Topical Encyclopedia In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, mourning was a significant and communal expression of grief, often marked by specific rituals and practices. Among these practices was the hiring of professional mourners, individuals who were engaged to lament and express sorrow on behalf of the bereaved family. This custom is evident in various passages of Scripture and provides insight into the societal norms surrounding death and mourning in ancient times.Biblical References and Context The practice of hiring mourners is mentioned in several passages in the Bible, illustrating its prevalence in ancient Near Eastern cultures. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of calling for mourning women: "Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful among them" (Jeremiah 9:17). This verse highlights the role of professional mourners, often women, who were skilled in the art of lamentation. In the New Testament, the presence of hired mourners is implied in the account of Jairus' daughter. When Jesus arrives at Jairus' house, He encounters a commotion with people weeping and wailing loudly. Jesus says, "Why all this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead, but asleep" (Mark 5:39). The mourners' immediate shift from weeping to laughter at Jesus' words suggests they were not personally connected to the deceased, indicating their professional status. Cultural and Religious Significance The employment of hired mourners served several purposes in biblical times. Firstly, it provided a structured way to express grief, ensuring that the mourning process was both public and communal. This was important in a society where communal identity and family honor were paramount. The presence of mourners validated the significance of the deceased and the family's loss. Secondly, the use of professional mourners underscored the seriousness of the occasion. Their lamentations, often accompanied by music and specific gestures, such as tearing clothes and wearing sackcloth, heightened the emotional atmosphere, allowing the family and community to engage fully in the mourning process. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the practice of hiring mourners can be seen as a reflection of the human need to express and process grief. Mourning is a natural response to death, and the Bible acknowledges this through various passages that depict lamentation and sorrow. The presence of hired mourners in Scripture underscores the communal nature of grief and the importance of supporting one another in times of loss. Moreover, the Bible offers hope and comfort in the face of mourning. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). This promise of divine comfort provides assurance that God is present with those who grieve, offering solace and hope for the future. Conclusion While the practice of hiring mourners may seem foreign to modern readers, it serves as a reminder of the deep and communal nature of grief in biblical times. It highlights the importance of mourning as a shared experience and the role of community in providing support and comfort to those who suffer loss. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 35:25And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spoke of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the lamentations. Nave's Topical Index Ecclesiastes 12:5 Jeremiah 9:17 Matthew 9:23 Greek 2351. thorubos -- an uproar ... Josephus ( ad 1st century) reports that hired flute players ... the flute became synonymous with death (tragedy, mourning). [Professional mourners (generally women ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2351.htm - 7k Library Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman. The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... In Death and after Death How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up. The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ... The Touch of Faith and the Touch of Christ "Lazarus, Come Forth" Homilies on the Epistle to the Hebrews. The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ... Notes Resources What is the meaning of sackcloth and ashes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about overcoming grief? | GotQuestions.org Mourning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Mourning for Calamities and Other Sorrows: Ripping the Garments Mourning for Nadab and Abihu Forbidden Mourning for the Dead: Cutting the Flesh Mourning for the Dead: Fasting Mourning for the Dead: Head Uncovered Mourning for the Dead: Lamentations Mourning for the Dead: Lying on the Ground Mourning for the Dead: Personal Appearance Neglected Mourning: Abraham Mourned for Sarah Mourning: Ashes Put on the Head Mourning: Caused Ceremonial Defilement Mourning: Covering: The Head and the Face Mourning: Covering: The Upper Lip Mourning: Cutting or Plucking off the Hair and Beard Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Abner Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Absalom Mourning: David's Lamentations Over: The Death of Saul and his Sons Mourning: Jeremiah and the Singing Men and Singing Women Lament for Josiah Mourning: Laying Aside Ornaments Mourning: Laying the Hand on the Head Mourning: Prevented offerings from Being Accepted Mourning: Priests Prohibited, Except for the Nearest of Kin Mourning: Sitting on the Ground Mourning: The Egyptians Mourned for Jacob for Seventy Days Mourning: The Israelites Mourned for Aaron for Thirty Days Mourning: Wearing Mourning Clothes Related Terms Mourning-feast (2 Occurrences) |
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