Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows are often highlighted as a vulnerable group deserving of special care and attention. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of providing for widows, and there are numerous blessings promised to those who extend compassion and support to them.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the care of widows. In Deuteronomy 10:18, God is described as one who "executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing." This verse underscores God's heart for justice and provision for widows, setting a divine example for His people to follow. The Law of Moses includes specific instructions for the protection and provision of widows. In Deuteronomy 24:19-21, the Israelites are commanded not to harvest their fields completely, leaving behind sheaves, olives, and grapes for the alien, the fatherless, and the widow. This practice ensured that widows had access to food and sustenance, reflecting God's care for their well-being. Prophetic Advocacy The prophets also echo the call to care for widows. Isaiah 1:17 exhorts the people to "learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This call to action highlights the moral responsibility of God's people to advocate for and support widows, aligning with God's justice and righteousness. Jeremiah 22:3 further reinforces this mandate: "This is what the LORD says: Do justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do not exploit or mistreat the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow." The prophetic voice consistently calls for societal structures that protect and uplift widows, ensuring they are not marginalized or oppressed. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself demonstrating compassion towards widows. In Luke 7:12-15, Jesus encounters a widow in Nain who has lost her only son. Moved with compassion, He raises the young man from the dead, restoring hope and security to the widow. This act of mercy exemplifies the heart of Christ towards those in distress. The early church also prioritized the care of widows. In Acts 6:1-6, the apostles address the needs of Hellenistic widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This led to the appointment of deacons to ensure fair and adequate provision, highlighting the church's commitment to caring for widows. The Apostle Paul provides further instruction in 1 Timothy 5:3-16, where he outlines the church's responsibility to honor and support widows, particularly those who are truly in need. Paul emphasizes that caring for widows is a demonstration of piety and faith, and he encourages families to take responsibility for their widowed relatives. Blessings for Those Who Relieve The Bible promises blessings to those who care for widows. In James 1:27, pure and undefiled religion is defined as "to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." This verse suggests that caring for widows is a reflection of genuine faith and devotion to God. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This principle can be applied to the care of widows, as those who extend kindness and support are assured of God's favor and blessing. In summary, the biblical narrative consistently calls for the protection and provision of widows, with promises of blessings for those who heed this call. The care of widows is a reflection of God's character and a testament to the faithfulness of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 14:29And the Levite, (because he has no part nor inheritance with you,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Rom. viii. 12, 13 Letter to a Young Widow. 2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan Rom. xii. 4, 5 The Last Season The Fatherhood of God Second Sunday after Epiphany A Discourse of Mercifulness 1869-1870. Emigration of Families --A visitor's Impressions --The ... Letter xxii. To Eustochium. Resources What does the Bible say about how widows are to be treated? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about orphans and widows? | GotQuestions.org What is pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Widows were Clothed in Mourning After the Decease of Husbands Widows were Frequently Oppressed and Persecuted Widows were Released from all Obligation to Former Husbands Widows were Under the Special Protection of God Widows: A Type of Zion in Affliction Widows: Allowed to Marry Again Widows: Blessings on Those Who Relieve Widows: Curse for Perverting Judgment of Widows: Exhorted to Trust in God Widows: God: Establishes the Border of Widows: God: Surely Hears the Cry of Widows: God: Will Witness Against Oppressors of Widows: Increase of, Threatened As a Punishment Widows: Intermarrying With, of Kings Considered Treason Widows: Laws Respecting: Bound to Perform Their Vows Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to be Oppressed Widows: Laws Respecting: Not to Intermarry With Priests Widows: Laws Respecting: Raiment of, not to be Taken in Pledge by Creditors Widows: Laws Respecting: To be Allowed to Glean in Fields and Vineyards Widows: Laws Respecting: To Have a Share of the Triennial Tithe Widows: Laws Respecting: To Share in Public Rejoicings Widows: Laws Respecting: when Daughters of Priests and Childless to Partake of The Widows: Laws Respecting: when Left Childless, to be Married by Their Husband's Widows: Not to be Deplored By, Considered a Great Calamity Widows: Often Devoted Themselves Entirely to God's Service Widows: Reproach Connected With Widows: Saints: Disappoint Not Widows: should be Allowed to Share in Our Blessings Widows: should be Honored, If Widows Indeed Widows: should be Relieved by the Church Widows: should be Relieved by Their Friends Widows: should be Visited in Affliction Widows: should not Be: Afflicted Widows: should not Be: Deprived of Raiment in Pledge Widows: should not Be: Oppressed Widows: should not Be: Treated With Violence Widows: Specially Taken Care of by the Church Widows: The Wicked: do No Good To Widows: The Wicked: Make a Prey of Widows: The Wicked: Reject the Cause of Widows: The Wicked: Send, Away Empty Widows: The Wicked: Take Pledges From Widows: Though Poor, May be Liberal Widows: when Young, Exposed to May Temptations Widows: Woe to Those Who Oppress Related Terms |
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