Topical Bible: Children: Treatment of, at Birth

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In the biblical context, the treatment of children at birth is a subject that reflects the cultural, religious, and social values of ancient Israelite society. The Bible provides various insights into the practices and attitudes surrounding the birth and early care of children, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of family.

Sanctity of Life

The Bible consistently upholds the sanctity of life, beginning from conception. Psalm 139:13-16 beautifully articulates the belief that God is intimately involved in the formation of a child in the womb: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." This passage underscores the divine value placed on each life, even before birth.

Circumcision and Dedication

One of the earliest treatments of male children at birth in the Israelite tradition was circumcision. This rite, commanded by God to Abraham in Genesis 17:10-12 , was to be performed on the eighth day after birth: "This is My covenant, which you are to keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male among you must be circumcised." Circumcision was a sign of the covenant between God and His people, marking the child as part of the community of faith.

In addition to circumcision, the dedication of the firstborn to God was another significant practice. Exodus 13:2 states, "Consecrate to Me every firstborn male. The firstborn from every womb among the Israelites belongs to Me, both of man and beast." This dedication was a reminder of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and His claim over the firstborn.

Care and Nurture

The Bible also reflects the importance of nurturing and caring for children. In the account of Moses, we see the protective instincts of his mother, Jochebed, who hid him for three months to save him from Pharaoh's decree (Exodus 2:2-3). This narrative highlights the lengths to which parents would go to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

Furthermore, the book of Proverbs offers wisdom on raising children, emphasizing the role of parents in guiding and instructing them. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse underscores the responsibility of parents to provide moral and spiritual guidance from an early age.

Protection and Value

The protection and value of children are also evident in the New Testament. Jesus' attitude towards children is particularly noteworthy. In Mark 10:14 , Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." This statement not only affirms the value of children but also elevates their status within the community of believers.

Conclusion

The treatment of children at birth in the Bible reflects a deep respect for life and a commitment to the spiritual and physical well-being of the next generation. From the rites of circumcision and dedication to the nurturing care provided by parents, the biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of children within the family and the broader community of faith.

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Ezekiel 16:4-6
And as for your nativity, in the day you were born your navel was not cut, neither were you washed in water to supple you; you were not salted at all, nor swaddled at all.
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Luke 2:7,12
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
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Library

Of the Birth of John, and of his Alleged Identity with Elijah. Of ...
... is no wonder if, while some knew of his birth from Zacharias ... hath turned my wrath
away from the children of Israel ... It requires, therefore, separate treatment. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/7 of the birth of.htm

The Birth of England's Foreign Missions
... OF WILLIAM CAREY, DD CHAPTER II THE BIRTH OF ENGLAND'S ... be few; the women, and even
the children, would be ... enterprise in both hemispheres"the treatment of the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter ii the birth of.htm

1 John iii. 10
... divine purpose taken by itself, but in the treatment of it ... We have seen that in the
children of God, although ... is that which has its origin in the birth from God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 10.htm

Baptism.
... spirit of the gospel and Christ's treatment of children ... of the Jews, to admit their
children by circumcision on the eighth day after birth into the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 54 baptism.htm

The Meaning of Faith
The Children's Bible. ... hidden by his parents for three months after birth because
they ... of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to share ill treatment with God's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the meaning of faith.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Israel.
... the earth, and two hundred years before the birth of their ... But He received no better
treatment at their hands than ... blood be on us, and on our children" (Matt.27 ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the millennium in relation.htm

Regeneration and Faith.
... particular, the things that took place before his birth. ... Exhaustiveness in treatment
requires to ask not only ... to be insisted upon because our children must not ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiii regeneration and faith.htm

John i. 11
... by the path of persuasion and kind treatment, then He ... in the power of these to become
(His) children since if ... To have been born the mystical Birth, and to have ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily x john i 11.htm

2 Cor. vi. 11, 12
... Paul doth not this; but, like children, love your ... fore-announceth our present high
birth, the Regeneration by ... is not lovingkindness, but insolent treatment [752 ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiii 2 cor vi.htm

On the Feast of the Epiphany, iv.
... the Holy Scripture had foretold of the birth of Christ ... and in nought different to
the generality of human children. ... His power, not of His ill-treatment, and it ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xxxiv on the feast.htm