Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, widows are often highlighted as a vulnerable group deserving of special care and protection. The Scriptures consistently emphasize the importance of treating widows with justice and compassion, reflecting God's own concern for their well-being.Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament law explicitly commands the Israelites not to oppress widows. In Exodus 22:22-24 , God 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." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views the mistreatment of widows, associating it with severe consequences. 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 there; that is why I am commanding you to do this." Here, the Israelites are reminded of their own past oppression and are called to extend justice and mercy to those in need, including widows. Prophetic Warnings The prophets also speak against the oppression of widows. 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." This call to action is a recurring theme, as seen in Jeremiah 22:3 : "This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place." New Testament Affirmations The New Testament continues this theme, with James 1:27 stating, "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. In the early church, the care for widows was institutionalized, as seen in Acts 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed deacons to ensure that the needs of widows were met. This reflects the community's commitment to preventing their neglect and oppression. 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 standard for God's people to emulate. The church is called to reflect God's heart by actively supporting and protecting widows. 1 Timothy 5:3 instructs, "Honor the widows who are truly widows." This involves not only providing for their material needs but also ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect, free from oppression or exploitation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 7:6If you oppress not the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, and shed not innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your hurt: Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 7:10 Library Bishop Hosius Said: Our Importunity and Great Pertinacity and ... Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms? "Is not this the Carpenter's Son?" 1 Timothy v. 8 Face to Face with Shams How to Keep Passion Week Of the Popish Mass. How it not Only Profanes, but Annihilates the ... Woes on the Pharisees Charity and Conflict. The Church. 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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