Topical Bible: Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the status and obligations of widows were addressed with particular care and concern within the scriptural texts. The Bible provides guidance on the treatment and responsibilities of widows, emphasizing their release from obligations to their deceased husbands and highlighting the community's duty to support them.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law, as given to the Israelites, recognized the unique position of widows. In the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, a woman's identity and security were often tied to her husband. Upon his death, a widow was released from marital obligations, as she no longer had a husband to whom she was bound. This release is implicit in the laws concerning levirate marriage, where a brother-in-law was encouraged to marry the widow to preserve the family line (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). However, this was not an obligation for the widow herself but rather a provision for her welfare and the continuation of her deceased husband's lineage.

The care for widows is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, with God expressing a particular concern for their well-being. 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." This underscores the divine mandate to protect and provide for widows, recognizing their vulnerability in society.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to affirm the release of widows from obligations to their former husbands, while also expanding on the community's responsibility towards them. In 1 Corinthians 7:39 , the Apostle Paul states, "A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, only in the Lord." This passage clearly indicates that a widow is no longer bound by the marital covenant upon her husband's death, granting her the freedom to remarry if she chooses.

The early Christian church took seriously the call to care for widows, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed deacons to ensure that the needs of widows were met. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 5:3-16 provides detailed instructions on the support and conduct of widows within the church, emphasizing the importance of family responsibility and the church's role in caring for those who are truly in need.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The release of widows from obligations to their former husbands reflects a broader biblical principle of compassion and justice. Widows, often among the most vulnerable in society, were to be treated with dignity and provided for by the community. This principle is rooted in the character of God, who is described as a defender of widows (Psalm 68:5).

Theologically, the release from marital obligations upon a husband's death can be seen as a reflection of the temporary nature of earthly institutions in light of eternal truths. Marriage, while a sacred covenant, is bound by the temporal constraints of life on earth. In the resurrection, Jesus teaches that people "will neither marry nor be given in marriage" (Matthew 22:30), pointing to a future where earthly ties are transcended.

In summary, the biblical teaching on widows being released from obligations to their former husbands is a testament to God's care for the vulnerable and the community's responsibility to uphold justice and compassion.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 7:3
So then if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against Jovinianus.
... But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they abide even
as I. But if they have not continency ... I would that all men were like me ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... of their relatives as were left widows or minors ... took his adversary prisoner, and
released him only ... banks of the Salsallat; their losses were considerable, and ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... was the one God, compared with Whom the pagan deities were no gods at all, and could ...
but as a special favour, which He was under no obligation to confer ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm