Sirach 35:15 (or Ecclesiasticus 35:15, depending on the Bible translation) is a strong statement about God's attentiveness to the suffering of the vulnerable, particularly widows. Let's break it down:
"Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek?" This is a rhetorical question. The obvious answer is "Yes, of course!" It emphasizes the visible sorrow and suffering of the widow. Tears are a powerful symbol of grief, pain, and helplessness.
"And is not her cry against him that has caused them to fall?" This continues the rhetorical structure. It asks whether the widow's cry for justice and against the person who has wronged her goes unnoticed. Again, the implicit answer is "No, it does not go unnoticed." God hears and acknowledges the widow's plea.
Meaning & Interpretation:
The verse conveys the following key points:
God's Empathy and Attention to the Afflicted: God is portrayed as deeply aware of the pain and suffering of vulnerable people, especially widows. He sees their tears and hears their cries.
Emphasis on Justice: The verse implies that the person who caused the widow's suffering has done something wrong and faces potential consequences. God is on the side of the oppressed and will hold the oppressor accountable.
Social Justice Theme: Widows in ancient societies were often marginalized and vulnerable. They lacked the social and economic security provided by a husband. This verse highlights the importance of caring for and protecting those who are easily taken advantage of.
A Warning to Oppressors: The verse serves as a warning to those who mistreat or exploit vulnerable people like widows. Their actions will not go unnoticed by God, and they will face divine justice.
In essence, Sirach 35:15 is a powerful reminder that God is a protector of the vulnerable and a champion of justice. It calls on readers to be mindful of the needs of the marginalized and to treat them with fairness and compassion. It also assures those who are suffering that God sees their pain and hears their cries for help.
Sirach 35:15 (or Ecclesiasticus 35:15, depending on the Bible translation) is a strong statement about God's attentiveness to the suffering of the vulnerable, particularly widows. Let's break it down:
"Do not the tears of the widow run down her cheek?" This is a rhetorical question. The obvious answer is "Yes, of course!" It emphasizes the visible sorrow and suffering of the widow. Tears are a powerful symbol of grief, pain, and helplessness.
"And is not her cry against him that has caused them to fall?" This continues the rhetorical structure. It asks whether the widow's cry for justice and against the person who has wronged her goes unnoticed. Again, the implicit answer is "No, it does not go unnoticed." God hears and acknowledges the widow's plea.
Meaning & Interpretation:
The verse conveys the following key points:
God's Empathy and Attention to the Afflicted: God is portrayed as deeply aware of the pain and suffering of vulnerable people, especially widows. He sees their tears and hears their cries.
Emphasis on Justice: The verse implies that the person who caused the widow's suffering has done something wrong and faces potential consequences. God is on the side of the oppressed and will hold the oppressor accountable.
Social Justice Theme: Widows in ancient societies were often marginalized and vulnerable. They lacked the social and economic security provided by a husband. This verse highlights the importance of caring for and protecting those who are easily taken advantage of.
A Warning to Oppressors: The verse serves as a warning to those who mistreat or exploit vulnerable people like widows. Their actions will not go unnoticed by God, and they will face divine justice.
In essence, Sirach 35:15 is a powerful reminder that God is a protector of the vulnerable and a champion of justice. It calls on readers to be mindful of the needs of the marginalized and to treat them with fairness and compassion. It also assures those who are suffering that God sees their pain and hears their cries for help.