Topical Bible: Children: Amusements of

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In biblical times, the amusements and play activities of children were simple and closely tied to their daily lives and cultural context. The Bible provides glimpses into the lives of children, highlighting their innocence and the joy they bring to families and communities. While the Scriptures do not extensively detail the specific games or amusements of children, several passages offer insights into their activities and the role of play in their development.

Play and Joy in Scripture

The Bible acknowledges the natural inclination of children to play and find joy in their surroundings. In Zechariah 8:5 , the prophet envisions a future of peace and prosperity, describing a scene where "the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there." This imagery suggests that play is a natural and expected part of childhood, contributing to the vibrancy and life of a community.

Cultural and Social Context

Children's amusements in biblical times were likely influenced by the cultural and social context of ancient Israel. Play would have been integrated into daily life, with children often imitating the activities of adults. For example, they might have engaged in role-playing games that reflected the agricultural and pastoral lifestyle of their families, such as pretending to shepherd sheep or harvest crops.

Biblical References to Children's Activities

While specific games are not mentioned, the Bible does reference children's activities in a broader sense. In Matthew 11:16-17 , Jesus compares the generation to children sitting in the marketplaces, calling to one another: "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn." This passage suggests that children engaged in musical play and perhaps organized simple performances or games that involved music and dance.

The Role of Family and Community

The family and community played a significant role in the lives of children, providing a framework for their amusements and activities. Proverbs 22:6 emphasizes the importance of guiding children: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This guidance would have extended to their play, ensuring that it was wholesome and aligned with the values of their community.

Spiritual and Moral Development

Amusements and play were not only for entertainment but also served as a means of spiritual and moral development. Through play, children learned social skills, cooperation, and the values of their community. Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord," indicating that even in their amusements, children were to be nurtured in a way that honored God.

Conclusion

The amusements of children in biblical times, though not extensively detailed, were an integral part of their upbringing and development. Through play, children experienced joy, learned important life skills, and were nurtured in the faith and values of their community. The biblical perspective on children's amusements underscores the importance of guiding and nurturing them in a way that honors God and prepares them for a life of faith and service.

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Job 21:11
They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.
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Zechariah 8:5
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.
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Zechariah 11:16,17
For, see, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that stands still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
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Luke 7:31,32
And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
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Library

The Christian Training of Children.
... And as we cannot but acknowledge that, even with the best will, much is overlooked
in the companionships and amusements of our children, so that they do ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/ix the christian training of.htm

When God Takes Away Our Children from Us, it is a Very Affecting ...
... their very Looks touch us, if they be amiable and promising Children, in a ... Occasion,
as that of introducing the young Stranger into the Amusements, nay perhaps ...
/.../1 when god takes away.htm

His Amusements and Occupations
... His amusements were of a quiet and innocent kind. ... of animals and ships were very
correct, and he used sometimes to draw them for the amusement of children. ...
/.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /his amusements and occupations.htm

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
... grace with those who have not yet learned to resist it, still, on the whole, religion
is a weariness to children? Consider their amusements, their enjoyments ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ii religion a weariness.htm

The Water-Springs
... "Ah, dear children! ... Go into company, and join in amusements where God is not, and
His honour is disregarded, and then will the presence of the Holy Ghost be ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxix the water-springs.htm

The First Games
... All the children of Thagaste imitated the actors, the mirmillones, or the horsemen
in the ... In the midst of these amusements Augustin fell ill; he had fever and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the first games.htm

Home and the Home-Maker.
... The children never have cared to spend their evenings on the street nor at places
of ... Only let the amusements of the home be under the direction of father and ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/x home and the home-maker.htm

Given to Abstraction of Thought. Cases in Point. Opinion of ...
... dwelling, owned by my mother, who never left it till her children all married ... I grew
to be a young man, I became very fond of fashionable amusements; I liked ...
/.../chapter v given to abstraction.htm

The Home-Parlor.
... They become enslaved to love-sick novels and fashionable amusements. ... Parents should
teach their children all about the character, interests and deceptions of ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxii the home-parlor.htm

Early Impressions. Dangerous Books and Companions. The Saint is ...
... they ought to be very careful whom they allow to mix with their children when young ...
gossiped and talked with her; for she helped me in all the amusements I liked ...
/.../the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter ii early impressions dangerous.htm