What other scriptures address the protection of the vulnerable, similar to Lamentations 5:11? Grieving with Lamentations 5:11 “Women in Zion have been violated, virgins in the towns of Judah.” The verse lays bare the anguish of women abused in war. Scripture never shrugs at such evil; it repeatedly calls God’s people to shield the vulnerable. Old Testament Foundations “You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child… If you do mistreat them… I will surely hear their cry.” “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.” “Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.” “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless… Rescue the weak and needy.” “Rescue those being led away to death… Will He not repay each one according to his deeds?” Prophetic Wake-Up Calls “Learn to do right; seek justice, correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.” “Rescue the victim of robbery… Do no violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.” “Show loving devotion… Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” The Example and Teaching of Jesus “He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives… to set free the oppressed.” “If anyone causes one of these little ones… to stumble, it would be better… to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” - Luke 10:33-37 (Good Samaritan) The true neighbor “showed him mercy”… “Go and do likewise.” “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Early-Church Echoes “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” “Pure and undefiled religion… is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress.” “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” Living It Out Today - See people as God sees them—image-bearers needing refuge. - Speak up when abuse or exploitation surfaces; silence aids the oppressor. - Give time, resources, and safe spaces to those at risk: children, migrants, the abused, the poor. - Teach the next generation that protecting the vulnerable is not optional; it is obedience to the Lord of Scripture. |
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