Topical Bible: Diseases: Art of Curing, Defective

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In the biblical context, the understanding and treatment of diseases were markedly different from modern medical practices. The ancient Israelites, like many ancient cultures, had a limited understanding of the causes and treatments of diseases. The art of curing was often intertwined with religious and spiritual beliefs, and the role of divine intervention was paramount.

Biblical Perspective on Disease and Healing

The Bible frequently attributes the occurrence of diseases to spiritual causes, including sin and divine judgment. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28:58-61, God warns the Israelites that disobedience to His commandments would result in various diseases: "If you are not careful to observe all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this glorious and awesome name—the LORD your God—then the LORD will bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary disasters, severe and lasting plagues, and terrible and chronic sicknesses. He will bring upon you all the diseases of Egypt that you dreaded, and they will cling to you."

The role of God as a healer is also emphasized throughout the Scriptures. In Exodus 15:26, God declares, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you."

Methods of Healing

The methods of healing in biblical times were rudimentary and often involved natural remedies, prayer, and rituals. The use of oils, herbs, and other natural substances is noted in several passages. For example, in Isaiah 38:21, a poultice of figs is used to heal King Hezekiah's boil: "Isaiah had said, 'Prepare a poultice of figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover.'"

Prayer and faith were central to the healing process. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."

Limitations and Deficiencies

The art of curing in biblical times was limited by the lack of scientific knowledge and understanding of disease pathology. The absence of advanced medical techniques meant that many ailments were left untreated or were treated with ineffective methods. The reliance on spiritual explanations for diseases often overshadowed empirical observations and hindered the development of a systematic approach to medicine.

Moreover, the societal and religious context sometimes led to the marginalization of those with certain diseases, such as leprosy. Leviticus 13-14 provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and isolating individuals with leprosy, reflecting both a concern for community health and a lack of effective treatment options.

Role of Jesus and Apostolic Healing

The New Testament presents a significant shift with the ministry of Jesus Christ, who performed numerous healings as a testament to His divine authority. Jesus healed a wide range of diseases, demonstrating power over physical and spiritual ailments. In Matthew 4:23, it is recorded, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."

The apostles continued this healing ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Acts 5:15-16 describes how people brought the sick into the streets so that Peter's shadow might fall on them, and they were healed: "As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed."

In summary, while the art of curing diseases in biblical times was limited and often intertwined with spiritual beliefs, the Scriptures emphasize the power of faith, prayer, and divine intervention in the healing process.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 13:4
But you are forgers of lies, you are all physicians of no value.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 5:26
And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul in Ephesus.
... in her magnificent temple to learn the art of Magic ... sick handkerchiefs or aprons,
and the diseases departed from ... has been ascribed to them of curing the blind ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

The Deaf and Dumb.
... If I go down to hell, Thou art there also ... He made the healing of disease, and the
curing of imperfections ... hereafter, to prevent as well as cure those diseases. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon v the deaf and.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... foolish patients who, anxious only about curing accidental symptoms ... And now, O Lord
God, thou art that God ... very cures they use, bring new diseases upon themselves ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm