Topical Bible: Widows: should not Be: Afflicted

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In the biblical context, widows hold a special place of concern and care within the community of God's people. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of protecting and providing for widows, who are often vulnerable due to the loss of their husbands. The Bible explicitly instructs against afflicting widows, highlighting the moral and spiritual obligation to treat them with compassion and justice.

Old Testament Teachings

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of widows. In Exodus 22:22-24 , God commands, "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." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of widows, associating it with divine retribution.

Deuteronomy 24:17-18 further instructs, "Do not deny justice to the foreigner or the fatherless, and do not take a widow’s cloak as security. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from that place. Therefore I am commanding you to do this." Here, the Israelites are reminded of their own past suffering and redemption, which should motivate them to act justly towards widows.

Prophetic Warnings

The prophets also echo this concern. Isaiah 1:17 calls the people to "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." The prophet Jeremiah similarly warns against oppressing widows, stating in Jeremiah 22:3 , "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 brutalize the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow."

New Testament Affirmations

The New Testament continues this theme, with the early church being instructed to care for widows. In James 1:27 , it is written, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse highlights the care for widows as a fundamental expression of true faith.

The Apostle Paul provides specific instructions regarding the support of widows in the church. In 1 Timothy 5:3-4 , he writes, "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." Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the family to care for widows, while also acknowledging the church's role in supporting those who are truly in need.

God's Character and the Church's Responsibility

Throughout Scripture, God's character is revealed as one who defends the cause of the widow. Psalm 68:5 describes God as "A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in His holy habitation." This divine attribute sets a precedent for the community of believers to emulate.

The biblical mandate to protect and provide for widows is not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's justice and mercy. The church is called to be a place of refuge and support for widows, ensuring they are not afflicted or neglected. This responsibility is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls believers to love and serve the most vulnerable among them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 22:22
You shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

After Having Written About virgins, it Seemed Needful to Say ...
... infusion of the Spirit of God; that the decision should be seen to be heavenly,
not human. ... For, indeed, there were many widows, but one is preferred to all ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter i after having written.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... manner of those, whom he terms widows indeed"they ... chastisement, then are ye bastards
and not sons." Those ... to reprobation, of whom God said, "Why should ye be ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

1 Timothy v. 8
... debarred from bringing up children, lodging strangers, relieving the afflicted. ... The
widows should perform these services themselves, not commit them ...
/.../homily xiv 1 timothy v.htm

Bishop Hosius Said: Our Importunity and Great Pertinacity and ...
... not only murmurings, but even scandals. But it is proper that bishops should intercede
for persons suffering from violence and oppression, afflicted widows and ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon vii bishop hosius said .htm

Hebrews xi. 20-22
... For that the admirable should feel thus, is nothing ... and to appear inferior to them,
is not so dreadful ... by enumerating even women that were harlots, and widows. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxvi hebrews xi 20-22.htm

"Is not this the Carpenter's Son?"
... of captives, a healer of the afflicted, restoring sight ... Satan was determined that
blind eyes should not that day ... say unto you, There were many widows in Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 24 is not this.htm

Appendix iv
... advice of the Apostle that the young widows should marry again ... ended his prayer,
hence Christians also should sit down ... not used for those who are not in danger ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix iv.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... they have not been able to live properly as widows. ... If it should be unfortunate for
a time, in the end ... not minister to another when she is not herself afflicted ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

On Helping the Poor.
... is reasonable, O bishops, that neither should you ... from them, whence shall we administer
to the widows? ... But receive not from those that are excommunicated, until ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

Titus iii. 11-Aug
... and protection, and to defend the widows and orphans ... their master, instead of injuring
them, should treat them ... from their affliction, you say, and we are not. ...
/.../homily vi titus iii 11-aug.htm