Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5658 boys As those who would continue the family line boys were seen as a great blessing from God. Circumcised on the eighth day, as they grew towards maturity they were to be taught by their fathers. In the story of God's people, Israelite boys are seen serving God, being ministered to by men of God and suffering at the hands of ungodly kings. Boys in general are seen as a blessing from God Psalm 127:3-5 See also Ruth 4:13-17; Psalm 128:3-4 Particular boys who are seen as a special gift from God The boy Isaac, a gift to Abraham and Sarah Genesis 17:15-22 See also Genesis 21:1-7 The boy Samson, a gift to Manoah and his wife Judges 13:2-5 See also Judges 13:24-25 The boy Samuel, a gift to Elkanah and Hannah The boy John, a gift to Zechariah and Elizabeth Luke 1:5-25 See also Luke 1:57-66 The boy Jesus, a gift to Mary and Joseph Luke 1:26-38 See also Matthew 1:20-21 Boys were circumcised on the eighth day Genesis 17:9-14 See also Leviticus 12:3; Luke 1:59; Luke 2:21 Boys were taught by their fathers Proverbs 4:1-4 While examples of fatherly instruction in Scripture are confined to wisdom literature and liturgical material, other sources indicate that the education provided was more wide-ranging, and would include the teaching of a trade. See also Exodus 13:8; Deuteronomy 6:20-25; Proverbs 4:10-13 Israelite boys who served God The boy Samuel served God in the temple The boy David served God by killing Goliath The boy King Joash served God 2 Chronicles 24:1-2 pp 2 Kings 12:1-2 The boy King Josiah served God 2 Chronicles 34:1-2 pp 2 Kings 22:1-2 The boy Jesus had a conscious relationship with God Boys who are ministered to by men of God Through Elijah, God restored the life of a widow's son Through Elisha, God restored the life of a Shunammite's son Jesus Christ healed a demon-possessed boy Matthew 17:14-18 pp Mark 9:14-27 pp Luke 9:37-43 Both Herod and Pharaoh ordered that Israelite boys be killed Matthew 2:16 See also Exodus 1:15-22 See also
2520 Christ, childhood |