Topical Bible: Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, widows held a unique and often vulnerable position within society. The Scriptures provide numerous references to widows, highlighting both their challenges and their significant roles within the community of faith. Widows are frequently depicted as individuals who, despite their hardships, devoted themselves entirely to God's service, embodying faithfulness and piety.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law provided specific instructions for the care and protection of widows, recognizing their vulnerability. In Deuteronomy 10:18, God is described as one who "executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This divine concern for widows is echoed throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the community's responsibility to support them.

Widows are often portrayed as models of faith and devotion. The account of the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17:8-24 illustrates a widow's faithfulness and hospitality. Despite her dire circumstances, she obeyed the prophet Elijah's request for food, and in return, God miraculously provided for her and her son. This narrative underscores the widow's trust in God's provision and her willingness to serve His prophet.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, widows continue to be recognized for their devotion to God. The early church took special care to support widows, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed deacons to ensure that the daily distribution of food was not neglected. This reflects the community's commitment to caring for widows, acknowledging their important place within the church.

The Apostle Paul provides specific instructions regarding widows in 1 Timothy 5:3-16. He advises the church to "honor widows who are truly widows" (1 Timothy 5:3) and describes a "true widow" as one who "has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day" (1 Timothy 5:5). Paul highlights the spiritual dedication of widows, who often devoted themselves to prayer and service within the church.

Anna, the prophetess, is a notable example of a widow who dedicated her life to God's service. In Luke 2:36-38, Anna is described as a widow who "never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37). Her devotion is rewarded with the opportunity to witness the infant Jesus and proclaim His significance to others.

Role and Significance

Widows in the Bible are often depicted as exemplars of faith, prayer, and service. Their lives of devotion serve as a testament to their reliance on God and their commitment to His work. The biblical narrative consistently portrays widows as individuals who, despite societal challenges, find strength and purpose in their relationship with God.

The church is called to honor and support widows, recognizing their contributions and ensuring their well-being. This reflects the broader biblical principle of caring for the vulnerable and upholding justice and mercy within the community of faith. Widows, through their devotion and service, continue to inspire believers to live lives of faithfulness and dedication to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 2:37
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph
... While the two widows were recalling the wedding of Mary ... in Jerusalem in a house which
was often hired out ... work Imre Binah, c. 6o, that virgins devoted to God's ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/vii marriage of the blessed.htm

Prayer Essential to God
... in the early Church, when the complaint that the widows of certain ... They had to be
devoted to prayer in order to ... prayer and shut the closet door, often with the ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/i prayer essential to god.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... power, [1147]ib.; Christians exhorted to sign themselves with it ... works with man,
[1407]220; of man often more persuasive ... and is evidence of a mind devoted to God ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

An Account of the General Conference of 1796
... the relief of the wives and children, widows and orphans ... it was procured, namely,
to be devoted in perpetuity ... This useful class of men were often called upon to ...
/.../chapter 2 an account of.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... became sober and industrious, and devoted both himself ... had been but feeble, and often
the prospects ... building churches, the people felt themselves compelled, as ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ...
... The great lifework of Miss Macpherson and her devoted family may ... than the usual time
by faithful widows, who sewed ... No wonder that they often turn out unfit for ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter ii 1869-1870 emigration of.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... week one of the spacious floors is devoted to receiving ... meetings at the Home of Industry
are often a time ... leader of our class for mothers and widows says that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... by the fluctuations of the times, so often occasioned by ... Book Concern, and is therefore
still devoted to scientific ... perhaps as many wives and widows, besides a ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

From the Beginning of 1785 to the End of 1786
... twelve persons in each, but unhappily have often increased to ... allowance on the circuits,
and for the widows and worn ... dead to the world, and much devoted to God.2 ...
/.../chapter 1 from the beginning.htm

The Blessedness of Giving
... is to visit the fatherless and widows in their ... The previous fourteen years had been
assiduously devoted to the ... decent apparel to wear, I was often deprived of ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the blessedness of giving.htm