Topical Bible: Fatherless: The Wicked: Judge not For

◄ Fatherless: The Wicked: Judge not For ►

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In the biblical context, the term "fatherless" often refers to orphans or those who lack a paternal figure, highlighting their vulnerability and need for protection and justice. The Scriptures frequently address the treatment of the fatherless, emphasizing God's concern for their welfare and the moral obligation of His people to care for them.

The Bible contains numerous admonitions against exploiting or mistreating the fatherless. In Exodus 22:22-24 , God commands, "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 vulnerable, including the fatherless.

The wicked, in contrast, are often depicted as those who disregard these divine commands, exploiting the fatherless for their gain. Psalm 10:2 describes the wicked as those who "in arrogance, the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise." The wicked are characterized by their lack of compassion and justice, preying upon those who are defenseless.

However, the Bible also cautions against judging others, including the wicked, without discernment. In Matthew 7:1-2 , Jesus teaches, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This instruction serves as a reminder to exercise humility and self-reflection before passing judgment on others, recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs to God.

The tension between recognizing the actions of the wicked and refraining from judgment is a recurring theme in Scripture. Believers are called to uphold justice and righteousness, advocating for the fatherless and oppressed, while also acknowledging their own fallibility and the need for God's grace.

In the prophetic literature, the call to defend the fatherless is reiterated. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to action is a reflection of God's heart for justice and His desire for His people to embody His character in their dealings with others.

Ultimately, the biblical narrative presents a God who is deeply concerned with the plight of the fatherless and who calls His people to reflect His justice and mercy. While the wicked may exploit and oppress, believers are reminded to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8), ensuring that their actions align with His righteous standards.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:23
Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loves gifts, and follows after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 5:28
They are waxen fat, they shine: yes, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm 10
... thou art the orphan's stay. ^15The arm break of the wicked man,. ... to hear
wilt bend thine ear; ^18To judge the fatherless, and those. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 10.htm

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
... and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth ... And it shall
be, if the wicked man be worthy to be beaten, that the judge cause him ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/of evil-speaking in general.htm

Jehoshaphat
... as judges under Him, are to "defend the poor and fatherless;" they are ... and "rid them
out of the hand of the wicked." Psalm 82 ... O our God, wilt Thou not judge them ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Psalm LXXXII.
... were silent, "how long will ye judge unrighteously, and ... Give sentence," therefore,
"for the fatherless [3839] and ... so that the hands of the wicked would never ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxii.htm

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... dost with thy temporal judgments draw me to judge myself, and to repent of my wicked
life, that I ... of the helpless, and in thee the fatherless findeth mercy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

Whether the Sin of Respect of Persons Takes Place in Judicial ...
... 4:10): "In judging be merciful to the fatherless." But this ... good to accept the person
of the wicked, to decline ... of justice, in as much as the judge restores to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sin of respect.htm

The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death.
... that he hath said "Leave thy fatherless children with me ... The wicked are dismayed
when they look forward and ... him which the Lord, the righteous Judge, would give ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxv the good man.htm

Psalm XCIV.
... They have murdered the widow, and the fatherless: and slain ... to have righteousness,
and afterwards to judge: He first endureth the wicked, and afterwards ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciv.htm

Psalm 94
... 2Lift up thyself, thou of the earth. the sov'reign Judge that art; ... who lewd and wicked
be,. How long shall they who wicked are. ... and kill the fatherless. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 94.htm

The Minute Prescriptions of the Law Meant to Keep the People ...
... to do evil, learn to do well, seek judgment, judge the fatherless, [2924] and ... the
divine expostulations: [2926] avoid contact with the wicked: [2927] "let ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xix the minute prescriptions of.htm