Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows are often depicted as vulnerable members of society who require special care and protection. The Scriptures frequently emphasize the importance of providing for widows, highlighting God's compassion and justice towards them. However, there are instances where the wicked are described as neglecting or exploiting widows, sending them away empty-handed and without support.The Bible sternly warns against the mistreatment of widows. In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses includes specific commandments to ensure the welfare of widows. For example, Deuteronomy 24:17-18 states, "Do not deny justice to a foreigner or fatherless child, 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." Despite these clear instructions, the wicked are often portrayed as those who disregard such commands, acting unjustly towards widows. Job, in his discourse on the prosperity of the wicked, observes their callousness: "They drive away the orphan’s donkey and take the widow’s ox in pledge" (Job 24:3). This imagery underscores the heartlessness of those who exploit the vulnerable for personal gain. The prophets also speak against the oppression of widows. Isaiah 10:1-2 pronounces woe upon those who enact unjust laws and deprive the needy of justice, "to rob the poor of My people of their rights, that widows may be their spoil and the fatherless their prey." Such actions are seen as a direct affront to God's justice and mercy. In the New Testament, Jesus condemns the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and exploitation of widows. In Mark 12:40 , He warns, "They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." This criticism highlights the severity of exploiting those whom God has commanded to protect. The early church took these teachings to heart, establishing systems to care for widows. Acts 6:1 describes how the Hellenistic Jews complained against the Hebraic Jews because 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. The epistles further reinforce the duty to care for widows. James 1:27 defines pure and undefiled religion as "to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This underscores the ongoing responsibility of believers to uphold justice and compassion. In summary, the biblical narrative consistently portrays the neglect or exploitation of widows by the wicked as a grave injustice. Such actions are condemned throughout Scripture, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable and His call for His people to act with righteousness and mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 22:9You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Rhapsody "Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?" Acts IX A Voice from the Hartley Colliery A Discourse of Mercifulness Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The Inexhaustible Barrel The Prodigal Son. That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also- Resources Should a Christian go on welfare? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about feeding the hungry? | GotQuestions.org What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | 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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