Orphan(fatherless)
“Fatherless, orphan”
Summary
Orphans—children bereft of parents—were among the most vulnerable members of ancient society, and God repeatedly commands His people to care for and protect them.
☩Divine Protection
God describes Himself as "a father of the fatherless" and declares that He executes justice for orphans. The Law prohibited taking advantage of orphans and commanded leaving portions of the harvest for them to glean. Curses were pronounced on those who perverted justice due to orphans. The prophets condemned Israel for failing to defend the orphan's cause, identifying this as evidence of spiritual apostasy.
☩Pure Religion
James defines pure and undefiled religion as visiting orphans and widows in their affliction and keeping oneself unstained from the world. This definition emphasizes that genuine faith expresses itself in practical compassion toward the most vulnerable. The church is called to continue the Old Testament concern for orphans, embodying God's own fatherly care for those without earthly protectors. In Christ, believers who were once spiritual orphans have been adopted as God's children, motivating them to extend similar grace to others.
Related Verses51 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Orphan," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).