Topical Bible: Burial: Visited by Sorrowing Friends

◄ Burial: Visited by Sorrowing Friends ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, burial practices and the visitation of sorrowing friends are significant events that reflect the customs, beliefs, and emotions of the people involved. The act of visiting the deceased and mourning at the burial site is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the deep bonds of love and respect within families and communities.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament provides several instances where burial is accompanied by the presence of grieving friends and family. In Genesis 23, we see the burial of Sarah, Abraham's wife. Abraham mourns and weeps for her, and he secures a burial site in the cave of Machpelah. This event underscores the importance of a proper burial and the communal aspect of mourning, as Abraham interacts with the Hittites to ensure a respectful resting place for Sarah.

Another poignant example is found in Genesis 50:1-14, where Joseph mourns the death of his father, Jacob. Joseph "fell upon his father's face and wept over him and kissed him" (Genesis 50:1). The passage describes a grand procession to Canaan for Jacob's burial, involving not only Joseph's family but also Egyptian dignitaries, highlighting the communal nature of mourning and the respect accorded to the deceased.

New Testament Examples

In the New Testament, the burial of Jesus Christ is a significant event marked by the presence of sorrowing friends. After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, courageously requests Pilate for Jesus' body. He, along with Nicodemus, prepares Jesus' body for burial with spices and linen cloths, as described in John 19:38-42. The women who followed Jesus from Galilee also play a crucial role, as they observe the tomb and how His body was laid (Luke 23:55-56). Their intention to return and anoint His body further illustrates their devotion and sorrow.

The account of Lazarus' death in John 11 also highlights the theme of mourning friends. When Jesus arrives in Bethany, He is met by Martha and Mary, who are grieving the loss of their brother. Many Jews had come to comfort them, demonstrating the communal support in times of loss. Jesus Himself is deeply moved by the sorrow of those around Him, and He weeps (John 11:35), showing His compassion and empathy.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The presence of sorrowing friends at burials in the Bible reflects the cultural practices of the time, where mourning was a communal activity. It was common for family, friends, and even entire communities to come together to express grief, offer support, and honor the deceased. This practice underscores the value placed on human life and the relationships that define it.

Theologically, these accounts also point to the hope of resurrection and eternal life, a theme that is especially prominent in the New Testament. The mourning at Jesus' burial is transformed into joy with His resurrection, offering believers the assurance of victory over death. The communal aspect of mourning and burial serves as a reminder of the shared hope and comfort found in the Christian faith.

In summary, the biblical accounts of burial visited by sorrowing friends reveal the deep emotional connections and cultural practices surrounding death, while also pointing to the hope and promise of resurrection that is central to the Christian message.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:31
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goes to the grave to weep there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Conclusion by the Editor. Tokens of Love from Many. Keeps Writing. ...
... Visited by Professors McGarvey and Graham ... admiration for him and their sympathy with
his sorrowing family ... of the end by telegrams, and that the burial would take ...
/.../chapter xx conclusion by the.htm

Lessons.
... a very home of bereavement and a burial scene to be ... The last time He had visited
their home was at the ... still further, in the case of these sorrowing sisters of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/iii lessons.htm

In Death and after Death
... 3:21), and so should we; He visited the sick ... the Onen and the Avel"the sorrowing
or suffering one ... 9:3). On the return from the burial, friends, or neighbours ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Blair.
... nor matter till night, when, after sorrowing for his ... His sickness increasing, he
was visited by many Christian ... lies near the kirk-wall, in the burial place at ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 6.htm

Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... an ambassador." To his third son the sorrowing father said ... to Serampore, which he
once again visited, leaving the ... of a child in the mission burial-ground, "I am ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vii calcutta and the.htm

Psalm XXXVIII.
... For there is here some person sorrowing, groaning, mourning ... I was sick and in prison,
and ye visited Me not ... I will appoint the wicked for His burial" [995] (for ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxviii.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... is arisen among us: and, God hath visited his people ... wending its way out to the place
of burial. ... It alone records his sympathy with the sorrowing widow of Nain ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

Hymns, Festival and Occasional.
... The lady, a well-known Christian worker, visited a certain ... played on steeple-chimes
on some burial occasions in ... [A] of myriads of burdened and sorrowing saints ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter xiii hymns festival and.htm