Musing – What is meant by a Biblical Family?

Hebraic Musing – What is meant by a Biblical Family?

God’s purpose for the family according to Focus on the Family:
1. The family is a masterpiece of God’s Creation. 
2. Marriage and parenthood reveal God’s character. 
3. God put children in families so they can experience His love and learn how to love others. 

Today the family is under attack; as a result we have only a few (some even say less than 10%) children going home to both of their original parents.  What is missing according to Scripture?  Biblical Marriage was established at creation; “… a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Gen.2:24   And Malachi reinforced that with “Has not [the LORD] made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.  ‘I hate divorce,’ says the Lord God of Israel,…” Mal.2:15-16  NIV

How important are the two original parents as the governing authorities?  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Rom 13:1    God specifically told us twice to “Honor your father and your mother,…” Ex.20:12   And Paul expanded on it.   “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’” (and in v.4) “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  Eph.6:1&4   Verse 4 assumes the father is available for “training and instruction of the Lord”.  But what if both of them are not in the child’s full-time family life!?!?!

What’s expected of children Biblically?  Note that the role of the parents and their availability is assumed?
“Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.” Prov.1:8
“My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching.” Prov.6:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Col.3:20
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Prov.22:6

Parental roles:  The Bible presents a society, where women were highly respected and could have considerable responsibility.  The father lovingly assumed responsibility for the family and serves the needs of those under his authority.  He should be the spiritual leader of the family; and as such he is responsible to fulfill Deuteronomy 6:6-7 to train up his children.  “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  The child needs his/her father!

Proverbs 31:10-31 describes the “Wife of a Noble Character.”  Her husband trusts her! And notice she is a “wife”, not a single parent!  “A wife of noble character who can find? … Her husband has full confidence in her … She brings him good, not harm,  …   Her husband is respected at the city gate…   Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  ….”  The family is to be led by two persons working together!

The Torah did not allow for rebellious children.  Parental discipline is assumed; an incorrigible child was to be stoned to death.  (But interestingly, there is no record of that ever taking place!)  Whole families attended the pilgrimage feasts in the OT; today they should be going to Church together.

In summary, Our Lord God is using the family to help us understand Himself as Father, and Jesus as the bridegroom.  We are loved, taught and are expected to give that love and those teachings to others. 

Final word, I recognize not all families fit God’s ideal model.  I have utmost appreciation for those having to overcome past events and find themselves striving to raise children, or they themselves being raised, in less than perfect conditions.

Points to ponder   or   RSVP

Prayer – Thank you God for all your blessings to me and my family;
and for the strength you give me each day;
and for all the people around me who make life more meaningful.

♫  “I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,…” ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          November 5, 2019
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”   Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Notes -             Inspired by and excerpted from “A Biblical Family” by   Johanna Hocker, Aug.21, 2019