Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, widows are frequently depicted as a vulnerable group deserving of special care and protection. The Scriptures consistently emphasize God's concern for widows, reflecting His justice, compassion, and provision for those who are marginalized and in need.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 regards the treatment of widows, promising divine retribution against those who exploit or harm them. Deuteronomy 10:18 further highlights God's character, stating, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." Here, God is portrayed as a defender and provider for widows, ensuring their needs are met and their rights upheld. The book of Ruth provides a narrative example of God's provision for widows through human agents. Ruth, a Moabite widow, is cared for by Boaz, who follows the Levitical law of gleaning (Leviticus 19:9-10) to ensure she and her mother-in-law, Naomi, have sustenance. This account illustrates the community's role in fulfilling God's command to care for widows. Prophetic Warnings The prophets frequently rebuke Israel for failing to uphold justice for widows. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." Similarly, Jeremiah 22:3 commands, "This is what the LORD says: Do what is just and right. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do not exploit or mistreat the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow." These prophetic calls to action highlight the societal responsibility to protect widows and reflect God's heart for justice and mercy. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the care for widows continues to be a significant concern. Jesus Himself condemns the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and exploitation of widows, as seen in Mark 12:40 : "They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." The early church took seriously the mandate to care for widows, as evidenced in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appoint deacons to ensure the fair distribution of food to widows. This action underscores the importance of organized care within the Christian community. Paul's instructions to Timothy further elaborate on the church's responsibility towards 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 should first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." Paul emphasizes both familial responsibility and the church's role in supporting widows who are truly in need. Theological Implications The consistent biblical emphasis on caring for widows reflects God's character as a protector and provider for the vulnerable. It serves as a call to His people to embody His justice and compassion, ensuring that those who are marginalized receive the care and support they need. The treatment of widows is a measure of the community's faithfulness to God's commands and a reflection of His kingdom values. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 10:18He does execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 68:5 Library The Foundation of the Church among the Jews Moravians, or United Brethren. part vii. It is Time to Describe the Great and Celebrated Spectacle of ... Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ... St. Gregory the Great. What Carey did for Literature and for Humanity Of Civil Government. From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... 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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