Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical times, the term "debility" refers to a state of physical weakness or frailty, often resulting from illness, age, or other debilitating conditions. The Bible, while not using the modern medical terminology we are familiar with today, provides numerous accounts and references to conditions that can be understood as forms of debility.Old Testament References The Old Testament frequently addresses the concept of physical weakness and frailty, often in the context of divine judgment or human suffering. For instance, in Deuteronomy 28, a chapter detailing the blessings and curses associated with obedience or disobedience to God's commandments, various ailments are mentioned as potential curses. Deuteronomy 28:27-28 states, "The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, festering sores, and the itch, from which you cannot be cured. The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind." These conditions, while specific, contribute to a general state of debility. The Psalms also reflect on human frailty and the need for divine intervention. Psalm 38:7-8 describes a state of physical and emotional weakness: "For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart." Here, the psalmist expresses a profound sense of debility, seeking relief and strength from God. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, Jesus' healing ministry frequently addresses various forms of debility. The Gospels recount numerous instances where Jesus heals those suffering from physical weakness and chronic conditions. For example, in John 5:5-9 , Jesus heals a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. The passage reads, "One man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and realized that he had already been there a long time, He asked him, 'Do you want to get well?' 'Sir,' the invalid replied, 'I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes down before me.' Then Jesus told him, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.' Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk." The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of weakness in his epistles, often using it as a metaphor for spiritual reliance on God's strength. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Here, Paul acknowledges physical and spiritual debility as an opportunity for God's power to be manifest. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, debility in the Bible often serves as a reminder of human dependence on God. Physical weakness and illness are seen not only as conditions to be healed but also as opportunities for spiritual growth and reliance on divine strength. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's sovereignty and compassion, offering healing and restoration to those who seek Him. In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly use the term "debility," it addresses the concept through various accounts of physical weakness and divine healing. These narratives underscore the importance of faith, the power of God to heal, and the spiritual lessons that can be learned through experiences of frailty and dependence on the divine. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 102:23He weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 7:17 Library John ii. 4 From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... But they with whom we Argue have Undoubtedly a Right to Select ... Introduction The Prayer of Jabez Are You Prepared to Die? The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... Resources What does the Bible say about pandemic diseases/sicknesses? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about cancer? | 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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