Topical Bible: The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of

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In the biblical context, the memory of the dead is often treated with respect and reverence, reflecting a deep-seated tradition of honoring those who have passed away. This regard is evident in various practices and expressions found throughout the Scriptures.

Burial Practices and Mourning

The Bible records numerous instances where the dead are honored through burial practices and periods of mourning. For example, Abraham's purchase of the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah demonstrates the importance of providing a proper resting place for the deceased (Genesis 23:19-20). Similarly, Jacob's elaborate funeral procession from Egypt to Canaan, as described in Genesis 50:7-14, underscores the significance of honoring the dead with dignity and respect.

Mourning customs are also prevalent, as seen in the account of Joseph mourning for his father Jacob for seven days (Genesis 50:10). The Israelites mourned for Moses for thirty days in the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 34:8), indicating a communal expression of grief and respect for their leader.

Memorials and Remembrance

The Bible also highlights the establishment of memorials to honor the memory of the deceased. Joshua set up twelve stones in the Jordan River as a memorial to the Israelites' crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 4:7). While this act primarily commemorated a divine event, it also served as a lasting reminder of those who participated in God's deliverance.

In the New Testament, the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany is remembered as a memorial act. Jesus Himself declared, "Truly, I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached in all the world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her" (Matthew 26:13). This statement underscores the enduring nature of acts of devotion and the importance of remembering those who have demonstrated faithfulness.

Honoring Ancestry and Legacy

The Scriptures often emphasize the importance of honoring one's ancestors and preserving their legacy. The genealogies found in books such as Genesis and Chronicles serve not only as historical records but also as a means of honoring the lineage and contributions of those who have gone before. The commandment to "Honor your father and mother" (Exodus 20:12) extends beyond the living, encouraging respect for one's heritage and the memory of deceased parents.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently acknowledges the faith and contributions of those who have passed, such as in his remembrance of Timothy's grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). This acknowledgment serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the faithful departed on future generations.

Prohibition of Necromancy and Improper Practices

While the Bible encourages respect for the dead, it also clearly prohibits practices that seek to communicate with or manipulate the spirits of the deceased. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns against engaging in necromancy or consulting with mediums, as these practices are detestable to the Lord. This prohibition underscores the belief that while the memory of the dead should be honored, it should not lead to practices that contradict God's commandments.

In summary, the Bible presents a consistent theme of honoring the memory of the dead through respectful burial practices, periods of mourning, the establishment of memorials, and the acknowledgment of ancestry and legacy. These practices reflect a deep reverence for the deceased and a recognition of their enduring impact on the living.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ruth 1:8
And Naomi said to her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Our Relations to the Departed
... It is often needful that some shock of disappointment should shake our idea of
terrestrial stability ... Thus, if the dead teach us to regard more dutifully the ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/our relations to the departed.htm

On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.
... to the fact must have been so often and coarsely ... on the part of the disciples in
regard to the ... everywhere, first and foremost, the Resurrection from the dead! ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm

Hebrews xi. 3, 4
... be done away; for he was translated, not dead, but "that ... sought after need much care,
especially in regard of God ... and if not always, at least very often; and if ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxii hebrews xi 3.htm

The Feast at Simon's House
... disciples, and he had led them to regard him in ... there are who bring their precious
gifts for the dead. ... He was often grieved because His disciples did not give ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 62 the feast at.htm

Book one in God's Searching Presence, Augustine Undertakes to ...
... so great a courage that he can regard indifferently those ... upon himself, who sheds
tears over Dido, dead for the ... in this kind of play, I often sought dishonest ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book one in gods searching.htm

Matt. xxv. 1-30.
... into fear for thy sake, with regard to His ... sunbeams, bursting the rocks, raising
the dead, frightening by ... look for nothing great, have often shown self-command ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxviii matt xxv 1-30.htm

Easter Day.
... make a two-fold division; we may regard the apostles ... finding that he is not amongst
the dead, seeing and ... know not that this"though it be often important, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxv easter day.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... done, the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless,
often stand highest ... In their undue regard for the dead, men showed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

Whether the Sacrament of Penance May be Repeated?
... He cleansed any leper twice, or twice raised any dead man to ... in Mat.18:21, when Peter
asked: "How often shall my ... In this they erred not only with regard to sin ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sacrament of penance.htm

Another Portrait Gallery
... spirit quail, especially when, as so often happens, several ... Even the very dead may
rise from the grave ... funereal nuptials the two families regard themselves as ...
/.../chapter xxi another portrait gallery.htm