Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5730 orphans

5730 orphans

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5650 Human relationships » 5730 orphans

Children whose parents are dead; a vulnerable group of people to whom God shows special kindness. He expects his people to do the same. Those who exploit them incur God's judgment.

Orphans as symbols

Of weakness

Psalm 82:3 See also Job 29:12; Isaiah 9:17

Of disgrace

Lamentations 5:1-3 See also Psalm 109:9,12

God cares for orphans

Deuteronomy 10:18 See also Psalm 10:14,17-18; Psalm 68:5; Psalm 146:9; Jeremiah 49:11; Hosea 14:3

God expects his people to care for orphans

They are not to be oppressed

Zechariah 7:10 See also Deuteronomy 24:17; Deuteronomy 26:12-13; Jeremiah 22:3

Caring for them brings blessing

Deuteronomy 24:19 See also Deuteronomy 14:28-29; Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 7:5-7; James 1:27

Exploitation of orphans is a mark of wickedness

Psalm 94:5-6 See also Job 6:27; Job 22:9; Job 24:3,9; Job 31:17,21; Isaiah 1:23; Jeremiah 5:28; Ezekiel 22:7

God punishes those who oppress orphans

Deuteronomy 27:19 See also Exodus 22:22-24; Proverbs 23:10-11; Isaiah 10:1-4; Malachi 3:5

Orphans are included among God's people

Deuteronomy 16:11,14

Jesus Christ includes those who are spiritually fatherless

John 14:18 See also Galatians 4:5,7

Examples of orphans

Genesis 11:27-28 Lot; Numbers 27:1-5 the daughters of Zelophedad; Esther 2:7 Esther