desolation and abandonment experienced as a result of divine judgment. Theological Implications: The increase of widows as a form of punishment serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. In the Old Testament, the well-being of widows is often linked to the moral and spiritual state of the community. Widows, along with orphans and foreigners, are frequently mentioned as vulnerable groups deserving of protection and justice (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18). The prophetic warnings about the increase of widows highlight the breakdown of societal structures and the loss of divine favor. They serve as a call to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. The presence of many widows signifies not only personal loss and grief but also communal failure to uphold God's standards of righteousness and justice. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, widows were among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking the means to support themselves. The absence of a husband left them without economic security and social standing. The Law of Moses provided specific instructions to care for widows, ensuring they were not exploited or neglected (Deuteronomy 24:17-21). The increase of widows as a divine punishment would have been a severe blow to the community, both practically and symbolically. It represented a breakdown of family units and a loss of future generations, as well as a visible sign of God's displeasure. Conclusion: The biblical portrayal of the increase of widows as a punishment serves as a powerful warning against the consequences of sin and disobedience. It underscores the importance of justice, compassion, and faithfulness to God's covenant, reminding believers of their responsibility to care for the vulnerable and uphold the moral fabric of society. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 22:24And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 15:8 Jeremiah 18:21 Library Acts v. 34 Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect The Secular Clergy Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Palestine under Pagan Kings. Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii. Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140 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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