Topical Bible: Israel: Punished by a Plague

◄ Israel: Punished by a Plague ►

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Throughout the biblical narrative, the nation of Israel experienced various instances of divine discipline, including plagues, as a consequence of disobedience and sin. These events serve as sobering reminders of God's holiness, justice, and the seriousness with which He regards His covenant with His people.

1. The Plague Following the Golden Calf Incident (Exodus 32:35):
After the Israelites constructed and worshiped the golden calf at Mount Sinai, God’s anger was kindled against them. Despite Moses' intercession, the Lord sent a plague upon the people as a direct consequence of their idolatry. "And the LORD sent a plague on the people because of what they did with the calf that Aaron had made" (Exodus 32:35). This event underscores the gravity of idolatry and the necessity of fidelity to God.

2. The Plague in the Wilderness (Numbers 11:33):
During their journey in the wilderness, the Israelites complained about their hardships and expressed a desire for the food they had in Egypt. In response to their grumbling and lack of trust, God sent quail for them to eat, but while the meat was still between their teeth, He struck them with a severe plague. "While the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of the LORD burned against the people, and the LORD struck them with a severe plague" (Numbers 11:33). This incident highlights the consequences of ingratitude and rebellion against God's provision.

3. The Plague at Baal Peor (Numbers 25:1-9):
When the Israelites engaged in immorality and idolatry with the Moabite women at Baal Peor, God's wrath was again kindled. A plague broke out among the people, resulting in the death of 24,000 Israelites. The plague was halted only when Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, took zealous action to stop the sin. "But those who died in the plague numbered 24,000" (Numbers 25:9). This event illustrates the destructive power of sin and the importance of zeal for God's holiness.

4. The Census and the Plague (2 Samuel 24:10-15):
King David, incited by Satan, conducted a census of Israel, which was an act of pride and reliance on military strength rather than on God. As a result, God gave David a choice of three punishments, and David chose a plague. "So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the end of the time designated, and seventy thousand of the people from Dan to Beersheba died" (2 Samuel 24:15). This incident serves as a warning against pride and self-reliance, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in God.

5. The Plague in the Time of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:18-20):
During King Hezekiah's reign, a great Passover was celebrated, but many participants were not ceremonially clean. Hezekiah prayed for them, and the Lord listened, healing the people. "And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people" (2 Chronicles 30:20). This event demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to forgive when there is genuine repentance and intercession.

These instances of plagues in Israel's history reveal the seriousness with which God views sin and the importance of obedience to His commands. They also highlight the role of intercession and repentance in averting or mitigating divine judgment. Through these narratives, the Bible teaches the necessity of holiness, the dangers of idolatry and rebellion, and the profound impact of faithful leadership and intercession.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 32:35
And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Ark among the Philistines
... you send back the ark of the god of Israel, you must ... as the rulers of the Philistines;
for one plague was upon ... know that it is not he who has punished us; it ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the ark among the philistines.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... A deadly cattle plague, which had devastated their herds, had ... filled up, as in the
correction of Israel, while the ... as it is better to be punished and cleansed ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

First Commandment
... The children of Israel were going up to take possession of a ... that they turned away
from Him continually, and were punished with plague, pestilence, war ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/first commandment.htm

National Sins and Miseries
... him the more fully, that this plague was immediately ... a remarkable resemblance between
the case of Israel and our ... have sinned, and we are punished; and perhaps ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 130 national sins and.htm

Moses and his Writings
... means of ridding the world of this plague spot. ... they were called to sweep away, God
punished them by ... Had Israel absorbed the vices of these nations instead of ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
... ISRAEL'S VICES IN THE WILDERNESS PUNISHED. ... Many of the people were consumed and a
multitude more were smitten with a great plague while yet they ate of the ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/ninth sunday after trinity carnal.htm

The Final Conflict.
... Megiddon," became a proverbial expression in Israel for great ... "And this shall be
the plague wherewith the ... Jesus Christ; who shall be punished with everlasting ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the final conflict.htm

The Epistle of Saint Jude.
... that God permitted the children of Israel whom he ... when, too, there comes continually
one plague after another, by which God has punished the unbelieving ...
/.../the epistle of saint jude.htm

The Seventh Commandment
... the great abominations that the house of Israel committeth, that ... to the day of judgement
to be punished, but chiefly ... He who would not have the plague, must not ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 7 the seventh commandment.htm

Moses the Type of Christ.
... of My book." Moses was not taken instead of Israel, except in ... from God; and therefore
he was punished by dying ... resolves; it is provoking God "to plague us with ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon ix moses the type.htm