Israelite Community: Widows & Orphans

Exodus 22:22-24

Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. 23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; 24And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.



Ordained to be protected and cared for by the Most High throughout all the land were the Widows and Orphans.  Along side the Levite Priest, We as a nation of people always cared for this particular group of our community with special care. 

Facing capital punishment if not diligently done so, our forefathers and fore mothers contributed monetary and non-monetary supplies to the treasuries for their provisions. Perhaps the most notable widows and orphans mentioned in the book of the Law are:

Tamar the widow (Genesis 38:11) The Widow and vessels of oil (2 Kings 4:1)
Judith wife of  Manasses of the tribe of Simeon (Book of Judith 8:4;9:2)
Women of Israel (Isaiah Chapter 4)
Anna the prophetess (Luke 2:36-37)
Widow of Zarephath who feed the Prophet Elijah(1 Kings 17:9)
and countless others........

From beginning to end, in the book of the Law, our Father unconditionally expresses His great care and mercy for them. One wonderful example in the 
2 book of Maccabees conceivably displays HIS solemness! A messenger Heliodorus because of the King's commandment was brutally beaten to the brink of death for attempting to take the temple's treasuries which include the monies to care for them.

An inference of a widow's life experience can be seen in the WORD. For instance, her style of dress (Genesis38:14 Judith 10:3) her financial status
(1 Kings 17:12,Job 24:3) how she raises her children and so forth. It's not a pleasant pill to swallow  knowing we as a nation of people haven't always been trustworthy when caring for our sisters and orphans, but the FATHER has been merciful to the nation of Israel. 

As an Israelite, let us  always consider our widows and orphans. 


Other scripture locations include: Exodus 22:22-24, Leviticus 21:14 22:13, Numbers 30:9, Deut 10:18, 
Deut 14:29, 24:17-20, Psalm 68:5, Psalm 146:9, Proverbs 15:25,  Matthew 23:14, Mark 12:40,Luke 7:12,Acts 9:39

2 Esdras 2:20

“Do right to the widow, judge for the fatherless, give to the poor, defend the orphan, clothe the naked,

Hidden Treasures of the Diaspora

NICODEMUS AND THE GANG

                                  
Inez Hogan (August 5 1895-February 1973) was an American author and Illustrator of children's books.


Did you Know ??

Black Americana

 "African-American" Memorabilia

Collecting, seeing, and discussing such memorabilia can be a "soft" spot for some in the Diaspora, but for many who understand the prophecies of the children of Israel may view it as small signs of validation.  In the Books of Nicodemus and the Gang (after reading many comments as well as pictures of open pages) I conclude that a lot of his adventures were typical everyday life events as an Israelite male child in america. Not fully aware of his true nationality, but very conscience of God, also knowing he was one of his children. Just take a look at this page featuring a song as well:  

Black americana memorabilia has an in-depth history of identiying the black characters with bibical names. Quite often, the character(s) have a great regard for family, moral values, respect, and high self-esteem. In the many comments I've read people stated they learned a lot of life values from the adventures Nicodemus. The dialect and depiction of black children in this era by Inez Hogan was what some would now consider offensive, but it doesn't take away from their undeniable beauty or visual impact.  Racism has been in the atomsphere throughout countless generations. Some may feel reluctant to owning anything they deem attached to it, while others find that ignoring the plight of our people to be insolent to our foreparents regardless of the pain it arouses.  Know this  rather painful or enlighting black americana memorabilia is not a reflection of the subjects character, but the creator there of. 

John 3:1

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:” 

A MOMENT OF EXCELLENCY IN WISDOM

KING HEZEKIAH

2 Chronicles 32:1

After these things, and the establishment thereof, Sennacherib king of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fenced cities, and thought to win them for himself. And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jerusalem, He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.  So there was gathered much people together, who stopped all the fountains, and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the kings of Assyria come, and find much water?

Ecclesiastes 9:18

“Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.” 

A MOMENT OF EXCELLENCY IN WISDOM

Joseph

Genesis Chapter 39:7-13

And it came to pass after these things, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me.

8But he refused, and said unto his master's wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand;

9There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

10And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.

11And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within.

12And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.

13And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

Ecclesiasticus 11:1

“Wisdom lifteth up the head of him that is of low degree, and maketh him to sit among great men.” 

A MOMENT OF EXCELLENCY IN WISDOM:

Nehemiah

                                       

Nehemiah Chapter 6:12-13

Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

11And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

12And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

13Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Ecclesiastes 7:12

“For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” 

Spotlight on Leadership: Caleb son of Jephunneh

Leader: Caleb son of Jephunneh

Tribe: Judah

Occupation: Spy, Ruler, Ancient of the Exodus

Introductory Scripture: Numbers 13:6 “Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.”

Childhood: We can conclude Caleb was born and raised in Egypt for a period of time. We can understand by reading, he among the multitude participated in the first Passover and crossed the Red Sea. Not much scriptural reference can be gather about Caleb’s personal childhood but through comprehending we know he witnessed the great plagues placed on Egypt

Adulthood:

Out of the multitudes Caleb son of Jephunneh was selected by the Heavenly Father through our beloved leader Moses to spy out the Land of Canaan. “Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, every one a ruler among them”. With the divine directions laid on his heart Caleb and eleven of his kinsmen scouted the land for forty days and as he hoped the land was flowing in abundance.  Returning with soldierly intel about the land set-ups ten of the tribesmen relayed disheartening news about the people of the land. Until Caleb stilled the people with a profound statement “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” Nevertheless, the other ten spies spewed out more slanders and disquieting news bringing an evil report upon the land. As the congregation lifted their voices in murmurs against Moses, Aaron and weeping that night conspired to make themselves a captain to return to Egypt! With vexation of heart Moses and Aaron fell on their faces, while Joshua son of Nun and Caleb rent their clothes. Caleb and his brotherly companion and soon to be first in command Joshua attempted to reassure the children of Israel with comforting words, but the congregation took upon stones against the brothers! This dissatisfied the Father greatly! After all was said and done the MOST HIGH pronounced the generation 20 years and older will NOT see the land because the slanders brought upon it by them! SAVE JOSHUA and CALEB! 

DEATH???

Caleb lived years after he first spied out the land and was of another spirit, wholly following the LORD GOD of Israel. Because of this he out lived the generation he foreknew. Alongside Joshua son of Nun, he went up into the promised land concurring the southern part of the land driving out the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. Inheriting fields, the city, and villages thereof, and blessed his children therewith his heritage.

Want to Know More about Caleb the son of Jephunneh??

Read about the perpetual name he inherited from the Almighty ONE

Ecclesiasticus Chapter 46 (Ben Sirach) & 1 Maccabees Chapter 2:56

Unsung Sisters of Action: House of Noah

Genesis 7:7

“And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.” 

The women of the household of Noah not often mentioned had to have been incredible woman of their time. 

Let’s imagine for a moment the character, morals, and values of these women? What questions come to your mind??

The wife of Noah: This woman’s husband found grace in the sight of the Lord. We can conclude she was patient, understanding, and encouraging. Did she not go the way her husband wanted her to go? Was she not patiently loving throughout the years her husband toiled to bring forth an ark not only to save mankind but all species alike? She nurtured and raised three fine young men who took heed to God’s warning and honored their Father and Mother according to the Laws.

The Wife of Shem: After the flood this woman gave birth to the generational seed that produced CHRIST our Lord and savior. Was she aware of the role she would play in the lineage of the Savior? Maybe she warned her family and friends of the wrath to come? Did she not heed the warning of the wrath to come upon the earth?

The wife of Ham: After the flood this woman gave birth to the generational seed of the dark races not the race who’s considered the Negros. Was she aware her and her sister-in-law’s would be the ones who would help in replenishing the earth? Did she not heed the warning of the wrath to come upon the earth? How did she feel when her son Canaan was cursed because of the actions of his father?

The wife of Japheth: After the flood this woman gave birth to the generational seed that would dwell among her brother-in-law’s Shem tents and received the children of Canaan as servants. Did she not heed the warning of the wrath to come upon the earth? Was she not respectful to her husband by showing charity to her in-laws?

O’ how strong a bond, sisterhood and family unit these four women built! The scriptures says “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” –Proverbs 14:1. Can you imagine the mockery, filthy conversation and sneers these women faced in general from worldly persons on behalf of their husbands and vice versa? Maybe they had to hear ridicule from parents and siblings? No matter the tribulation they endured. It’s obvious the house of Noah was a strong unit with women who consider the words of YHWH, who gave reverence to their own husbands’ guidance and in doing so were four of the eight persons saved from the flood upon the world of the ungodly.