Bereaving, in the biblical context, refers to the experience of loss, particularly through death, and the deep sorrow that accompanies it. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, reflecting the human condition and the reality of living in a fallen world. Bereavement is often depicted as a time of mourning, lamentation, and seeking comfort from God.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of bereavement, often highlighting the profound grief experienced by individuals and communities. In Genesis 37:34-35, Jacob mourns deeply for his son Joseph, whom he believes to be dead: "Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. 'No,' he said, 'I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.' So his father wept for him."

The book of Job offers a poignant exploration of bereavement. Job experiences the loss of his children and possessions, leading him to lament his suffering and question the justice of his plight. Job 1:20-21 records his initial response: "Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.'"

The Psalms frequently express the sorrow of bereavement, serving as a source of comfort and a means of processing grief. Psalm 34:18 assures the brokenhearted of God's presence: "The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, bereavement is addressed with the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. The account of Lazarus in John 11 illustrates both the reality of grief and the promise of new life. Jesus weeps with Mary and Martha over the death of their brother, demonstrating His compassion and empathy (John 11:35). Yet, He also declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

The Apostle Paul offers comfort to those grieving the loss of loved ones, emphasizing the hope found in Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, he writes, "Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him."

Theological Implications

Bereavement in the Bible is not only a personal experience but also a communal one. The Israelites often mourned together, as seen in the collective lamentations over national tragedies or the loss of leaders. This communal aspect underscores the importance of supporting one another in times of grief.

Theologically, bereavement points to the brokenness of the world due to sin and the hope of redemption through Christ. While death is a consequence of sin, the promise of eternal life offers believers comfort and assurance. Revelation 21:4 provides a vision of the ultimate end of bereavement: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

Bereavement, therefore, is a profound reminder of human mortality and the need for divine comfort and hope. Through faith in Christ, believers are assured that their sorrow will one day be transformed into everlasting joy.

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... and irrational choice; as thwarting the dictates of reason, and best rules of wisdom;
as producing very mischievous effects to ourselves, bereaving us of the ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

It is Indeed a Greater Fight of Patience...
... To this man let them [2643] look who put themselves to death when they are sought
for to have life put upon them; and by bereaving themselves of the present ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /9 it is indeed a.htm

Nun Freut Euch, Lieben Christen G'Mein. Dear Christians, one and ...
... us. 8. For he shall shed my precious blood, Me of my life bereaving; All
this I suffer for thy good; Be steadfast and believing. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/i nun freut euch lieben.htm

Of the Great Desolation Usually Following an Intellectual Passive ...
... it, that many not enabled or not well instructed how to behave themselves in it
have lost all heart to prosecute internal ways, and so bereaving themselves of ...
/.../chapter v of the great.htm

How Love Spreads Its Excellence Over the Other virtues, Perfecting ...
... Yea, so far is charity from bereaving the other virtues of their natural pre-eminences
and dignities, that, on the contrary, having this quality of perfecting ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v how love spreads.htm

Of Maris Bishop of Chalcedon; Julian Forbids Christians from ...
... Maris with still greater boldness replied, I thank God for bereaving me of my sight,
that I might not behold the face of one who has fallen into such awful ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter xii of maris bishop of.htm

Sacred Head Surrounded
... 2. I see Thy strength and vigor All fading in the strife, And death, with cruel
rigor, Bereaving Thee of life; O agony and dying! O love to sinners free! ...
/.../the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 22 sacred head surrounded.htm

In Order to This
... Men owe me the advantage of their society, but if they deny me that just debt, I
will not be unjust to myself, and side with them in bereaving me. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/14 in order to this.htm

O Sacred Head Surrounded
... I see thy strength and vigor,. All fading in the strife,. And death with cruel rigor,.
Bereaving thee of life; O agony and dying! O love to sinners free! ...
/.../holy week 158 o sacred.htm

But we must Follow Our Preacher, who Can Only Turn Away with ...
... He sees a solitary one, absolutely alone, without kith or kin dependent on him,
and yet he toils on, "bereaving his soul of good" as unceasingly as when he ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter iv but we must.htm

Bereaving (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bereaving (2 Occurrences). Psalms 35:12 They reward
me evil for good, to the bereaving of my soul. (WEB ASV YLT). ...
/b/bereaving.htm - 7k

Berechiah (12 Occurrences)

/b/berechiah.htm - 12k

Bereaves (1 Occurrence)

/b/bereaves.htm - 6k

Requite (42 Occurrences)
... Bring back on them what they deserve. (See NAS RSV). Psalms 35:12 They reward
me evil for good, to the bereaving of my soul. (See RSV). ...
/r/requite.htm - 18k

Repay (79 Occurrences)
... Bring back on them what they deserve. (See NAS NIV). Psalms 35:12 They reward me
evil for good, To the bereaving of my soul. (See JPS NAS NIV). ...
/r/repay.htm - 28k

Sad (73 Occurrences)
... His eye also is not satisfied with riches, and 'he saith not', 'For whom am I labouring
and bereaving my soul of good?' This also is vanity, it is a sad travail ...
/s/sad.htm - 27k

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