Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, plagues are often depicted as divine judgments, serving as instruments through which God executes His justice and calls His people to repentance. The concept of plagues as a form of divine retribution is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the seriousness with which God regards sin and disobedience.Old Testament Instances One of the most prominent examples of plagues as divine judgment is found in the account of the ten plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12). These plagues were sent by God through Moses to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. Each plague targeted the gods of Egypt, demonstrating the LORD's supremacy. In Exodus 9:14, God declares, "For this time I will send all My plagues against you and your officials and your people, so you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth." In Leviticus 26:21-25, God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience, including the sending of plagues: "If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times according to your sins." This passage underscores the conditional nature of God's blessings and the certainty of His judgments upon persistent rebellion. The narrative of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:6-9 also illustrates a plague as a response to sin. When the Israelites spoke against God and Moses, the LORD sent venomous snakes among them, causing many to die. The remedy provided—a bronze serpent lifted on a pole—served as a foreshadowing of salvation through faith and obedience. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not frequently mention plagues in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of divine judgment remains. In Revelation, plagues are depicted as part of the end-times judgments. Revelation 15:1 describes seven angels with seven plagues, "the last, because with them the wrath of God is completed." These plagues serve as a final call to repentance and a demonstration of God's ultimate authority over creation. Theological Implications The use of plagues as divine judgment highlights several key theological themes. First, it affirms God's sovereignty and His right to judge sin. Second, it serves as a call to repentance, urging individuals and nations to turn back to God. Third, it underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement. Throughout Scripture, the response to plagues often involves intercession and repentance. In 2 Chronicles 7:13-14, God promises healing and restoration if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. This passage reflects the redemptive purpose behind divine judgments, emphasizing God's desire for reconciliation and restoration. In summary, plagues in the Bible are frequently portrayed as instruments of divine judgment, intended to lead people to repentance and reaffirm God's sovereignty and holiness. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 26:21And if you walk contrary to me, and will not listen to me; I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 28:59 Library A Prophet's Woes Thou Shalt not Bear False Witness against Thy Neighbor. Letter xxii. (AD 392. ) Progress of Reform in Germany. Progress of Reform in Germany The Blessed Hope and Its Power The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572 The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers. Felicitous Phrases Resources What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |
    |