In the biblical context, the term "feeble" often refers to those who are weak, lacking strength, or in a state of vulnerability. The Scriptures provide numerous references to the feeble, emphasizing God's care, provision, and strength for those who are weak.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the condition of the feeble, often in the context of God's deliverance and protection. In Exodus 15:16, during the Song of Moses, the Israelites sing of God's mighty acts: "Terror and dread will fall upon them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone, until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You bought pass by." Here, the feeble are protected by God's powerful intervention.

In the Psalms, the feeble are often depicted as those who rely on God's strength. Psalm 6:2 pleads, "Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony." This verse highlights the psalmist's acknowledgment of his own weakness and his dependence on God's mercy and healing.

Isaiah 35:3-4 offers encouragement to the feeble: "Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees. Say to those with anxious hearts: 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.'" This passage reassures the feeble of God's imminent salvation and strength.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of feebleness is often spiritualized, reflecting the human condition apart from Christ. In 1 Corinthians 1:27 , Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." Here, the "weak" or "feeble" are those whom God chooses to demonstrate His power and wisdom, confounding the worldly standards of strength and wisdom.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of his own feebleness in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , where he recounts the Lord's words to him: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This passage underscores the paradoxical truth that in acknowledging one's own feebleness, the believer experiences the sufficiency of God's grace and the power of Christ.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of the feeble carries significant theological implications. It underscores the theme of divine strength in human weakness, a recurring motif throughout Scripture. God's concern for the feeble reflects His compassion and justice, as He often champions the cause of the marginalized and oppressed. The feeble are not overlooked in God's economy; rather, they are recipients of His grace and power.

Moreover, the acknowledgment of human feebleness is a call to humility and dependence on God. It is a reminder that human strength is insufficient for the challenges of life and that true strength is found in reliance on the Almighty. The feeble, therefore, are not to be despised or pitied, but rather seen as vessels through which God's glory and power are manifested.