Biblical History On Widows and Orphans
The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary states: "Orphans are often mentioned with widows as representatives of the
most helpless members of society (Exod. 22:22; Deut. 10:18; Ps. 146.9). In societies where the basic social unit was
the clan headed by a father (the eldest male relative, perhaps a grandfather or uncle), those without a father or husband
were social misfits without one to provide for their material needs and represent their interests in the court (Job 31:21).
Life for the fatherless (orphan) was harsh. Orphans were often forced to beg for food (Ps. 109:10).
They suffered loss of their homes (Ps. 109:10), land rights (Prov. 23:10), and livestock (Job 24:3). The fatherless
were subject to acts of violence (Job 22:9), were treated as property to be gambled for (6:27), and were even murdered (Ps.
94.6).
God, however, has a special concern for orphans and widows (Deut. 10:18; Ps. 10:14-18; 146:9; Hos. 14:3) evidence in the
title "a father of the fatherless" (Ps. 68.5). Old Testament law provided for the material needs of orphans and widows
who were to be fed from the third year's tithe (Deut. 14:28-29; 26:12-13), from sheaves left forgotten in the fields (24:19);
and from fruit God commanded to be left on the trees and vines ((24:20-21).
Orphans and widows were to be included in the celebrations of the worshiping community (Deut. 16:11, 14). God's people
were repeatedly warned not to take advantage of orphans and widows (Exod. 22:22; Deut. 24:17; 27:19; Ps. 82:3; Isa. 1:17).
In the New Testatement, James defined worship acceptable to God as meeting the needs of orphans and widows (1:27).
God's exiled people were described as orphans without home or inheritance (Lam. 5:2-3). The Old Testament image of
the orphan without a helper at the court perhaps forms the background for Jesus' promise that His disciples would not be left
orphans (John 14:18); comfortless, or bereft. They would not be defenseless since the Holy Spirit would act as their
advocate (14:16)."
