In the biblical context, widows hold a significant place, both in the Old and New Testaments. They are often seen as vulnerable members of society, deserving of special care and attention. The Scriptures provide numerous instructions and examples regarding the treatment of widows, emphasizing the importance of compassion, justice, and support for these women.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law explicitly commands the protection and provision for widows. In Exodus 22:22-24 , God warns, "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.

Deuteronomy 10:18 further highlights God's care for widows, stating, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." The inclusion of widows alongside orphans and foreigners indicates their vulnerability and the divine mandate to ensure their well-being.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the care for widows continues to be a significant concern. Jesus Himself criticizes the religious leaders for their neglect and exploitation of widows. In Mark 12:40 , He condemns those "who devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation."

The early church took the responsibility of caring for widows seriously. Acts 6:1 describes a situation where the Hellenistic Jews complained that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This led to the appointment of deacons to ensure fair treatment and provision for all widows, demonstrating the church's commitment to their care.

Paul, in his pastoral epistles, provides specific instructions regarding widows. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4 , he writes, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the family to care for widows, while also acknowledging the church's role in supporting those who are truly in need.

Widows as Saints

Widows are often depicted as exemplars of faith and devotion. In Luke 2:36-37 , Anna, a prophetess and widow, is described as someone who "never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying." Her dedication and faithfulness are highlighted as virtues to be emulated.

The account of the widow's offering in Mark 12:42-44 further illustrates the spiritual depth of widows. Jesus observes a poor widow who "put in two small copper coins, which amount to a small fraction of a denarius." He commends her, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Her sacrificial giving is a testament to her trust in God and her commitment to His work.

Disappoint Not

The biblical mandate to care for widows is clear and unequivocal. James 1:27 succinctly captures this responsibility: "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." The call to support widows is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of true faith and devotion to God.

In summary, the Scriptures consistently advocate for the protection, provision, and honor of widows. They are to be treated with dignity and respect, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized. The church and individual believers are called to ensure that widows are not disappointed in their time of need, embodying the love and compassion of Christ in their actions.Job 31:16
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... consists: And it is found on all the saints. ... Neither doth he disappoint their
expectations, but according to ... preserve them alive, and let thy widows trust in me ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

The Church.
... and her prosperity, bend themselves to disappoint the designs of ... tremblings, with
the cries of the widows, children, and ... Do you think that saints that dwell in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm

An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ...
... the superannuated preachers, and the widows and orphans ... with books: particularly
with the SAINTS' REST, INSTRUCTIONS ... Be sure never to disappoint a congregation ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... '4. That Christ's flesh and blood were within the saints. '5. That the bodies of
the good and bad that are buried in the church-yard, shall not arise again. ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... be overgrown with flesh, if we had not our seasonable ... This epistle was written to
saints in affliction, specially ... he said "Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... Art not thou a murderer, a thief, a harlot, a witch, a sinner of the greatest size,
and dost ... And thus it was: I writing of the way, And race of saints, in this ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm

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