Topical Bible: Children: Male: Usefully Employed

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In the biblical context, the employment and roles of male children are often depicted through various narratives and laws that highlight their involvement in family, religious, and societal duties. The Scriptures provide numerous examples of young males who were usefully employed in ways that contributed to their families and communities, reflecting the values and expectations of their time.

Biblical Examples:

1. David as a Shepherd: One of the most notable examples is David, who, as a young boy, was tasked with tending his father's sheep. This role was not only essential for the family's livelihood but also served as a formative experience for David, preparing him for future leadership. In 1 Samuel 16:11, we read, "So he asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?' 'There is still the youngest,' Jesse replied, 'but he is tending the sheep.'"

2. Joseph in Egypt: Joseph, the son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rose to a position of great responsibility in Egypt. His early experiences, including managing his father's flocks, equipped him with skills that were later used to save many from famine. Genesis 37:2 states, "Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers."

3. Samuel in the Tabernacle: Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and served under Eli the priest from a young age. His duties in the tabernacle were significant, as he assisted in religious services and learned the ways of the Lord. 1 Samuel 2:18 notes, "Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod."

4. Jesus in the Temple: At the age of twelve, Jesus was found in the temple, engaging with the teachers and demonstrating wisdom beyond His years. This incident, recorded in Luke 2:46-47, illustrates the importance of spiritual education and involvement from a young age: "After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers."

Cultural and Religious Context:

In ancient Israel, male children were often involved in agricultural and pastoral work, which were the primary economic activities of the time. These tasks were crucial for the sustenance and prosperity of the family unit. Additionally, young males were expected to learn and participate in religious practices, as seen in the example of Samuel and Jesus.

The Law of Moses also provided guidelines for the education and responsibilities of children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the importance of teaching children the commandments of God: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Moral and Spiritual Development:

The employment of male children in useful tasks was not merely for economic purposes but also for their moral and spiritual development. Engaging in work and religious duties instilled values such as diligence, responsibility, and faithfulness. Proverbs 22:6 underscores the importance of early training: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

In summary, the Bible presents a framework where male children are actively involved in work and religious life, contributing to their families and communities while developing character and faith. These narratives and laws reflect a holistic approach to raising children, emphasizing both practical skills and spiritual growth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 9:3
And the asses of Kish Saul's father were lost. And Kish said to Saul his son, Take now one of the servants with you, and arise, go seek the asses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:15
But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father's sheep at Bethlehem.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Account of the General Conference of 1800
... Coke returned to Europe, and was usefully employed in visiting ... dollars a year " the
allowance for children remaining the ... by a majority of the male members of ...
/.../chapter 4 an account of.htm

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... a multitude of other orders, male and female, have been effectively and usefully
employed in the ... congregation, men, women, and children, are missionaries ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... the power of steam has been so usefully applied to ... Of these thirty-six are male and
fifty-one are ... and procure an inheritance for their children, our ministers ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... Here he became actively and usefully engaged as a local ... has so prospered, that in
1840 another male and a ... for the special benefit of native children and youth ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... the bobbins to make lace, the profits of which helped to maintain their children. ...
they imagine that their pious converse was to be the means employed by the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm