Topical Bible: Children: Resignation Manifested at Loss of

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The loss of a child is one of the most profound sorrows a person can experience, and the Bible provides several accounts that illustrate the deep grief and eventual resignation that can accompany such a loss. These narratives offer insight into the human condition and the faith required to endure such trials.

David and the Loss of His Son

One of the most poignant examples of resignation in the face of losing a child is found in the life of King David. After his sin with Bathsheba, the prophet Nathan conveyed God's judgment that the child born to them would die. David responded with intense mourning and fasting, pleading with God for the child's life. However, upon the child's death, David's actions reflect a profound acceptance of God's will. The Berean Standard Bible records in 2 Samuel 12:20-23:

"Then David got up from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. He went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request, they set food before him, and he ate. His servants asked him, 'Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!' David answered, 'While the child was alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, "Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live." But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.'"

David's response demonstrates a shift from pleading to acceptance, acknowledging the finality of death and the sovereignty of God. His worship after the child's death signifies a return to trust in God's ultimate plan, despite personal loss.

Job's Resilience in Suffering

The account of Job is another profound example of resignation amidst the loss of children. Job, described as a blameless and upright man, faced the sudden death of all his children in a series of catastrophic events. Despite his immense grief, Job's response is one of submission to God's will. In Job 1:20-21 , it is written:

"Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: 'Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.'"

Job's reaction is marked by an acknowledgment of God's authority over life and death. His worship in the midst of sorrow reflects a deep-seated faith and resignation to God's purposes, even when they are beyond human understanding.

The Shunammite Woman's Faith

In 2 Kings 4, the Shunammite woman provides another example of resignation and faith. Her long-awaited son, given to her by the promise of the prophet Elisha, suddenly dies. Her response is not one of despair but of determined faith. She seeks out Elisha, expressing her trust in God's power to restore life. Her actions demonstrate a belief in God's ability to intervene, yet also a readiness to accept His will, whatever the outcome.

Conclusion

These biblical accounts illustrate the complex emotions surrounding the loss of a child, including grief, pleading, and ultimately, resignation. They highlight the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, offering comfort and guidance to those who endure similar trials. Through these accounts, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and coping with the profound sorrow of losing a child, encouraging believers to find solace in God's eternal promises.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 10:19,20
And Aaron said to Moses, Behold, this day have they offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the LORD; and such things have befallen me: and if I had eaten the sin offering to day, should it have been accepted in the sight of the LORD?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 12:18-23
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:19-21
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From the End of the Third Continental Journey, in 1834, to the ...
... the deep and steady interest which he manifested for the ... to give up her husband and
children, she had ... of her gracious Redeemer, attained to perfect resignation. ...
/.../chapter xiv from the end.htm

Conclusion by the Editor. Tokens of Love from Many. Keeps Writing. ...
... trust in God and a joyous resignation to His ... with our widowed sister and her children;
asking especially ... and of the signs of a useful life manifested even then ...
/.../chapter xx conclusion by the.htm

The Wandering Bird
... unless we have that way clearly manifested to us ... to accept his allotment either with
resignation or with ... opens up before us, and like children easily charmed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the wandering bird.htm

Letter xviii. Marriage.
... Nothing but that sweet resignation to the will of God ... The children of Israel were
also expressly forbidden to ... for the preference he has manifested for yourself ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xviii marriage.htm

The Value of this Doctrine
... God, therefore is grace free and can be manifested toward the ... Psa.87:7). If by nature
we were "children of wrath ... 7. IT BEGETS A SPIRIT OF SWEET RESIGNATION. ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter twelve the value of.htm

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... his power, murdering even the women and children. ... Goths, Proba supported, with Christian
resignation, the loss ... Adolphus always manifested a strong and tender ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... Every feature expressed gentleness and resignation and the ... their children and their
children's children, a perpetual ... Terribly has it been manifested in the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands ... when we consider the heartfelt
concern he manifested for the ... then have come at a perfect resignation to the ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

The Resurrection of Lazarus
... all his works were miracles of wonder, and manifested forth the ... yet a fault that
many of God's children run into ... to shed a tear of love and resignation at the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the resurrection of lazarus.htm

Completion Op the Fifth Continental Journey.
... passed by her bedside when her children were in ... A degree of precious resignation
followed; and, whatever may ... way of salvation had recently manifested itself in ...
/.../chapter xvii completion op the.htm