David Did Not Forsake To Provide For And Protect His Concubines

David Did Not Forsake To Provide For And Protect His Concubines

2 Samuel 20:3 reads,

^{20:3David came to his house at Jerusalem; and the king took the ten women his concubines, whom he had left to keep the house, and put them in custody, and provided them with sustenance, but didn't go in to them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood.}

It should be noted that David did not have sex with his concubines after Absalom his son had raped them during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 16:20-23). But David did not forsake his responsibility as their husband to protect them and provide for them.

Elijah And The Widow In Zarephath

1 Kings 17:8-16 reads,

^{17:8The word of Yahweh came to him, saying, ^17:9Arise, get you to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you. ^17:10So he arose and went to Zarephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks: and he called to her, and said, Please get me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. ^17:11As she was going to get it, he called to her, and said, Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand. ^17:12She said, As Yahweh your God lives, I aren't they a cake, but a handful of meal in the jar, and a little oil in the jar: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. ^17:13Elijah said to her, Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your son. ^17:14For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth. ^17:15She went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, ate many days. ^17:16The jar of meal didn't empty, neither did the jar of oil fail, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Elijah.} The Widow Commanded Of Yahweh Did Not Consciously Know That Yahweh Had Commanded Her

It should be noted that the widow whom Yahweh commanded to sustain Elijah did not consciously know that Yahweh had indeed commanded her to do so. For she thought that she and her son were about to eat their last meal before their deaths. It is therefore the case that Yahweh can subconsciously communicate his commands to us and sometimes does so.

Yahweh Chooses Which Afflicted Ones To Visit In Their Affliction

It should also be noted that Yahweh selects those widows and fatherless children whom he protects and provides for. For it was the widow and fatherless child from Zarephath whom Yahweh selected on this occasion to protect and provide for.

How Yahweh Further Showed Compassion On The Widow In Zarephath

1 Kings 17:17-24 reads,

^{17:17It happened after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. ^17:18She said to Elijah, What have I to do with you, you man of God? You are come to me to bring my sin to memory, and to kill my son! ^17:19He said to her, Give me your son. He took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into the chamber, where he abode, and laid him on his own bed. ^17:20He cried to Yahweh, and said, Yahweh my God, have you also brought evil on the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son? ^17:21He stretched himself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, Yahweh my God, please let this child's soul come into him again. ^17:22Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. ^17:23Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him to his mother; and Elijah said, Behold, your son lives. ^17:24The woman said to Elijah, Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of Yahweh in your mouth is truth.}

Yahweh shows compassion upon widows, even restoring to life their only children when they cry to him in faith.

How Mordecai Showed Compassion Upon Hadassah

Esther 2:5-7 reads,

^{2:5There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, ^2:6who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. ^2:7He brought up Hadassah, who is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.}

Mordecai applied Yahweh's love and compassion upon Hadassah, in that when she was rendered fatherless and motherless he became father to her, protecting her and providing for her.

Fatherless Esther Honoured Her Adoptive Father

Esther 2:20 reads,

^{2:20Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.}

Esther honoured her adoptive father even as a daughter should honour her father. For she listened to his word, even when she was no longer living under his house.

Esther Continued In The Good Teaching Received From Her Adoptive Father Even After Leaving His House

Esther 4:10-12 reads,

^{4:10Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a message to Mordecai saying: ^4:11All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whoever, whether man or woman, shall come to the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death, except those to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days. ^4:12They told to Mordecai Esther's words.}

Esther's message to Mordecai indicated that she was a law-abiding woman. Just as she abided by Mordecai's word while she lived in his house, so also she abided by the king's word while she lived in the king's house.

It appears that a fatherless woman who is taught well and receives the teaching she is given in her adoptive parents' house will indeed continue in the same manner even after she has been married by a husband. She will continue to manifest her good works in her husband's house, even as she did in her adoptive father's house.

Yahweh Rewards Those Who Show Compassion Upon The Needy

Esther 9:4 reads,

^{9:4For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went forth throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai grew greater and greater.}

Yahweh rewards those who show compassion upon the needy, even as he rewarded Mordecai with a high estate after he had become father to fatherless Hadassah, and protected and provided for her as his own child.

Mordecai Remained Concerned For The Needy Even After His Exaltation

Esther 9:20-22 reads,

^{9:20Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both near and far, ^9:21to enjoin those who they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, ^9:22as the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the needy.}

Mordecai's heart is again revealed in his letter to his brethren. For just as he was a man concerned for the needy when Hadassah was rendered without father and mother, and he took care of her, so also he remained concerned for the needy even at times of celebration and rejoicing. His words to his brethren are in harmony with Yahweh's words to his people when they celebrate feasts, that they remember the needy such as sojourners, the fatherless and widows.

Yahweh Has Power And Capacity To Turn Evil Into Good

It should also be noted that just as Yahweh lifted Esther from her affliction of being without parents, and provided her with Mordecai for a father, and later gave her to king Ahasuerus for his queen, so also Yahweh turned the sorrow planned upon the Jews into gladness. Yahweh has power and capacity to turn evil plans into good for the intended victims, and also power to deliver one from affliction to solace and plenty.

Job's Good Works For The Needy

Job 29:1-20 reads,

^{29:1Job again took up his parable, and said,
^{29:2"Oh that I were as in the months of old,

As in the days when God watched over me;
^{29:3When his lamp shone on my head,

And by his light I walked through darkness;
^{29:4As I was in the ripeness of my days,

When the friendship of God was in my tent;
^{29:5When the Almighty was yet with me,

And my children were around me;
^{29:6When my steps were washed with butter,

And the rock poured out streams of oil for me!
^{29:7When I went forth to the city gate,

When I prepared my seat in the street,
^{29:8The young men saw me and hid themselves,

The aged rose up and stood;
^{29:9The princes refrained from talking,

And laid their hand on their mouth;
^{29:10The voice of the nobles was hushed,

And their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.
^{29:11For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me;

And when the eye saw me, it commended me:
^{29:12Because I delivered the poor who cried,

And the fatherless also, who had none to help him.
^{29:13The blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me,

And I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy.}}^{29:14I put on righteousness, and it clothed me.

My justice was as a robe and a diadem.
^{29:15I was eyes to the blind,

And feet to the lame.
^{29:16I was a father to the needy.

The cause of him who I didn’t know, I searched out.
^{29:17I broke the jaws of the unrighteous,

And plucked the prey out of his teeth.}}}^{29:18Then I said, ‘I shall die in my own house,

I shall number my days as the sand.
^{29:19My root is spread out to the waters,

The dew lies all night on my branch;
^{29:20My glory is fresh in me,

My bow is renewed in my hand.’}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Job's works were those of a loving, just and righteous man, who not only provided for the needy, but also contended against the unrighteous on behalf of the needy. Yahweh's people should indeed strive to emulate Job's works.

Job's Compassion Upon The Needy

Job 31:16-23 reads,

^{31:16"If I have withheld the poor from their desire,

Or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,
^{31:17Or have eaten my morsel alone,

And the fatherless has not eaten of it
^{31:18(No, from my youth he grew up with me as with a father,

Her have I guided from my mother’s womb);
^{31:19If I have seen any perish for want of clothing,

Or that the needy had no covering;
^{31:20If his heart hasn’t blessed me,

If he hasn’t been warmed with my sheep’s fleece;
^{31:21If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless,

Because I saw my help in the gate:
^{31:22Then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder-blade,

And my arm be broken from the bone.}}}}}}}^{31:23For calamity from God is a terror to me,

By reason of his majesty I can do nothing.} A Righteous Man Pronounces A Curse To His Own Hurt

A righteous man pronounces a curse to his own hurt, even as Job did here in this case!

Job Was A Father To The Fatherless

It should be noted that Job was indeed a father to the fatherless. This implies that he took over the role and responsibility of protecting and providing for them.

Was Job A Husband To Widows?

It should also be noted that Job also took over the role and responsibility of guiding widows, in addition to protecting and providing for them. He effectively became a husband to widows, just as he became a father to the fatherless, seeing that he did for them what a husband does for his wife, even as he did for the fatherless what a father does to his children.

Yahweh Blessed Job For His Good Works

Job was indeed a righteous man who manifested his love through actions alleviating the needs of the needy. And for his love and righteousness Yahweh blessed him greatly, thereby enabling him to continue providing for and protecting the needy.

Yahweh Greatly Values The Offerings Of The Needy

Mark 12:38-44 reads,

^{12:38In his teaching he said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces, ^12:39and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts: ^12:40those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."
^{12:41Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much. ^12:42A poor widow came, and she cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin. ^12:43He called his disciples to himself, and said to them, "Most assuredly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury, ^12:44for they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on."}}

It should be noted that Yahweh greatly values the offerings of the needy. He does not count offerings only in terms of quantity, but also in proportion to one's giving out of all that one has to live on.

Widows Should Serve Yahweh With Fastings And Prayers Night And Day

Luke 2:36-38 reads,

^{2:36There was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity, ^2:37and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day. ^2:38Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of him to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.}

It should be noted that even though it is a reproach to be without a husband, this should not mean that such a woman's life end there. For Anna's example shows that one can indeed serve Yahweh with fastings and petitions night and day, and even be gifted with the office of prophetess. Widows and other unmarried women should indeed serve Yahweh wholeheartedly and Yahweh will indeed gift them with the gift that is appropriate for them.

Yahweh Chose The Widow From Zarephath For Special Compassion

Luke 4:22-27 reads,

^{4:22All testified about him, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, and they said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"
^{4:23He said to them, "Doubtless you will tell me this parable, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.'" ^4:24He said, "Most assuredly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. ^4:25But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land. ^4:26Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. ^4:27There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."}} Yah'shuah's Compassion For A Childless Widow

Luke 7:11-17 reads,

^{7:11It happened soon afterwards, that he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. ^7:12Now when he drew near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. ^7:13When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, "Don't cry." ^7:14He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, "Young man, I tell you, arise!" ^7:15He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.
^{7:16Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited his people!" ^7:17This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.}} Compassion Is Backed Up With Actions

Yah'shuah's example demonstrates that compassion is backed up with actions. For not only had the woman been rendered lonely on account of losing her husband, she had further been rendered even more lonely on account of losing her only son, the one to perpetuate the name of her late husband. Yah'shuah therefore gave her back her dead son, by raising him to life, and in so doing preserving the name of the deceased and greatly comforting the widow.

Learning from Yah'shuah it appears that his servants and disciples should demonstrate their compassion for widows and the fatherless with actions. Whatever is needed at a particular point in time, and in their power to fulfil, they should indeed fulfil.

Vulnerable Widows Are Exploited By The Unrighteous

Luke 18:1-8 reads,

18:1He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up, ^18:2saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man. ^18:3A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!' ^18:4He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man, ^18:5yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"
^{18:6The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says. ^18:7Won't God avenge his elect, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them? ^18:8I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"}

It is evident that those who are needy and lacking a protector are exploited by the unrighteous. In such cases these needy should resort to all available sources of help to assist them in the preservation of their rights, lest their oppressors trample all over them. This includes using even the legal authorities of the lands wherein they dwell.

Yahweh's servants should always remember that Yahweh is their avenger. They should therefore cry to Yahweh whenever an oppressor oppresses them, and Yahweh will answer them.

The Early Disciples Provided For Widows

Acts 6:1-2 reads,

^{6:1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily service. ^6:2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.}

It should be noted that the early disciples had a programme of providing for those who were needy, such as widows. Disciples today should emulate this good example of the early disciples.

Tabitha And The Widows At Joppa

Acts 9:36-42 reads,

^{9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. ^9:37It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. ^9:38As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. ^9:39Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. ^9:40Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ^9:41He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ^9:42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.}

Seeing that Tabitha was a woman full of good works and acts of mercy, and seeing that many widows mourned over her death, acknowledging the items of clothing that Tabitha had made while she was with them, it appears that Tabitha's acts of mercy included providing for widows. Suggesting that these widows who were mourning over her death were among those whom she had assisted while she was alive.

Disciples should follow Tabitha's example of good works and acts of mercy, which includes providing for widows.

Paul's Personal Opinion To Widows And Other Unmarried Women

1 Corinthians 7:6-9 reads,

^{7:6But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment. ^7:7Yet I wish that all men were like me. However each man has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind. ^7:8But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am. ^7:9But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.}

It should be noted that Paul was here giving his own personal opinions, rather than reiterating Yahweh's commands. For Yahweh, in both Isaiah 4 and 54, showed that it is indeed a reproach for a woman to be unmarried, implying that a woman should indeed be married. It should also be remembered that a married woman has the protection of her husband, who also should be providing for her. A woman who forsakes being married therefore opens herself up to being exploited by those preying upon those not sufficiently protected or provided for. It is therefore prudent for a woman to be married, and should remain unmarried only if Yahweh has specifically shown her that she should remain unmarried.

Paul's Teaching Concerning Widows

1 Timothy 5:3-16 reads,

^{5:3Honor widows who are widows indeed. ^5:4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ^5:5Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. ^5:6But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. ^5:7Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. ^5:8But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. ^5:9Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, ^5:10being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work.
5:11But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; ^5:12having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. ^5:13Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. ^5:14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling. ^5:15For already some have turned aside after Satan. ^5:16If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don't let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.}
Paul Distinguished Between Two Types Of Widows

Paul distinguished between two types of widows - those totally desolate, and those not totally desolate. Those totally desolate are those who are childless and also devoid of grandchildren. But those who have children or grandchildren are not totally desolate.

Desolate widows, following after the example of prophetess Anna, should serve Yahweh in petitions and prayers night and day. Widows who are not desolate should look after their children and grandchildren. And those looking after their grandchildren should do so also in return for the provision they are receiving from their children, the parents of these grandchildren they are looking after.

Provide For Those Of Your Household

It is a fundamental aspect of the faith of Yah'shuah that his disciples provide for those of their household. Just as a husband is to provide for his wife and children, so also should all in Yah'shuah's household provide for their relatives. These include, primarily, close physical relatives, and secondarily, others in Yah'shuah's assembly. Where one has a needy close relative that one should directly provide for this relative. Where one does not have a needy close relative, that one should collectively, together with others in Yah'shuah's assembly, provide for other needy people.

Paul's Teaching To Timothy Different From His Teaching To The Corinthians

It should be noted that Paul's views, here expressed to Timothy, are different from those he expressed to the Corinthians. For here he desires that young women marry, rather than remain unmarried. For his experience had shown that they were spiritually better off married rather than unmarried. For by being unmarried they were subject to many temptations that they succumbed to resulting in their spiritual shame, situations those who were married successfully avoided by applying themselves to married life. Women should indeed be married, receiving the protection and provision of their husband, and also providing for their children and others in their husband's household.

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