Topical Bible: Compassion and Sympathy: Jews

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Compassion and sympathy are central themes in the Jewish tradition, deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and reflected in the lives and teachings of the Jewish people. These virtues are not only moral imperatives but also reflect the character of God as revealed in the Bible.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of compassion in the Jewish tradition is often linked to the Hebrew word "rachamim," which is derived from "rechem," meaning "womb." This etymology suggests a deep, nurturing love akin to that of a mother for her child. The Bible frequently portrays God as compassionate, setting a divine standard for His people. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth."

The Jewish law, as given in the Torah, emphasizes compassion and sympathy towards others, particularly the vulnerable. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This commandment underscores the importance of empathy and kindness within the community.

Compassion in Action

The Jewish Scriptures provide numerous examples of compassion in action. The account of Ruth and Naomi is a profound illustration of loyalty and kindness. Ruth, a Moabite widow, chooses to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi, saying, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God" (Ruth 1:16). Ruth's compassion and commitment to Naomi exemplify the selfless love that is encouraged in Jewish teachings.

The prophets also called the people of Israel to practice justice and mercy. Micah 6:8 famously states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse encapsulates the ethical demands placed upon the Jewish people, highlighting mercy as a key component of their relationship with God and others.

Sympathy for the Stranger

The Jewish Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the importance of showing compassion to strangers and foreigners. This is rooted in the collective memory of the Israelites' own experience as strangers in Egypt. In Deuteronomy 10:19, the Israelites are commanded, "And you are to love the foreigner, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt." This commandment reflects a broader principle of empathy and understanding towards those who are marginalized or in need.

The Role of Compassion in Jewish Life

In Jewish life, compassion and sympathy are not merely abstract ideals but are to be actively practiced. The concept of "tzedakah," often translated as "charity," is a fundamental aspect of Jewish ethics. It involves acts of kindness and support for those in need, reflecting the belief that material resources are entrusted by God to be used for the welfare of others.

The Jewish tradition also includes the practice of "gemilut chasadim," or acts of loving-kindness, which are considered essential to a righteous life. These acts can range from visiting the sick to comforting mourners, embodying the compassion that God desires from His people.

Conclusion

Compassion and sympathy are deeply embedded in the Jewish faith, reflecting the character of God and the ethical demands of the Torah. Through the teachings of the Scriptures and the examples of biblical figures, the Jewish tradition calls for a life marked by empathy, kindness, and a commitment to justice and mercy.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 11:19
And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Ruler Should be a Near Neighbour to Every one in ...
... be a near neighbour to every one in sympathy, and exalted ... to the invisible, he bends
in his compassion upon the ... Hence again he says, Unto the Jews I became as ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter v that the ruler.htm

Footnotes
... compassion and sympathy at the grave of His friend, will not a new and impressive
truthfulness invest one of the old Bethany utterances, "THEN said the Jews, ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/footnotes.htm

The Incarnation.
... The Jews were familiar with the idea of God "dwelling" with His ... and thought little
of injuring and disobeying, has through compassion and sympathy with us ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/i the incarnation.htm

Jesus Raises the Widow's Son.
... The Jews were careful to give public expression to their sympathy for those ... used
it even before Jesus ascension"John 21:7], he had compassion on her ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xliv jesus raises the widows.htm

The Centurion
... With deep sadness He pictured to the Jews the result of their rejection of ... It was
a sight to awaken sympathy. ... "When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 32 the centurion.htm

In his Temple
... The Jews were exceedingly proud of their piety ... of their piety; they claimed to be
the guardians of the people; but they were without sympathy or compassion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

Letter Xl. (AD 397. )
... pretending to be a Jew, to gain the Jews, why did ... was not, but that he felt with
true compassion that he ... not the subtlety of a deceiver, but the sympathy of a ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xl a d 397.htm

The Crown of Thorns.
... to Jesus and, bending low, said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" But, after ... to the oppression
of the powerful, would have felt sympathy and compassion for one of ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter vii the crown of.htm

Where are the Nine?
... on the borders of Samaria and Galilee, was made up of Samaritans and Jews, in what ...
He has not a syllable of sympathy; His tender compassion is carefully ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/where are the nine.htm

Barriers Broken Down
... erected, shut even the disciples from sympathy with the ... to the unfeeling prejudice
of the Jews, answered, "It is ... refusal of Jesus, she saw a compassion that He ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 43 barriers broken down.htm