Topical Bible: Fatherless: Afflict Not

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "fatherless" in the Bible refers to children who have lost their fathers through death or abandonment. The Scriptures place significant emphasis on the care and protection of the fatherless, often grouping them with widows and foreigners as vulnerable members of society who require special attention and compassion.

Biblical Mandate for Protection

The Bible explicitly commands the people of God not to afflict or oppress the fatherless. In Exodus 22:22-24 , the Lord warns, "You must not mistreat any widow or orphan. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to Me in distress, I will surely hear their cry. My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will become widows and your children fatherless." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of the fatherless and the severe consequences for those who fail to uphold justice and compassion.

God as the Defender of the Fatherless

Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as a defender and protector of the fatherless. Psalm 68:5 declares, "A father of the fatherless and a defender of the widows is God in His holy habitation." This depiction of God as a father to the fatherless highlights His deep concern and care for those who lack earthly paternal support.

Justice and Righteousness

The call to protect the fatherless is closely tied to the broader biblical themes of justice and righteousness. In Isaiah 1:17 , the prophet exhorts the people, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This verse emphasizes the active role that believers are to take in advocating for the rights and well-being of the fatherless, ensuring that they are treated with fairness and dignity.

Community Responsibility

The responsibility to care for the fatherless is not limited to individual acts of kindness but extends to the community as a whole. Deuteronomy 24:19-21 instructs, "When you reap the harvest in your field and forget a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands." This law reflects the communal obligation to provide for the needs of the fatherless, integrating their care into the daily life and economy of the community.

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of caring for the fatherless. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse highlights that true faith is demonstrated through acts of love and service to those in need, including the fatherless.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to "afflict not" the fatherless is a call to embody God's compassion and justice. By caring for the fatherless, believers reflect the character of God and fulfill His command to love and protect the most vulnerable among us.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:22
You shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That the Widow and Orphans Ought to be Protected.
... obey." [4618] Also in Exodus: "Ye shall not afflict any widow ... But if ye afflict them,
and they cry out ... Also in Isaiah: "Judge for the fatherless, and justify ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/113 that the widow and.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... Ye shall not afflict the widow or fatherless.' Peccatum clamans [This sin shrieks
aloud]. If they cry unto me, I will surely hear them.' Exodus 22:23. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm

The Mercy of God
... are rather forced from God; he does not afflict willingly ... and fear not, but for them
that fear and sin not. ... In thee the fatherless find mercy.' Hosea 14:4. God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/9 the mercy of god.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 9, 10
... those things would not be able to afflict him. ... And thou dost not mention the troubles,
in which thou ... The "Father of the fatherless." For tell me, who gave them ...
/.../homily vi 1 thessalonians iv.htm

David's Anger
... enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul ... the ravisher, the robber, the
extortioner, are not objects of ... robbed the widow and put the fatherless to death ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/david/sermon iii davids anger.htm

2 Cor. I. 23
... and to take heed to thyself, and to afflict thine heart ... by one word, although that
was not humiliation, but a ... for," He saith, "judge the fatherless, and plead ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iv 2 cor i.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... These Timothy was not required to honor"not directed to ... Many disagreeables are generally
left to afflict the desolate. ... "Leave thy fatherless children, and I ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... I confess, Lord, that thou dost justly afflict my body ... blot out all my iniquities:
cast me not out of ... of the helpless, and in thee the fatherless findeth mercy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

How to Keep Passion Week
... Is it a day for a man to afflict his soul ... that thou cover him, and that thou hide
not thyself from ... it consists in this"'to visit the fatherless and widows in ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon i how to keep.htm

Letter to a Young Widow.
... mind when such great troubles suddenly concurred to afflict thee was ... And this is
not my saying but that of the ... he says "He will take up the fatherless and the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/letter to a young widow.htm