Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, women frequently played a significant role in mourning rituals and funeral practices. Their involvement in these somber occasions is documented throughout Scripture, highlighting their emotional expressiveness and communal responsibilities in times of grief.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, women are often depicted as professional mourners, a role that was both respected and essential in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The prophet Jeremiah references the presence of women in mourning ceremonies: "Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful among them" (Jeremiah 9:17). This passage underscores the cultural expectation for women to lead and participate in public displays of lamentation. The Book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, also reflects the deep sorrow expressed by women during times of national tragedy. Lamentations 2:19 encourages the daughters of Zion to "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord." Here, the act of mourning is not only a personal expression of grief but also a communal and spiritual act. New Testament Context In the New Testament, women continue to be prominent figures in mourning practices. The Gospels provide several accounts of women present at significant moments of death and burial. For instance, at the death of Lazarus, Mary and Martha are depicted as mourning their brother's passing. John 11:33 notes, "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." The presence of women at Jesus' crucifixion and burial further illustrates their role in mourning. The Gospel of Matthew records, "Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him" (Matthew 27:55). These women, including Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, are later noted as witnesses to Jesus' burial and the empty tomb, underscoring their steadfastness and devotion even in the face of profound sorrow. Cultural and Religious Significance The involvement of women in mourning rituals is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious fabric of biblical society. Their participation was not merely a social obligation but also a spiritual duty, reflecting the communal nature of grief and the hope of divine comfort. Women, through their mourning, often served as conduits of emotional expression for the community, embodying the collective sorrow and yearning for God's intervention and consolation. The biblical portrayal of women as mourners highlights their integral role in the life of the community, particularly in times of loss. Their presence at funerals and their participation in mourning rites underscore the importance of compassion, empathy, and faith in the face of death, themes that resonate throughout Scripture and continue to hold significance in Christian thought and practice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 9:17,20Thus said the LORD of hosts, Consider you, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning women, that they may come: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Death and after Death 1 Cor. Iv. 6 The Political Constitution of Egypt Resources Is it appropriate for a woman to propose to a man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman? | GotQuestions.org Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org Woman: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Woman of Distinction: Fair and Graceful Woman of Distinction: Fond of Dress and Ornaments Woman of Distinction: Haughty in Their Deportment Woman of Distinction: Wore Their Hair Plaited and Adorned With Gold and Pearls Woman of the Poorer Classes Swarthy from Exposure to the Sun Woman were Required to Hear and Obey the Law Woman: (At Ease and Careless) of a State of Carnal Security Woman: (Chaste and Holy) of Saints Woman: (Delicate) of Backsliding Israel Woman: (Foolish) of Mere Professors Woman: (Forsaken) of Israel in Her Captivity Woman: (Gloriously Arrayed) of the Church of Christ Woman: (Lewd) of the Roman Apostasy Woman: Allowed to Join in the Temple-Music from the Time of David Woman: Considered a Valuable Booty in War Woman: Frequently: Active in Instigating to Iniquity Woman: Frequently: Fond of Self-Indulgence Woman: Frequently: Silly and Easily Led Into Error Woman: Frequently: Subtle and Deceitful Woman: Frequently: Zealous in Promoting Superstition and Idolatry Woman: Generally Lived in a Separated Apartment or Tent Woman: Generally Wore a Vail in the Presence of the Other Sex Woman: Good and Virtuous, Described Woman: had a Court of the Tabernacle Assigned to Them Woman: Loving and Affectionate Woman: Often Engaged in Agriculture Woman: Often Engaged in Attending Funerals As Mourners Woman: Often Engaged in Celebrating the Victories of the Nation Woman: Often Engaged in Domestic Employments Woman: Often Engaged in Drawing and Carrying Water Woman: Often Engaged in Embroidery Woman: Often Engaged in Grinding Corn Woman: Often Engaged in Spinning Woman: Often Engaged in Tending Sheep Woman: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Origin and Cause of the Name Woman: Originally Made by God in his own Image Woman: Originally Made for Man Woman: Originally Made: from One of Adam's Ribs Woman: Originally Made: Subordinate to Man Woman: Originally Made: To be an Helpmeet for Man Woman: Originally Made: To be the Glory of Man Woman: Punishment for Injuring, when With Child Woman: Safety in Childbirth Promised to the Faithful and Holy Woman: Salvation Promised Through the Seed of Woman: Submissive and Respectful to Husbands Woman: Tender and Constant to Her offspring Woman: To be Governed By, Considered a Calamity by the Jews Woman: To be Slain By, Considered a Great Disgrace Woman: To Wear Her Hair Long As a Covering Woman: Unfaithfulness of, when Married Found out by the Waters of Woman: Virtuous, Held in High Estimation Woman: Vows of, when Married not Binding Upon the Husband Woman: Young of Distinction, Dressed in Robes of Various Colours Woman: Young: Could not Marry Without Consent of Parents Woman: Young: Fond of Ornaments Woman: Young: Inherited Parents' Property when There Was No Male Heir Woman: Young: Kind and Courteous to Strangers Woman: Young: Not to be Given in Marriage Considered a Calamity Woman: Young: Often Taken Captive Woman: Young: Often Treated With Great Cruelty in War Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing when not Betrothed Woman: Young: Punishment for Seducing, when Betrothed Woman: Young: Required to Learn from and Imitate Their Elders Related Terms Woman-servant (12 Occurrences) |
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