Widows

The care of widows is one of the most persistent ethical demands of both Testaments, placed alongside care for orphans and strangers as a test of genuine covenant faithfulness. The Mosaic law forbade oppressing widows (Exodus 22:22–24) and directed that a portion of the tithe be set aside for them (Deuteronomy 14:29; 26:12–13). The prophets repeatedly charge Israel with neglecting widows as evidence of covenant breach (Isaiah 1:17, 23; Jeremiah 7:6; Ezekiel 22:7; Zechariah 7:10). Job defends his righteousness by citing his care for widows (Job 29:13; 31:16). In the New Testament, James defines pure religion as "to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). The early church immediately faced the challenge of providing for widows (Acts 6:1–6), leading to the appointment of the first deacons. Paul gives specific instructions about the enrollment of widows for formal church support (1 Timothy 5:3–16), and Luke's Gospel gives particular attention to widows as exemplars of faith (Luke 2:36–38; 18:1–8; 21:1–4).