The Bible sometimes uses the phrase "sons and daughters" to refer to children. Perhaps most touchingly, it uses this phrase to refer to the children of God. For example, Paul wrote, "For we are the temple of the living God; as God said … 'and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty'" (2 Corinthians 6:16, 18).
Throughout the Bible God refers to the nation of Israel and anyone who follows Him as His sons and daughters. Specifically, God sometimes refers to the nation of Israel as the "daughter of Zion" or "daughter of Jerusalem" (2 Kings 19:21; Isaiah 62:11). When Jesus was being crucified, He turned to the women watching and said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children" (Luke 23:28). God's use of the word "daughter" to refer to His people demonstrates His loving demeanor toward them.
Mark 5:21–42 records Jesus healing the daughter of a synagogue ruler (Jairus) and a woman who had an issue of bleeding for twelve years. It was as Jesus was on His way to Jairus' house to heal the young girl that the woman with the issue of bleeding reached out to touch Jesus' garment. She was physically healed instantly. Jesus knew that power had gone out from Him and stopped the procession to Jairus' house to ask who had touched Him. There were many people pressing in, so His disciples were understandably surprised by Jesus' question. But the woman came forward. When she did, Jesus said, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease" (Mark 5:34). He referred to her with familial and loving terms, restoring her spiritually and socially. Though Jairus' daughter was then reported dead, Jesus went to her home and raised her back to life. He referred to her with the term "Talitha," a term of endearment meaning "little girl." Jesus demonstrated God's compassionate love for His people, women and children included. In Christ, we are God's daughters whom He loves abundantly.
God is the all-powerful creator of the universe and yet He desires to have a personal relationship with each one of us. This is made possible through Jesus Christ (John 1:12; 3:16–18; Ephesians 2:8–9). Our relationship with God is very similar to the relationship between a father and his children. As our father, God loves us, protects us, provides for us, disciplines us, guides us, and encourages us. As His children we should love Him, honor and respect Him, obey Him, and bring Him joy.
"Daughters" is also used in the Bible when describing women in general. In ancient Jewish culture (and many ancient as well as modern cultures) women were seen as the pillar of life and home. They were a key component in providing offspring and adding to the nation of Israel. This was very important to the Israelites who held onto God’s promise to Abraham that He would give him many descendants. In addition, women were the center of the home.
A common practice in Jewish culture was to call someone the son or daughter of an important person. It was metaphorical, meaning that person had the same qualities or behavior of the important person. For example, women who were submissive to their husbands and honored them were called daughters of Sarah because Sarah was submissive to and honored her husband Abraham (1 Peter 3:6).
Daughters are also specifically mentioned in the context of prophecy. Joel 2:28–29 describes women who will receive the Holy Spirit and be equipped for ministry: "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit." This was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Both men and women are invited to be children of God through Jesus Christ, and both men and women are filled with the Holy Spirit and equipped to minister in God's kingdom when they become His sons and daughters. God's love for His children is beyond comprehension. He is the perfect Father. If you are His daughter, you can trust Him wholeheartedly and find rest in His love.
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