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 emphasize God's concern for the fatherless, highlighting His role as their defender and provider. However, the Bible also addresses the actions of the wicked who exploit and rob the fatherless, condemning such behavior as a grave injustice.The wicked are often depicted as those who take advantage of the vulnerable, including the fatherless. In the book of Job, Job laments the actions of the wicked, stating, "They drive away the donkey of the fatherless and take the widow’s ox in pledge" (Job 24:3). This verse illustrates the heartlessness of the wicked, who not only rob the fatherless of their possessions but also deprive them of their means of livelihood. The Psalms also speak to the plight of the fatherless at the hands of the wicked. Psalm 10:8-9 describes the wicked lying in wait to ambush the innocent, including the fatherless: "He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the poor; he seizes the poor and drags them away in his net" . This imagery underscores the predatory nature of the wicked, who seek to exploit the defenseless. Proverbs further warns against such exploitation, stating, "Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; He will take up their case against you" (Proverbs 23:10-11). This passage serves as a reminder that God Himself is the protector of the fatherless, and He will hold accountable those who seek to rob them. The prophets also echo this theme, with Isaiah condemning those who prey on the fatherless: "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). Here, the prophet Isaiah highlights the societal corruption that leads to the exploitation of the fatherless, calling for divine justice against such wickedness. In the New Testament, the call to care for the fatherless is reiterated, with James stating, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and undefiled is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to protect and provide for the fatherless, contrasting the righteous with the wicked who seek to rob them. Throughout Scripture, the robbing of the fatherless by the wicked is consistently condemned, reflecting God's heart for justice and His special concern for those who are most vulnerable. The biblical narrative calls for the protection and care of the fatherless, urging believers to stand against the injustices perpetrated by the wicked. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 10:2To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Eighth Commandment The Preacher as a Patriot. Regeneration "The House of Israel" Of Civil Government. Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts Job's Regret and Our Own The Treatise Power in Operation. The Battle of the Books, 1749-1755. Resources What does the Bible say about orphans and widows? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about charity? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about social justice? | 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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