Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "fatherless" often refers to orphans or children who have lost their fathers, leaving them vulnerable and in need of protection and care. The Scriptures frequently highlight the plight of the fatherless, emphasizing God's concern for their welfare and His call for His people to defend and support them. However, the Bible also acknowledges the harsh reality that the wicked often exploit and oppress the fatherless, taking advantage of their defenselessness.The oppression of the fatherless by the wicked is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where it is depicted as a grievous sin that incurs God's wrath. In the book of Psalms, the psalmist laments the actions of the wicked, who "murder the widow and the stranger and kill the fatherless" (Psalm 94:6). This verse underscores the extent of the wickedness, as it groups the fatherless with other vulnerable groups who are often targets of injustice. Job, in his discourse on the prosperity of the wicked, observes their oppressive behavior: "They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox in pledge" (Job 24:3). Here, the wicked are portrayed as seizing the meager possessions of the fatherless, further illustrating their callousness and disregard for justice. The prophet Isaiah also speaks against those who exploit the fatherless, warning of divine judgment: "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of justice and withhold the rights of the oppressed of My people, to make widows their prey and rob the fatherless" (Isaiah 10:1-2). This passage highlights the systemic nature of such oppression, where the wicked use their power to enact laws that perpetuate injustice against the fatherless. In the book of Jeremiah, God condemns the leaders of Judah for their failure to uphold justice for the fatherless: "They have become rich and powerful; they have grown fat and sleek. They have excelled in evil matters; they have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper, nor have they defended the rights of the needy" (Jeremiah 5:28). This indictment reveals the moral decay of those in authority who neglect their duty to protect the vulnerable. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a defender of the fatherless, calling His people to emulate His justice and compassion. The oppression of the fatherless by the wicked is not only a social injustice but a spiritual offense that God promises to rectify. The Scriptures affirm that God hears the cries of the fatherless and will act on their behalf, as seen in Psalm 10:17-18 : "You have heard, O LORD, the desire of the humble; You will strengthen their hearts. You will incline Your ear to vindicate the fatherless and oppressed, that the men of the earth may strike terror no more." Thus, the Bible presents a clear mandate for believers to stand against the oppression of the fatherless, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 24:3They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalm 10 General Service to John, Precursor, Prophet and Baptist of the ... Psalm 94 The Man of the Earth Psalm XCIV. David's Anger The Prophets were Sent from one and the Same Father from whom the ... In the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies The Eighth Commandment 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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