Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Judgments of Old" refers to the divine decisions and decrees rendered by God throughout the Old Testament. These judgments serve as manifestations of God's righteousness, justice, and sovereignty over creation. They are often depicted as responses to human sinfulness, disobedience, and rebellion against God's commandments. The judgments of old are integral to understanding the character of God and His expectations for humanity.
1. The Flood (Genesis 6-9): One of the earliest and most significant judgments is the Great Flood, where God decided to cleanse the earth of its widespread wickedness.
Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'" However, Noah found favor in God's eyes, and through him, God preserved humanity and animal life.
2. The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19): The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were judged for their grievous sins, including sexual immorality and pride.
Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This judgment serves as a warning against moral corruption and a testament to God's intolerance of sin.
3. The Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12): The ten plagues were judgments against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, demonstrating God's power and authority. Each plague targeted specific aspects of Egyptian life and religion, culminating in the death of the firstborn.
Exodus 12:12 declares, "On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both man and beast—and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD."
4. The Wilderness Wanderings (Numbers 14): The Israelites' disobedience and lack of faith led to a judgment of forty years of wandering in the wilderness.
Numbers 14:33-34 states, "Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years and suffer for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will bear your guilt and suffer the consequences of your sins."
5. The Exile of Israel and Judah (2 Kings 17, 25): The Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah faced judgment through exile due to persistent idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness.
2 Kings 17:18 notes, "So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained." Similarly, Judah was exiled to Babylon as recorded in
2 Kings 25.
6. The Judgment of Nations (Isaiah 13-23, Jeremiah 46-51, Ezekiel 25-32): The prophets frequently pronounced judgments against surrounding nations for their sins and opposition to God's people. These judgments underscore God's sovereignty over all nations and His commitment to justice.
The judgments of old reveal God's holiness and the serious consequences of sin. They also highlight His mercy, as seen in His provision of salvation and restoration for those who repent and turn to Him. These historical judgments serve as a reminder of the ultimate judgment to come and the need for righteousness and faithfulness in the lives of believers.