1. THE LORD COMES TO THE DEFENCE OF GODLY WIDOWS

1.1. HER DECISION-MAKER

Deuteronomy 10:18 "He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, ..."

The Hebrew word 'mispat' means judgment - decision.

Formerly, the widow naturally looked to her husband for assessment and decisive conclusions. As a widow she could now depend on the Lord's word of assurance that He would defend her and be the consultant for her decisions. She would find His decisions beneficial, good and perfect. As she talked with Him, issues would be resolved by the peace He would give, or by the check in her heart. As a godly widow she could be kept from arriving at detrimental conclusions, by persistent obedience to Holy Spirit directives. Living by the principles of the Scriptures would enable her to make right evaluations, leading to actions the Lord would approve and defend.

By the same wonderful means, as a mother alone, she would be able to get the Lord's decisions for her children. God-given insight would protect her from deceptive, emotional assessments of her children's true character and behaviour.

1.2. HER DEFENDER CONTENDER

Psalm 68:5 "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."

The Hebrew word 'dayan' is used for "judge" or "defender," an advocate. Those who would wrongly accuse or falsely misrepresent widows are warned that the Lord will contend for her. As her advocate He will represent her. When others seek her hurt, He will defend her. When others are unreliable, He is faithful. His word of promise is as steadfast as His name. Those who strive with Him are thrown down in defeat. His contending strength is unleashed for her in His special care and protection of her fatherless children.

2. THE LORD SPECIALLY WATCHES OVER WIDOWS

Psalm 146:9 "... he relieveth the fatherless and widow:..."

The Lord in His great compassion exercises practical interest in the sustainment and relief of godly widows. When in humble spirit they look to Him, He responds with support and supplies (Psalm 147:6 ). When they cannot cope with all of life's problems, and responsibilities weigh heavily on them, He recharges their ability and resolve. The Lord lifts them up when they are bowed down (Psalm 146:8 ).

The Lord is always watching over their interests:

	In times of gloom He renews joy.
	In times of attack He gives victory.
	In times of uncertainty He imparts confidence.
	In times of need He gives grace to receive.

Godly widows have many testimonies to prove that the Lord is not a passive observer, He is the organiser of aid - the providential provider. The Lord relieves, and the relieved ones are full of thanksgiving and praise.

3. THE LORD KEEPS THE POSSESSIONS OF THE WIDOWS INTACT

Proverbs 15:25... "but he will establish the border of the widow. "

3.1. POSSESSIONS ARE APPOINTED

One of the meanings of the Hebrew word 'natsab' is 'appointed'. It is the Lord who has appointed what the widow possesses - it stands firm because the giver is God.

3.2. POSSESSIONS ARE ESTABLISHED

The Hebrew word also means, as rendered in Proverbs 15:25 "establish". The widow's house, even the border of what she owns is planted by God. Establish takes on tremendous significance when the promise is considered in the light of examples of what God is said to have established:

	The Old Testament covenants are said to be established by God (Genesis 6:18; 9:9,11; 17:7; Ezekiel 16:60-63 ).
	David's throne is said to be established forever (1 Chronicles 17:12; Psalm 89:29; Luke 1:32-33 ).
	God's throne is said to be established (Psalm 9:7; 93:2; 103:19 ).
	God's faithfulness is said to be established (Psalm 89:2 ).
	Our planet earth is spoken of as being established (Psalm 78:69; 93:1; 96:10; 119:90 ).
	In Israel a land was kept in a family. The boundaries were important and determinedly maintained (Proverbs 22:28 ).

Widows were more vulnerable to abuse and theft of their land. The Lord promised to keep their borders from being moved. The promise has now wider application to godly widows in all nations. The promise assures them of God keeping intact what they have received at His hand. How comforting for those who have lost the loved one who protected their interests, to know that the Lord has taken up guardianship over their possessions. Trust in the Lord's watchfulness acknowledges God the giver and keeper. Faith in the Lord's commitment is the basis of commitment to Him.

4. THE LORD IS FAITHFUL AND DEPENDABLE TO WIDOWS

Jeremiah 49:11 "Leave thy fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me."

Do not let the context distract you from the promise of God's faithfulness to widows. The Lord is unchangeable, dependable, no trust in Him can possibly be in vain. Understanding of the context reinforces the promise. The Edomites were descendants of Jacob's twin brother Esau (Genesis 36:1 ). Its great national sin was pride (Jeremiah 49:16 ) and hatred of Israel (Obadiah 3:10-14 ). They thought themselves secure from attack in the clefts of the rocks, but living in the heights would not keep judgment away; they would experience utter devastation (Jeremiah 49:9-10 ). Even then, a divine principle would be unaltered when widows put their trust in the Lord along with their fatherless children. God would preserve them alive. God responds to the faith of widows with faithfulness (Proverbs 29:25 ).