The Story of Orphans: God’s Justice and Mercy

Who Were Orphans in Scripture?

In biblical times, orphans - children deprived of parental care - were among the most vulnerable members of society, often lacking protection, resources, and advocacy.

The Bible explicitly calls on communities to uphold justice for orphans, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18, where God is described as 'upholding the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loving the sojourner.' This verse underscores God’s active role in defending the marginalized and establishes a theological foundation for human responsibility toward them.

Scripture repeatedly elevates the care of orphans as a moral imperative, reflecting both God’s character and the ethical demands of the covenant community.

God’s Commitment to Orphans in Deuteronomy 10:18

Deuteronomy 10:18 explicitly affirms God’s active advocacy for orphans as a reflection of His justice and compassion.

The verse declares, 'He upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.' This highlights God’s role as a defender of the most vulnerable, ensuring their needs are met and their dignity upheld. By prioritizing the marginalized, the text reveals that divine justice is inseparable from tangible care for those without power or protection. This call to action extends to the covenant community, urging them to mirror God’s justice by safeguarding orphans.

This verse establishes a theological foundation for human responsibility, framing justice as both a divine attribute and a communal duty. It bridges to broader biblical themes of ethical living, where caring for orphans becomes a litmus test for faithfulness to God’s character.

Orphans in Biblical Stories: Ruth and Jesus’ Teachings

The biblical narratives of Ruth and Jesus’ teachings highlight God’s concern for the vulnerable, illustrating both individual and communal responsibilities toward orphans.

In the Book of Ruth, Ruth - a Moabite widow and descendant of orphans - finds protection and provision through Boaz, who upholds Levitical law by redeeming her family’s land and ensuring her future. This story reflects God’s justice and mercy, as He uses human agents to care for those without advocates. Similarly, Jesus underscores the moral weight of protecting the marginalized, warning in Matthew 18:6 that welcoming 'little ones' (including children and the vulnerable) is equivalent to welcoming Him, while harming them incurs severe judgment.

These accounts show that caring for orphans is more than a social duty; it reflects God’s character. They challenge believers to embody His justice by safeguarding the powerless, a theme that resonates deeply with the broader biblical call to love and protect the fatherless.

What We Can Learn From Orphans in Scripture

Scripture calls us to actively defend the vulnerable, fight systemic injustice, and embody God’s heart for the marginalized, as seen in Deuteronomy 10:18 and Jesus’ teachings on welcoming the least of these.

This means advocating for policies that protect children without parental care, supporting organizations that provide resources to orphans, and challenging societal neglect of the powerless. By doing so, we reflect the divine justice and compassion that Scripture affirms as central to God’s character and our ethical responsibility.