Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, widows often faced significant social and economic challenges, and the Scriptures address the reproach and difficulties associated with their status. The Bible provides numerous references to the treatment and condition of widows, highlighting both the societal attitudes towards them and the divine mandate for their care and protection.Old Testament Context In ancient Israel, the loss of a husband could leave a woman vulnerable and without support, as the patriarchal society placed significant emphasis on male leadership and provision. Widows were often at risk of exploitation and neglect, which is why the Law of Moses includes specific commands to protect them. For instance, Exodus 22:22-24 warns, "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." The reproach connected with widowhood is also evident in the cultural and legal practices of the time. Widows could be marginalized and deprived of their husband's inheritance, as seen in the account of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi laments her situation in Ruth 1:20-21 , saying, "Do not call me Naomi... Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me. I went away full, but the LORD has brought me back empty." Prophetic Literature The prophets frequently condemned the mistreatment of widows, associating it with societal injustice and moral decay. 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." Similarly, Malachi 3:5 warns of judgment against those who "oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigner of justice." New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the early church is instructed to care for widows, reflecting the continuation of the biblical mandate to protect and support them. The Apostle Paul provides specific guidelines in 1 Timothy 5:3-4 , stating, "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own household and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." The reproach of widowhood is further addressed by Jesus, who criticizes the religious leaders for their hypocrisy and exploitation of widows. In Mark 12:40 , He condemns those "who devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation." Cultural and Social Implications The reproach connected with widows in biblical times was not only a matter of personal loss but also a reflection of societal attitudes and structures. Widows were often seen as symbols of vulnerability and need, and their treatment served as a barometer of the community's righteousness and adherence to God's commands. The biblical narrative consistently calls for compassion, justice, and provision for widows, emphasizing their dignity and worth in the eyes of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 54:4Fear not; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be you confounded; for you shall not be put to shame: for you shall forget the shame of your youth, and shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood any more. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen. Patmos Rhodo and his Account of the Dissension of Marcion. The First Delegated General Conference of 1812 Letter to a Young Widow. Letter cxxvii. To Principia. India as Carey Found It Methodist Book Concern The General Conference of 1832 The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... Resources Should a Christian go on welfare? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about feeding the hungry? | GotQuestions.org What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow's mite? | 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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