Topical Encyclopedia Consumption, often identified with what is known today as tuberculosis, is a disease mentioned in the Bible that reflects the physical afflictions faced by individuals in ancient times. The term "consumption" is derived from the Latin word "consumere," meaning to consume or waste away, which aptly describes the wasting nature of the disease.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 28:22 : "The LORD will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish." In this passage, consumption is listed among the curses that would befall the Israelites if they disobeyed God's commandments. It is depicted as a wasting disease, indicative of its debilitating effects on the body. 2. Leviticus 26:16 : "then I will do this to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain because your enemies will eat it." Here, consumption is again mentioned as a consequence of disobedience, emphasizing the physical and societal impact of the disease. Historical and Cultural Context: In biblical times, diseases like consumption were often seen as manifestations of divine judgment or as a result of living in a fallen world. The Israelites understood health and disease within the framework of their covenant relationship with God. Obedience to God's laws was believed to bring blessings, including health, while disobedience could result in curses, including diseases like consumption. The symptoms of consumption, such as chronic cough, fever, and weight loss, would have been recognizable to ancient peoples, even if the exact medical understanding was limited. The disease's ability to spread and its often fatal outcome made it a significant concern. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the mention of consumption in the Bible serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. It underscores the belief that physical health is intertwined with spiritual obedience. The afflictions described in the Bible, including consumption, are often used to illustrate the broader theme of the need for repentance and reliance on God's mercy. Modern Understanding: Today, consumption is understood as tuberculosis, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs. Advances in medical science have provided treatments that were unavailable in biblical times. However, the biblical references to consumption continue to offer insights into the spiritual and moral lessons that were drawn from the experience of disease in the ancient world. In summary, consumption in the Bible is a representation of the physical and spiritual challenges faced by the people of God. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from divine guidance and the enduring need for faith and obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:22 Library Jesus Heals a Leper and Creates Much Excitement. Concerning the Martyrs. Washed to Greater Foulness Lives of Faith and Trust Heaviness through Manifold Temptations Epistle xiii. --To Hierax, a Bishop in Egypt. Christ and Beelzebub Beloved, and yet Afflicted The Oration of Moses at the Rehearsal of the Blessing and the ... Wind and Spirit Resources Pandemic pandemonium! How should Christians respond to pandemic diseases? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about health? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view vaccinations/vaccines? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Diseases: Art of Curing, Defective Diseases: Demoniacal Possession Diseases: Frequently: Complicated Diseases: Frequently: Incurable Diseases: Frequently: Loathsome Diseases: God often Entreated to Cure Diseases: Intemperance a Cause of Diseases: Medicine Used for Curing Diseases: Not Looking to God In, Condemned Diseases: Often Brought from Other Countries Diseases: Often Sent As Punishment Diseases: Over-Excitement a Cause of Diseases: Physicians Undertook the Cure of Diseases: Regarded As Visitations Diseases: Sins of Youth a Cause of Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Anointed Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Cured Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Supported Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Laid in the Streets to Receive Advice from Passers By Related Terms |
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