In the old testament,
The Israelite community was responsible for including the orphan and widow in religious and other aspects of cultural life. 4
the call
to do justice
and compassion
for the
widows
&orphans
Religious feasts
is echoed throughout israel's history.
5
Families and towns were to facilitate and welcome the involvement of the orphans in their midst at the religious feasts. These celebrations were annual reminders of Israel's unique corporate identity in the world, and the orphan was not to be cut off from this special privilege.
3
a demand from YAHWEH to reflect his character. It is
in James 1:27
What about In the nt, the new testament? caring for
“orphans and widows� are understood as a unit, not as separate groups. For the New Testament church, they would have seen the link between what James was saying and the Old Testament mandate to care for the widows and orphans. 6
the orphan and widow was evidence of belief in Christ. 11