Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, disease is often depicted as a consequence or judgment from God, serving as a response to the disobedience and sin of individuals or nations. This theme is recurrent throughout the Scriptures, where God uses disease as a means to call His people back to righteousness and obedience.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the covenant relationship between God and Israel included blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. Among the curses, disease is frequently mentioned as a form of divine judgment. In Deuteronomy 28, a chapter detailing the blessings and curses associated with the covenant, God warns Israel of the consequences of turning away from His commandments: "The LORD will make the pestilence cling to you until He has exterminated you from the land you are entering to possess" (Deuteronomy 28:21). Further, in Deuteronomy 28:27, it is stated, "The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering rashes, and itching, from which you cannot be cured." The plagues of Egypt, as recounted in the book of Exodus, serve as a prominent example of disease used as divine judgment. The plagues were not only a demonstration of God's power over the Egyptian gods but also a direct response to Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites. The sixth plague, boils, is specifically noted as a disease that afflicted both man and beast (Exodus 9:8-11). Prophetic Warnings The prophets also spoke of disease as a judgment for sin. In the book of Jeremiah, God warns of pestilence as a consequence for the people's persistent rebellion: "I will send the sword, famine, and plague against them until they have perished from the land that I gave to them and their fathers" (Jeremiah 24:10). Similarly, Ezekiel prophesies about the impending judgment on Jerusalem, including the use of disease: "I will send famine and wild beasts against you, and they will rob you of your children. Plague and bloodshed will sweep through you, and I will bring a sword against you. I, the LORD, have spoken" (Ezekiel 5:17). New Testament Insights While the New Testament shifts focus to the redemptive work of Christ, the concept of disease as judgment is not entirely absent. In the book of Revelation, the apocalyptic visions include plagues as part of the end-time judgments. Revelation 6:8 describes the fourth horseman of the apocalypse: "So I looked and saw a pale horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth" . Theological Implications The use of disease as a form of divine judgment underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and disobedience. It serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the call for His people to live in accordance with His statutes. While disease can be a natural consequence of living in a fallen world, the biblical narrative highlights instances where it is directly linked to divine retribution, urging repentance and a return to God. Throughout Scripture, the theme of disease as a judgment is interwoven with the hope of restoration and healing. God's ultimate desire is for His people to turn back to Him, and He often provides a path to redemption and renewal, even in the midst of judgment. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 26:16I also will do this to you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 7:15 Deuteronomy 28:22,27,28,35 Deuteronomy 29:22 Library The Tears of the Penitent. Fast-Day Service 1 Cor. Iv. 3, 4 Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times The Fall of the House of Ahab The Relation Between the Human Will and the Divine Agency. The Awakened Sinner Urged to Immediate Consideration and Cautioned ... The Acceptable Sacrifice; On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. Not Now, but Hereafter! Resources How can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian respond to contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about pandemic diseases/sicknesses? | GotQuestions.org Disease: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Disease: Miraculous Healing of, a Sign to Accompany the Preaching of the Word Disease: Physicians Employed For Disease: Threatened As Judgments Disease: Treatment of Fractures Gonorrhea: General Scriptures Concerning Gout (?): General Scriptures Concerning Spermatorrhea: A Disease of the Genital Organs Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) |
    |