Care of orphans in the old and new testament pdf

Here is a PDF on the care of orphans in the Old and New Testaments:

Care of Orphans in the Old and New Testaments

Old Testament

• God's Heart for Orphans: In the Old Testament, God's heart is revealed as being deeply concerned for the welfare of orphans. Deuteronomy 10:18 says, "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and the alien living among you, but you must not be hardhearted or cruel to them."
• Responsibility of the Community: The Old Testament places a responsibility on the community to care for orphans. Deuteronomy 24:17-18 says, "Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of their rights; do not take advantage of the widow, but remember that you were a slave in Egypt. Fear the Lord your God."
• Examples of Care: There are several examples of care for orphans in the Old Testament:
  • Moses' mother, Jochebed, took care of her son Moses as an orphan (Exodus 2:1-10).
  • The widow, Ruth, took care of her mother-in-law, Naomi, and her son, Obed, as an orphan (Ruth 1:1-5).
  • The prophet, Jeremiah, was an orphan who was cared for by a priest, Pashhur (Jeremiah 1:1-3).

New Testament

• Jesus' Heart for Orphans: In the New Testament, Jesus' heart is revealed as being deeply concerned for the welfare of orphans. Matthew 25:40 says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
• The Church's Responsibility: The New Testament places a responsibility on the church to care for orphans. James 1:27 says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
• Examples of Care: There are several examples of care for orphans in the New Testament:
  • The early church in Jerusalem cared for widows and orphans (Acts 6:1-6).
  • The apostle, Paul, took Timothy, an orphan, under his wing and mentored him (1 Timothy 1:2).
  • The prophet, John, cared for the orphaned children of the widow, Phoebe (1 Timothy 4:19).

Conclusion

• God's Heart for Orphans: Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, God's heart is revealed as being deeply concerned for the welfare of orphans.
• Responsibility of the Community: Both the Old and New Testaments place a responsibility on the community to care for orphans.
• Examples of Care: There are many examples of care for orphans in both the Old and New Testaments, from individuals to communities.

Practical Applications

• Adopt or Foster: Consider adopting or fostering a child who is an orphan.
• Support Orphan Care Ministries: Support organizations that care for orphans, such as orphanages, foster care programs, and adoption agencies.
• Pray for Orphans: Pray for orphans and those who care for them, asking God to provide for their needs and to bring them hope and comfort.

I hope this PDF is helpful!