Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows are often mentioned as a vulnerable group deserving special care and protection. The Mosaic Law, as well as various passages throughout the Scriptures, emphasize the importance of treating widows with justice and compassion, reflecting God's concern for their well-being.Old Testament Instructions The Old Testament contains explicit commands regarding the treatment of widows. 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 those who oppress them. Deuteronomy 24:17-18 further instructs, "Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from there. That is why I am commanding you to do this." Here, the law prohibits taking advantage of a widow's vulnerability, ensuring that her basic needs are met and that she is treated with fairness and dignity. Prophetic Warnings The prophets also echo these commands, often condemning Israel for failing to uphold justice for widows. 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 call to action highlights the societal responsibility to protect and advocate for widows, aligning with God's righteous standards. Jeremiah 22:3 similarly exhorts, "This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place." The prophet's words serve as a reminder of the moral obligation to safeguard the rights and dignity of widows. New Testament Affirmation The New Testament continues this theme, with James 1:27 stating, "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 affirms that caring for widows is an essential expression of genuine faith and devotion to God. In the early church, the care for widows was institutionalized, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed deacons to ensure that widows received their daily distribution of food. This action reflects the continued commitment to the welfare of widows within the Christian community. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the consistent message is clear: widows are to be treated with compassion, justice, and respect. The laws and teachings regarding widows serve as a testament to God's heart for the marginalized and His call for His people to reflect His character in their treatment of the vulnerable. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 22:22You shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 27:19 Library Continuation: with Texts from Scripture. Moral Characteristics. The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: 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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