Topical Encyclopedia The term "fatherless" in the Bible often refers to orphans or children who have lost their fathers, and it is a subject of significant concern in the Scriptures. The Bible consistently emphasizes God's special care and provision for the fatherless, highlighting His compassion and justice towards them. This entry explores the promises and divine assurances given to the fatherless as found in the Holy Scriptures.Divine Protection and Justice God's commitment to the fatherless is evident in His promise to be their protector and advocate. In Deuteronomy 10:18, it is written, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse underscores God's active role in ensuring justice and provision for those without a father, reflecting His righteous character and concern for the vulnerable. Provision and Sustenance The Lord promises to provide for the needs 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 imagery of God as a father to the fatherless assures them of His personal care and provision, offering comfort and security in His divine presence. Divine Advocacy God's advocacy for the fatherless is further emphasized in Psalm 10:14, which states, "But You have seen it, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand. The helpless commit themselves to You; You are the helper of the fatherless." Here, the psalmist acknowledges God's awareness of the struggles faced by the fatherless and His role as their helper, ensuring that their cries for justice and support do not go unheard. Covenantal Promises The covenantal nature of God's promises extends to the fatherless, as seen in Jeremiah 49:11: "Leave your fatherless children; I will preserve them alive, and let your widows trust in Me." This assurance of preservation and care is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, including the most vulnerable among them. Community Responsibility While God promises to care for the fatherless, He also commands His people to reflect His heart by caring for them. In Exodus 22:22-23, the Lord instructs, "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." This commandment highlights the responsibility of the community to protect and support the fatherless, aligning with God's own commitment to their welfare. Blessings for Obedience The Scriptures also associate blessings with the care of the fatherless. In Deuteronomy 14:29, God promises that those who provide for the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow will be blessed: "Then the LORD your God will bless you in all the work of your hands." This promise encourages the faithful to extend their resources and compassion towards the fatherless, ensuring that they are not neglected. Conclusion The Bible's promises concerning the fatherless reveal God's profound love and justice for those who lack earthly fathers. Through His divine protection, provision, and advocacy, God assures the fatherless of His unwavering care. Simultaneously, He calls His people to mirror His compassion, ensuring that the fatherless are supported and cherished within the community of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 49:11Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled. The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. Hebrews vii. 3-Jan Parallels from the Prophets to Illustrate Christ's Teaching in the ... The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. An Exhortation to Peace and Unity Jehoshaphat Unsound Spiritual Trading The Prayer of Jabez God in the Covenant Resources Should a Christian consider foster care? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about caregiving? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org Fatherless: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fatherless: A Curse on Those Who Oppress Fatherless: A Type of Zion in Affliction Fatherless: Blessedness of Taking Care of Fatherless: Daughters of Zelophehad Fatherless: God Will: Be a Father of Fatherless: God Will: Be a Helper of Fatherless: God Will: Execute the Judgment of Fatherless: God Will: Hear the Cry of Fatherless: God Will: Punish Those Who Judge Not Fatherless: God Will: Punish Those Who Oppress Fatherless: Let Them Share in Our Blessings Fatherless: Promises With Respect To Fatherless: The Wicked: Judge not For Fatherless: The Wicked: Murder Fatherless: The Wicked: Oppress Fatherless: The Wicked: Overwhelm Fatherless: Visit in Affliction Fatherless: Wrong Not, in Judgment Related Terms |
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