Topical Bible: Burial of the Friendless, a Kind Act

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The act of providing a proper burial for those who are friendless or without family is a compassionate and righteous deed, deeply rooted in biblical principles. This act of kindness reflects the heart of God, who cares for the marginalized and forgotten.

In the Scriptures, the importance of burial is evident. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, took great care to ensure that their loved ones were buried with dignity. For instance, Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah to bury his wife Sarah (Genesis 23:19). This act underscores the significance of burial as a means of honoring the deceased.

The Bible also highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable, including those who may not have family to provide for their burial. In the Old Testament, God commands His people to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:18). This command extends to ensuring that even in death, the dignity of every person is respected.

In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies compassion for the marginalized. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus teaches the importance of showing mercy to those in need, regardless of their social status or connections. This parable can be seen as an encouragement to extend kindness, such as providing a burial, to those who are friendless.

The early Christian community also demonstrated this principle. In Acts 9:36-39, we read about Tabitha (also known as Dorcas), a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity. When she died, the community gathered to mourn her and prepare her body for burial, highlighting the communal responsibility to care for one another, even in death.

Furthermore, the act of burying the friendless can be seen as an expression of the Christian hope in the resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Paul speaks of the resurrection of the dead, emphasizing that what is sown perishable is raised imperishable. Providing a burial for the friendless acknowledges the inherent value of every human life and the hope of resurrection through Christ.

In summary, the burial of the friendless is a kind act that aligns with biblical teachings on compassion, dignity, and hope. It reflects God's heart for the vulnerable and serves as a testament to the Christian belief in the sanctity of life and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 2:5
And David sent messengers to the men of Jabeshgilead, and said to them, Blessed be you of the LORD, that you have showed this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the ...
... On this occasion the Pope was enthroned in a kind of semi ... with dreadful exactitude
a corpse in burial clothes just ... a home and refuge for the friendless and the ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxviii there are certain moments.htm

The Loved Ones Chastened
... He is kind to you when he casts you into ... or have you to bear them all yourself"
friendless and helpless? ... friend without a tear, compared with the burial of an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the loved ones chastened.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the ... wending its way out to the place
of burial. ... was a woman, poor, weak, ceremonially unclean, friendless, who for ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm