Family Law Index
A Biblical Law Guide to the Family
Compiled and Annotated 
by the 
Reverend Paul Michael Raymond 
for 
The Institute for Theonomic Reformation

Table of Contents

I. The institution and Laws of Marriage

a. Marriage a Divine Ordinance

b. Marriage in this life only

c. Marriage Commended

d. Asceticism Reproved

e. Monogamy

f. Polygamy Practiced

g. Gentile Marriages

h.  Marriages with near Relations

i. Divorce

 

II. Acquisition of a Wife

a. By Violence

b. By Parental Authority

c. Chosen by Others

d. Proposals

 

III. Betrothal and Wedding

a. Betrothal

b. Bridegroom

c. Bride

d. The Wedding Itself

IV. Married Life


a. The Marriage State

b. Marital Rights
c. Duties of Husband
d. General Duties of Wife
e. An Honorable Wife
f. A Wicked Wife
g. Specialized Duties of Wives

V. Parents and Children

a. Children a Gift
b. Children a Blessing
c. Children Promised as a Reward
d. Children taken away as Punishment
e. Barren Womb
f.  Abortive Births
g. Conception and Pregnancy
h. Birth
i.  Twins
j.  Death in Childbirth
k. Newborns
l.  Children Named
m. Infant Death
n. Infant Care
o. Adoption
p. Parental Authority
q. Parental Example
r.  Parental Instruction
s. Parental Correction
t. Parental Indulgence
u. Duties of Children to Parents
v. Child Offenses
w. Parental shame and Gladness

 

VI. Widows and Orphans

a. Their Bitterness and Sorrow

b. Protection

c. God their Avenger

d. Widows Honored

e. Widow's Vow

f. Widow's Ecclesiastic Service

VII. Family Affections

a. In Laws
b. Grandfathers
c. Uncles and Nephews
d. Parental Love toward Children
e. Brethren

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I. The institution and Laws of Marriage

a. Marriage a Divine Ordinance

" And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

 (Genesis 2:18 AV)
"22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." 

(Genesis 2:22-23 AV)
" And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him." 

(Genesis 2:20 AV)
" And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." 

(Genesis 3:20 AV)
" Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created." 

(Genesis 5:2 AV)
" And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth." 

(Genesis 9:1 AV)
" And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein." 

(Genesis 9:7 AV)
" What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." 

(Mark 10:9 AV)
"11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God."

 (1 Corinthians 11:11-12 AV)

Commentary

Marriage was the first official institution ever established. While the earth was without sin, and the curse had not yet fallen upon it, at the beginning of time, Adam and Eve were Divinely ordained as Husband and Wife. Still in Eden, having been made one flesh, (a symbol of the Divine Spiritual relationship between Christ and His Bride, the Church), they were made a family. 

The family, as is the marriage, is a Divine institution. Neither men or states can ordain this union or establish the family. Therefore, since the family is established and instituted by God, He claims legitimate ownership and rule over it.

 

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b. Marriage in this life only

"27 ¶ Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, 28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. 29 There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. 30 And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. 31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. 32 Last of all the woman died also. 33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. 34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." (

Luke 20:27-36 AV)

 

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c. Marriage Commended

" The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept." 

(Ruth 1:9 AV)
" Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." 

(Proverbs 18:22 AV)
"10 ¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." 

(Proverbs 31:10-12 AV)
" Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." 

(Hebrews 13:4 AV)

 

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d. Asceticism Reproved 1

" Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth." 

(1 Timothy 4:3 AV)
"14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan." 

(1 Timothy 5:14-15 AV)

 

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Asceticism

Asceticism is the practice of monasticism. It is the retiring from the common practice of everyday life to become a recluse, or a hermit. This is contrary to the Cultural Mandate of Christ. While this idea was frequently practiced, and very much encouraged during the Middle Ages, it is not in full accordance with the Scriptures.

During the European Reformation, and continuing throughout the era of the Puritans, the Biblical truth concerning marriage and and the importance of family was re-established. 

While it is not everyone's lot to marry, and God's Providence certainly does not provide marriage for every Christian, marriage is not to be shunned or discouraged. It is an honorable institution and is often used dramatically for the Glory of God.

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e. Monogamy

" Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." 

(Genesis 2:24 AV)

See also: Gen 7:13  Matt 19:5-6  Mark 10:7-8

 

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f. Polygamy Practiced

" Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah."

 (Genesis 25:1 AV)
" But unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son, while he yet lived, eastward, unto the east country." 

(Genesis 25:6 AV)
"2 Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; 3 And Bashemath Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth." 

(Genesis 36:2-3 AV)
"25 And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? 26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. 28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. 29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. 30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years." 

(Genesis 29:25-30 AV)
" And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children." 

(1 Samuel 1:2 AV)
" And Saul had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou gone in unto my father’s concubine?" 

(2 Samuel 3:7 AV)
" And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David." 

(2 Samuel 5:13 AV)
" And David took more wives at Jerusalem: and David begat more sons and daughters." 

(1 Chronicles 14:3 AV)

Commentary

Polygamy was never the intention of God for the normal marriage relationship. Yet, strangely enough, we see that He does allow for it. The reason lies in the anti-type (or substance) of what that polygamous marriage represents. As we have seen, the marriage relationship is likened to Christ and His Bride, the Church. 

" This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." 

(Ephesians 5:32 AV)

The Church is both One and Many. Christ marries the Elect Church as One Body and also as individuals. The elect are singly and corporately married to Christ. The Scriptures illustrate this by the historical types through the practice of polygamy. 

Practically, however, polygamy is discouraged, even warned against. In order to understand the original intent of God's plan for husband and wife, we must go back to the Garden for clarity. The two shall become one. 

 

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g. Gentile Marriages

"1 ¶ And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose." 

(Genesis 6:1-2 AV)
"3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell: 4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. 5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? 6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again." 

(Genesis 24:3-6 AV)
"37 And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: 38 But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son." 

(Genesis 24:37-38 AV)
"46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me? 28:1 ¶ And Isaac called Jacob, and blessed him, and charged him, and said unto him, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan." 

(Genesis 27:46-28:1 AV)
" Arise, go to Padanaram, to the house of Bethuel thy mother’s father; and take thee a wife from thence of the daughters of Laban thy mother’s brother." 

(Genesis 28:2 AV)
"13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister: 14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that were a reproach unto us:" 

(Genesis 34:13-14 AV)
" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

 (2 Corinthians 6:14 AV)

 

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h.  Marriages with near Relations

"6 ¶ None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. 7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 8 The nakedness of thy father’s wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father’s nakedness." 

                                                                           (Leviticus 18:6-8 AV)

"10 The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. 11 The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s sister: she is thy father’s near kinswoman. 13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother’s sister: for she is thy mother’s near kinswoman. 14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. 15 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son’s wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother’s wife: it is thy brother’s nakedness." 

(Leviticus 18:10-16 AV)
" Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness." 

(Leviticus 18:19 AV)
"11 And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. 12 And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them." 

(Leviticus 20:11-12 AV)
" And if a man shall take his sister, his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her nakedness, and she see his nakedness; it is a wicked thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of their people: he hath uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he shall bear his iniquity."

 (Leviticus 20:17 AV)
"20 And if a man shall lie with his uncle’s wife, he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21 And if a man shall take his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his brother’s nakedness; they shall be childless." 

(Leviticus 20:20-21 AV)
"17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. 18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife. 19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:" 

(Mark 6:17-19 AV)

Commentary

A question arises as to this portion of the Law. If the marriage of close relations is forbidden, and often punishable by death, why was Abraham guiltless in his union with Sarah, who was his sister? Leviticus 18:9 clearly forbids Abraham's marriage to his half sister.

" And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife." 

(Genesis 20:12 AV)

It seems as if God tolerated certain marital practices before the giving of the Law. Since this restriction was given to Moses on Mount Sinai, years after Abraham's death, Abraham was obviously guiltless.

We find this situation again in a very significant fashion. Moses and Aaron, oddly enough, were born of the union between Amram and his aunt, Jochebed. Exodus 6:20 and Num 26:59

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i. Divorce

"1 ¶ When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. 3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife; 4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance." 

(Deuteronomy 24:1-4 AV)
" Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away." 

(Isaiah 50:1 AV)
"31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." 

(Matthew 5:31-32 AV)
"3 ¶ The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery." 

(Matthew 19:3-9 AV)
"10 ¶ And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. 12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. 15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace. 16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? 17 ¶ But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches."

 (1 Corinthians 7:10-17 AV)
" Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery." 

(Luke 16:18 AV)

Commentary

There are two different words used to signify marital dissolution. The first is the putting away of a wife which is done without a written bill of divorcement and the other is "divorce".

 To put away literally mans to "send out" or "to cast out". It comes from the Hebrew root word which signifies "to force out with violence".

Without a legal written bill of divorce, the putting away of a wife is detestable in God's sight, and forbidden. In Jeremiah 3:8, God shows the proper way for divorce.

" And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also." 

(Jeremiah 3:8 AV)

It must be realized, however, that the concept of divorce today is very liberal compared to the Biblical mandate and reasons surrounding the dissolution of a marriage.

Christ gives a very narrow window for a Biblical divorce, but He makes it perfectly clear that to put away a wife, without the legal act of divorce, may lead to adultery. cf Luke 16:18

The Roman Catholic teaching on divorce insists that once a couple is married they are forever married even if the couple's covenant duties are violated. The Reformation brought the Biblical teaching that divorce was allowed in very strict circumstances.

For a complete study on this topic:
"Reforming Marriage" Doug Wilson
"Second Chance" Ray Sutton

Available through the ITR Bookstore

 

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II. Acquisition of a Wife

a. By Violence

" 1 Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife. 14 And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them wives which they had saved alive of the women of Jabeshgilead: and yet so they sufficed them not.16 ¶ Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin? 17 And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel. 18 Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin. 19 Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.        20 Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards; 21 And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. 22 And it shall be, when their fathers or their brethren come unto us to complain, that we will say unto them, Be favourable unto them for our sakes: because we reserved not to each man his wife in the war: for ye did not give unto them at this time, that ye should be guilty. 23 And the children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them."    

 (Judges 21:1,14,16-23 AV)

b. By Parental Authority

" And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword?" 

 (Genesis 31:26 AV)
" And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me." 

(Genesis 31:31 AV)
"20 But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.   15:1 ¶ But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer him to go in." 

(Judges 14:20-15:1 AV)
" Then the Philistines said, Who hath done this? And they answered, Samson, the son in law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up, and burnt her and her father with fire." 

(Judges 15:6 AV) 
"17 And Saul said to David, Behold my elder daughter Merab, her will I give thee to wife: only be thou valiant for me, and fight the LORD’S battles. For Saul said, Let not mine hand be upon him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon him. 18 And David said unto Saul, Who am I? and what is my life, or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? 19 But it came to pass at the time when Merab Saul’s daughter should have been given to David, that she was given unto Adriel the Meholathite to wife. 20 And Michal Saul’s daughter loved David: and they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in the one of the twain. 22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying, Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold, the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants love thee: now therefore be the king’s son in law. 23 And Saul’s servants spake those words in the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it to you a light thing to be a king’s son in law, seeing that I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed? 24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, On this manner spake David."

(1 Samuel 18:17-24 AV)
" But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David’s wife, to Phalti the son of Laish, which was of Gallim." 

(1 Samuel 25:44 AV)
"13 And he said, Well; I will make a league with thee: but one thing I require of thee, that is, Thou shalt not see my face, except thou first bring Michal Saul’s daughter, when thou comest to see my face. 14 And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, which I espoused to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. 15 And Ishbosheth sent, and took her from her husband, even from Phaltiel the son of Laish."

 (2 Samuel 3:13-15 AV)

" And I, whither shall I cause my shame to go? and as for thee, thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, I pray thee, speak unto the king; for he will not withhold me from thee." 

(2 Samuel 13:13 AV)

c. Chosen by Others (Parents, Servants, & Messengers)

" And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, saying, Get me this damsel to wife." 
(Genesis 34:4 AV)
" And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him." 
(Genesis 34:6 AV)
"8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, The soul of my son Shechem longeth for your daughter: I pray you give her him to wife. 9 And make ye marriages with us, and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you. 10 And ye shall dwell with us: and the land shall be before you; dwell and trade ye therein, and get you possessions therein."
(Genesis 34:8-10 AV)
"And Judah took a wife for Er his firstborn, whose name was Tamar."
 (Genesis 38:6 AV)
" So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do."

 (Judges 14:10 AV)
" And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left." 

(Genesis 24:49 AV)
"39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and communed with Abigail, to take her to him to wife. 40 And when the servants of David were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to wife. 41 And she arose, and bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said, Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord."

 (1 Samuel 25:39-41 AV)
" David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they were also both of them his wives." 

(1 Samuel 25:43 AV)

d. Proposals

(Refused)

"19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand. 20 Then she said, I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.     21 And she said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother, And why dost thou ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for him the kingdom also; for he is mine elder brother; even for him, and for Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the son of Zeruiah."

(1 Kings 2:19-22 AV)

(Parable of Joash)

" And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle." 

2 Chronicles 25:18 AV)
" And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to Amaziah king of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife: and there passed by a wild beast that was in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle." 

(2 Kings 14:9 AV)

(Choice by the parties themselves directed by the parents)

"5 And Isaac sent away Jacob: and he went to Padanaram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother.                   6 ¶ When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob, and sent him away to Padanaram, to take him a wife from thence; and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan; 7 And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; 8 And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; 9 Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife." 

(Genesis 28:5-9 AV)

(Choice by consent of the bride and relatives)

"57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth. 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. 59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men." 

(Genesis 24:57-59 AV)
"51 Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the LORD hath spoken. 52 And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth. 53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. 54 ¶ And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night; and they rose up in the morning, and he said, Send me away unto my master. 55 And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. 56 And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. 57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth. 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. 59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them."

 (Genesis 24:51-60 AV)
" And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian." 

(Genesis 25:20 AV)

(Choice independently of others)

" And it came to pass at that time, that Judah went down from his brethren, and turned in to a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite, whose name was Shuah; and he took her, and went in unto her." 

(Genesis 38:1-2 AV)
"29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. 30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child."

 (Genesis 11:29-30 AV)
" And Aaron took him Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wife; and she bare him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar." 

(Exodus 6:23 AV)
" And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of the daughters of Putiel to wife; and she bare him Phinehas: these are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families." 

(Exodus 6:25 AV)

(Choice influenced by affection)

" And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.     19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. 20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her." 

(Genesis 29:19-20 AV)
" And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel." 

(Genesis 34:3 AV)
"18 ¶ And their words pleased Hamor, and Shechem Hamor’s son. 19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father." 

(Genesis 34:18-19 AV)
" And Saul saw and knew that the LORD was with David, and that Michal Saul’s daughter loved him." 

(1 Samuel 18:28 AV)
"2 ¶ Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.    3 Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. 4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee." 

(Song of Solomon 1:2-4 AV)
"1 ¶ By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2 I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3 The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. mari I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please." 

(Song of Solomon 3:1-5 AV)

(Christian rules for marriage partners)

" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

 (2 Corinthians 6:14 AV)

 

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III. Betrothal and Wedding

a. Betrothal

" And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in?" (Genesis 24:21-23 AV)

" And it came to pass, that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth." (Genesis 24:52 AV)


Eternal Betrothal: (Hos 2:19-23, 2 Cor 11:2)

Blessings From Friends: (Ruth 4:11)

The Feast: (Gen 24:54-56)

Exemption from Military Service: (Deut 20:7)


b. Bridegroom

His Companions: (Judges 14:11, Matt 9:15, 25:1-9,John 3:29)

Longs for the Bride: (Song 4:7-16)


c. Bride

Her Washing: (Ruth 3:3)

Her Vail: (Gen 24:62-65)

Her Attire: (Rev 19:7, Psalm 45:14)

Her Jewels: (Isa 61:10, Jer 2:32)

Her Dowry: (Gen 34:11-12, Psalm 45:12)


d. The Wedding Itself

" And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."                                                                                           (Matthew 25:10-12 AV)
" With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace."             (Psalms 45:15 AV)
" And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage."                                                                                                 (John 2:1-2 AV)
" For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee."                                                                                                            (Isaiah 62:5 AV)
" And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her."                                                         (Genesis 29:21-23 AV)
" And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death." 
                                                                                                                                                          (Genesis 24:66-67 AV)

 

 

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IV. Married Life


a. The Marriage State

" Then Naomi her mother in law said unto her, My daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that it may be well with thee?"                                                                                                                                                             (Ruth 3:1 AV)
" Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun."                                                                                                                                                                    (Ecclesiastes 9:9 AV)
" There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction."                                                    (1 Corinthians 7:34-35 AV)
" Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:"                                                                                                  (Jeremiah 3:14 AV)



b. Marital Rights

" And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah his wife."                                         (Genesis 26:8 AV)  

And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son’s mandrakes. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son’s mandrakes. And he lay with her that night."                                           (Genesis 30:15-16 AV)
" Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment."                                                                                                                            (1 Corinthians 7:3-6 AV)
" The woman also with whom man shall lie with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the even."                                                                                                                      (Leviticus 15:18 AV)



c. Duties of Husband

" If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee."                                                                                                                (Genesis 31:50 AV)
" Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers’ with thee. Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger?"                                                                             (Proverbs 5:15-20 AV)
" So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband."                     

                                                                                                                                                         (Ephesians 5:28-33 AV)
" Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them."                                                          (Colossians 3:19 AV)
" But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."                                                                                                                                      (1 Timothy 5:8 AV)
" Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."                    (1 Peter 3:7 AV)



d. General Duties of Wife

" Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee."                                       (Genesis 3:16 AV)
" The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord."                                                                                             (1 Corinthians 7:39 AV) 

For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man."                                                                                                                  (1 Corinthians 11:8-9 AV)
" Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing."                                                                    (Ephesians 5:22-24 AV)

 
" Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord."                                   (Colossians 3:18 AV)
" Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression."                                                                                                (1 Timothy 2:11-14 AV)
" But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."                                                                                                 (Titus 2:1-5 AV)
" Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement."            (1 Peter 3:1-6 AV)



e. An Honorable Wife

" A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches."                                              (Proverbs 11:16 AV)

" A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones." 
                                                                                                                                                                (Proverbs 12:4 AV)

" Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."                (Proverbs 14:1 AV)

" House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD."                (Proverbs 19:14 AV)

 
cf Proverbs 31



f. A Wicked Wife

" A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping." 
                                                                                                                                                              (Proverbs 19:13 AV)

" It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house."      (Proverbs 21:9 AV)

" It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman."                    (Proverbs 21:19 AV)

" It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house." 
                                                                                                                                                              (Proverbs 25:24 AV)

" A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which bewrayeth itself."                                                          (Proverbs 27:15-16 AV)

 
" And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."                                                                                                                                                         (Judges 3:5-6 AV)
 

" Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD."                                                                                                                                     (Jeremiah 3:20 AV)

 
" Have ye forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wickedness of their wives, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they have committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem? They are not humbled even unto this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your fathers."                                 (Jeremiah 44:9-10 AV)

" Then all the men which knew that their wives had burned incense unto other gods, and all the women that stood by, a great multitude, even all the people that dwelt in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremiah, saying, As for the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee."  (Jeremiah 44:15-16 AV)

 
" And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."                                                  (1 Kings 21:7 AV)

" Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Naboth is not alive, but dead."                                  (1 Kings 21:14-15 AV)

" But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up."                                                                                                                                (1 Kings 21:25 AV)

 
cf  2Samuel 6:20-23 and Judges 14:15-17



g. Specialized Duties of Wives

Preparing food: (Gen 18:6)

Dispensing Hospitality: (2Kings 4:8)

Siding with her husband in all things lawful : (Gen 31:14-16)

Pacifying an enemy: (1Samuel 25:14,25, 1Samuel 25:26,35)

Saving the husbands life: (1Samuel 19:11-17)

Devoting her son to the Lord: (1Samuel 1:22-28)

Her Vow: (cf Numbers 30:6-16)

 

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V. Parents and Children

 

a. Children a Gift

" Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."                         (Psalms 127:3 AV)
" So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son."                                                                                                                                                           (Ruth 4:13 AV)
" And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD."                                                                                                                  (1 Samuel 1:19-20 AV)

cf Gen 4:1,25 Gen 30



b. Children a Blessing

" And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed."                                                                                          (Genesis 5:29 AV)
" They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance."                                                   (Job 21:11 AV)
" Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."             (Proverbs 17:6 AV)
" And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him."               (Ruth 4:14-15 AV)

" Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock."                    (Psalms 107:41 AV)
" As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."                        (Psalms 127:4-5 AV)

 



c. Children Promised as a Reward

" Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the LORD thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy fathers: And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware unto thy fathers to give thee. Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle."                                                                                                                                        (Deuteronomy 7:12-14 AV)

" And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth."                   (Job 5:24-25 AV)
" Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth. I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever."         (Psalms 45:16-17 AV)
" For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel."               (Psalms 128:2-6 AV)
" Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me."                                                                                            (Isaiah 48:19 AV)



d. Children taken away as Punishment

" Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand."                                              (Deuteronomy 28:32 AV)
" He shall neither have son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings."              (Job 18:19 AV)
" If his children be multiplied, it is for the sword: and his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread. Those that remain of him shall be buried in death: and his widows shall not weep."                                                          (Job 27:14-15 AV)
" Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform."               (Psalms 21:10-11 AV)
" Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity."                                                                                                                                     (Deuteronomy 28:41 AV)

" Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."                                                                                               (2 Samuel 12:14 AV)

" Though they bring up their children, yet will I bereave them, that there shall not be a man left: yea, woe also to them when I depart from them!"                                                                                                                        (Hosea 9:12 AV)



e. Barren Womb

" And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir."                                                                                                                                                     (Genesis 15:2-3 AV)
" And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not."                                                                                                                               (Judges 13:2 AV)
" And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years."                                                                                                                                                             (Luke 1:7 AV)
" And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men."                              (Luke 1:24-25 AV)
" Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh."                                                                                                                                               (Genesis 18:11-15 AV)



f.  Abortive Births

" Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light."                                    (Job 3:16 AV)

" Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me! I should have been as though I had not been; I should have been carried from the womb to the grave."                                                                                                                                                    (Job 10:18-19 AV)

" Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad. And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide; Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me."                                                                                  (Jeremiah 20:15-17 AV)
" As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception."                                                                                                                                                (Hosea 9:11 AV)
" Give them, O LORD: what wilt thou give? give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts."              (Hosea 9:14 AV)



g. Conception and Pregnancy

" Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?" (Numbers 11:12 AV)
" For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."                                                                                            (Psalms 139:13-16 AV)
" As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all."                                                      (Ecclesiastes 11:5 AV)
" And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:"                                                                                                                 (Luke 1:41 AV)



h. Birth

Gen 29:34-35 - Gen 30:7-12 - Gen 38:3-5 - Gen 41:50 - Ex 2:1-2 - 1Kings 3:17-18 

2Kings 19:3 - Psalm 7:14, 22:9-10, 71:6 - Isa 26:17-18, 42:14 - Jer 4:31, 20:14-18

Micah 4:9-10 - John 16:21 - 1Tim 2:15 - Rev 12:2



i.  Twins

" And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them. And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom."                                                                                             (Genesis 25:24-30 AV)



j.  Death in Childbirth

" And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also. And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin."                                                                                                       (Genesis 35:16-18 AV)
" And his daughter in law, Phinehas’ wife, was with child, near to be delivered: and when she heard the tidings that the ark of God was taken, and that her father in law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and travailed; for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it."                                                  (1 Samuel 4:19-20 AV)



k. Newborns

" And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all. None eye pitied thee, to do any of these unto thee, to have compassion upon thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the lothing of thy person, in the day that thou wast born. And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live."                                                  (Ezekiel 16:4-6 AV)



l.  Children Named at Birth

" And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac." (Genesis 21:3 AV)
" And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife. And Zilpah Leah’s maid bare Jacob a son. And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad. And Zilpah Leah’s maid bare Jacob a second son. And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher."                                                                                                                                                (Genesis 30:8-13 AV)

" And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, said he, hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction."                                                                                                                                         (Genesis 41:51-52 AV)
" And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land."                                                                                                                                                         (Exodus 2:22 AV)

 
" And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David."                                                                                            (Ruth 4:17 AV)

 
" And she named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel: because the ark of God was taken, and because of her father in law and her husband. And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."                                                                                                                                              (1 Samuel 4:21-22 AV)

" And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow."                                                                                                                                      (1 Chronicles 4:9 AV)



m. Infant Death

" And this woman’s child died in the night; because she overlaid it. And she arose at midnight, and took my son from beside me, while thine handmaid slept, and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead: but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, it was not my son, which I did bear."                                                                                                            (1 Kings 3:19-21 AV)



n. Infant Care 

" And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned."                                                                                                                                                  (Genesis 21:8 AV)

" Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it."                                                                                              (Exodus 2:7-9 AV)

" And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it."                                    (Ruth 4:16 AV)

" In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:"                                                                                                                                                        (Acts 7:20 AV)

 
" And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him."         (1 Samuel 1:23 AV)



o. Adoption

" And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance."                 (Genesis 48:5-6 AV)
" And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews’ children. Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee? And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, Go. And the maid went and called the child’s mother. And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take this child away, and nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the woman took the child, and nursed it. And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water."        

                                                                                                                                                              (Exodus 2:3-10 AV)
" And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son."      (Acts 7:21 AV)
" To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."                  (Galatians 4:5 AV)
" Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"                                                                                                                                                (Ephesians 1:5 AV)
" For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."                                                                                  (Romans 8:15-23 AV)



p. Parental Authority

" For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."                                                                                                                                                     (Genesis 18:19 AV)

" And when Joseph’s brethren saw that their father was dead, they said, Joseph will peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite us all the evil which we did unto him. And they sent a messenger unto Joseph, saying, Thy father did command before he died, saying, So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them."                                                                                                                                               (Genesis 50:15-21 AV)

" If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father’s house in her youth; And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand. But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her."                                                      (Numbers 30:3-5 AV)

" So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. And the king said, Let him turn to his own house, and let him not see my face. So Absalom returned to his own house, and saw not the king’s face."                                                                                                                                              (2 Samuel 14:23-24 AV)

 



q. Parental Example

" This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah."                                    (Psalms 49:13 AV)

" This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes."                                                                                                                                       (2 Timothy 1:15 AV)

" Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise."                    (John 5:19 AV)


r.  Parental Instruction

" And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD."                            (Exodus 10:2 AV)

" And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt. And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD’S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt. Thou shalt therefore keep this ordinance in his season from year to year."                                                      (Exodus 13:8-10 AV)

" Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."                                                                                                (Deuteronomy 4:9-10 AV)

" And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."                                                         (Deuteronomy 11:19 AV)

" And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."          (1 Samuel 2:26 AV)

" Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."                 (Psalms 78:3-8 AV)

" Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."               (Proverbs 22:6 AV)

cf Deut chapter 6



s. Parental Correction

"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."              (Proverbs 13:24 AV)

"Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying."                             (Proverbs 19:18 AV)

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him." 
                                                                                                                                                            (Proverbs 22:15 AV)

"Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell."                                                                               (Proverbs 23:13-14 AV)

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul."                                                                                       (Proverbs 29:15-17 AV)

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."  
                                                                                                                                                                (Ephesians 6:4 AV)

"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged."                                         (Colossians 3:21 AV)



t. Parental Indulgence

" Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress."                                                                                                                                      (1 Samuel 2:22-24 AV)

" For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever."                                                    (1 Samuel 3:13-14 AV)

" And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli. Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son? And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken."                                                                   (1 Samuel 4:13-17 AV)



u. Duties of Children to Parents

" Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."                         (Deuteronomy 5:16 AV)

" Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen." 
                                                                                                                                                        (Deuteronomy 27:16 AV)

" Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God." 
                                                                                                                                                                (Leviticus 19:3 AV)

" Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth?" 
                                                                                                                                                                  (Isaiah 45:10 AV)

" And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up."                                                                                                           (Luke 18:18-21 AV)

" Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
                                                                                                                                                            (Ephesians 6:1-3 AV)

" And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness."                     (Genesis 9:22-23 AV)

" My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee."                                                                                            (Proverbs 6:20-22 AV)

" Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord."                      (Colossians 3:20 AV)



v. Child Offenses

" Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer." 
                                                                                                                                                            (Proverbs 28:24 AV)

" He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach." 
                                                                                                                                                            (Proverbs 19:26 AV)

" And he that smiteth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death."                                    (Exodus 21:15 AV)

" And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death."                                   (Exodus 21:17 AV)

" For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him."                                                                                                 (Leviticus 20:9 AV)

" Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness."               (Proverbs 20:20 AV)

" There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother."                        (Proverbs 30:11 AV)

" For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition."                                                                                                                 (Matthew 15:4-6 AV)

" For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;" 
                                                                                                                                                             (Mark 7:10-12 AV)



w. Parental shame and Gladness

" The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." 
                                                                                                                                                              (Proverbs 10:1 AV)

" A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother."                                  (Proverbs 15:20 AV)

" He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy. A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth. A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him."                                                (Proverbs 17:21-25 AV)

" My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine. Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things."                                                                                                                                         (Proverbs 23:15-16 AV)

" The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice."                                            (Proverbs 23:24-25 AV)

" My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me."            (Proverbs 27:11 AV)

" Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father."
                                                                                                                                                             (Proverbs 28:7 AV)

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VI. Widows and Orphans

a. Their Bitterness and Sorrow

" And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband." 
                                                                                                                                                                        (Ruth 1:5 AV)

" So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi? And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?" 
                                                                                                                                                                (Ruth 1:19-21 AV)

" They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow’s ox for a pledge."                                 (Job 24:3 AV)

" They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it."                                                                                                                (Psalms 94:6-7 AV)

" Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas: I have brought upon them against the mother of the young men a spoiler at noonday: I have caused him to fall upon it suddenly, and terrors upon the city. She that hath borne seven languisheth: she hath given up the ghost; her sun is gone down while it was yet day: she hath been ashamed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, saith the LORD."     
                                                                                                                                                         (Jeremiah 15:8-9 AV)

" Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers are as widows."                                                                                                                                     (Lamentations 5:2-3 AV)

" There is none to guide her among all the sons whom she hath brought forth; neither is there any that taketh her by the hand of all the sons that she hath brought up."                                                                                     (Isaiah 51:18 AV)



b. Protection

        

" Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge:" 
                                                                                                                                                       (Deuteronomy 24:17 AV)

" If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."                                                                                         (1 Timothy 5:16 AV)

" Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."                                                                                       (James 1:27 AV)

cf Job 29:11-23



c. God their Avenger

" Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless."                                                                                                           (Exodus 22:22-24 AV)

" He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment."                                                                                                                                      (Deuteronomy 10:18 AV)

" Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen."                                                                                                                                        (Deuteronomy 27:19 AV)

" Thou hast sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee." 
                                                                                                                                                                (Job 22:9-11 AV)

" A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."                      (Psalms 68:5 AV)

" The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down."                                                                                                                                       (Psalms 146:9 AV)

" The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow."    (Proverbs 15:25 AV)



d. Widows Honored

" Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless."                       (1 Timothy 5:3-7 AV)


e. Widow's Vow

" But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her."                                                                                                                                                       (Numbers 30:9 AV)



f. Widow's Ecclesiastic Service

" Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."                                                         (1 Timothy 5:9-13 AV)

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VII. Family Affections

a. In Laws

" When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land: And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:" 
                                                                                                                                                                                     (Exodus 18:1-4 AV)

" And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land."                                                    (Exodus 18:27 AV)

cf Ruth 1:7-22



b. Grandfathers

" And Israel beheld Joseph’s sons, and said, Who are these? And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them. Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath shewed me also thy seed. And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth."                                                                                                  (Genesis 48:8-12 AV)

" And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh."                                                                                                                                     (Genesis 48:20 AV)



c. Uncles and Nephews

" And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father. And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month."                                                                                                            (Genesis 29:12-14 AV)



d. Parental Love toward Children

Gen 21:15-16 - Gen 25:28 - Gen 27:8-29,37 - Gen 31:55 - Gen 37:3-4,35 Gen 42:36 - Gen 45:28 

Gen 46:29 - 1 Kings 3:26 - 2 Samuel 13:37-39 - Deut 1:31 - 2Cor 6:18



e. Brethren

Brotherly Love: Gen 42:7-8 - Ex 4:27 - Jud 8:19 - Ps 133:1-3

Hatred: Gen 27:41-45 - 37:11-30 - 2 Samuel 13:22 - Prov 18:19

Revenge never sanctioned by love: Gen 33:4 - Gen 42:24 - Gen 43:30 - Gen 45:1-4,13-24


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ITR