Topical Bible: Children: Promised to the Righteous

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In the biblical narrative, children are often depicted as blessings and rewards from God, particularly to those who walk in righteousness. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where the promise of offspring is directly linked to the faithfulness and obedience of individuals to God's commandments.

Biblical Promises and Examples

1. Abraham and Sarah: One of the most prominent examples is the promise made to Abraham and Sarah. Despite their old age and Sarah's barrenness, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. Genesis 15:5 states, "And the LORD took him outside and said, 'Now look to the heavens and count the stars, if you are able.' Then He declared, 'So shall your offspring be.'" This promise was fulfilled through the birth of Isaac, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His word.

2. Hannah: In 1 Samuel, Hannah is another example of a righteous individual who was promised a child. Her fervent prayers and vow to dedicate her child to the Lord resulted in the birth of Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 records her words, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD."

3. The Psalms: The Psalms frequently highlight the blessing of children to the righteous. Psalm 127:3-5 declares, "Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."

4. The Promise to the Faithful: Proverbs 20:7 underscores the generational blessings bestowed upon the righteous: "The righteous man walks with integrity; blessed are his children after him." This verse suggests that the moral and spiritual integrity of the parents can lead to blessings for their descendants.

Theological Implications

The promise of children to the righteous is not merely a physical blessing but also carries spiritual significance. Children are seen as a continuation of God's covenant with His people, a means through which His promises and purposes are fulfilled across generations. The birth of children to the faithful is often portrayed as a testament to God's ongoing relationship with His people and His commitment to His covenant promises.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts slightly, focusing on spiritual offspring and the broader family of God. However, the blessing of children remains evident. Jesus Himself welcomed children, saying in Matthew 19:14 , "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This highlights the value and importance of children within the Christian community.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, children are consistently portrayed as blessings promised to the righteous. They are a testament to God's faithfulness and a symbol of His enduring covenant with His people. The promise of children serves as a reminder of the generational impact of living a life of faith and obedience to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 7:12,14
Why it shall come to pass, if you listen to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD your God shall keep to you the covenant and the mercy which he swore to your fathers:
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Job 5:25
You shall know also that your seed shall be great, and your offspring as the grass of the earth.
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Psalm 128:2,3,4,6
For you shall eat the labor of your hands: happy shall you be, and it shall be well with you.
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Library

Abraham
... me, as he promised Abraham, to make of me a great nation; but he has promised that
the righteous man shall never be deserted, or his children beg their bread. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon v abraham.htm

Christians are the Holy People Promised to Abraham they have Been ...
... mischief on them.' [2401] And after that Righteous One was ... that nation which God
of old promised to Abraham ... for an endless eternity, being children of Abraham ...
/.../chapter cxix christians are the holy.htm

Psalm CXXXII.
... let that royal Priesthood be clothed with faith, since "the righteous liveth by
faith ... Why is the happiness of the children promised in relation to their parents ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxii.htm

The Promised Birth of John the Baptist.
... THE DIVINE ANNOUNCINGS THE PROMISED BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. ... And they were both
righteous before God, walking in ... And many of the children of Israel shall he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the promised birth of john.htm

Did God Promise the Good Works of the Nations and not their Faith ...
... indeed, does not speak thus, because God promised children to Abraham ... But if He promised
the works, and not the ... they are of faith (for "the righteous lives of ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 did god promise the.htm

Psalm CXVII.
... Let those rather listen who have refused to be the children of this ... endureth for
ever," whether in those things which He promised to the righteous, or in ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxvii.htm

In that Flesh in which the Saints have Suffered So Many ...
... be under the dominion of the righteous; and the ... great river Euphrates." [4726] If,
then, God promised him the ... from the stones to raise up children to Abraham ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii in that flesh in.htm

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ...
... of his faith, so also his children and descendants ... with the whole world, God always
promised his grace ... which they might pretend to become righteous, and before ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/thirteenth sunday after trinity gods.htm

"The Eternity of Hell-Torments"
... Christ never said that the righteous, the believing, the ... the gospel, knowing that
he who hath promised is faithful ... is not meet to take the children's meat and ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the eternity of hell-torments.htm

That the First Circumcision of the Flesh is Made Void, and the ...
... and set about to circumcise the children of Israel ... made by God uncircumcised, and
righteous Abel, and ... the priest according to whose order Christ was promised. ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/8 that the first circumcision.htm