Topical Encyclopedia Fever, a common ailment characterized by an elevated body temperature, is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible. In the ancient world, fever was often seen as a serious condition, sometimes associated with divine judgment or spiritual affliction. The Bible provides insights into how fever was perceived and addressed in biblical times.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, fever is often mentioned in the context of divine punishment or as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments. In Deuteronomy 28:22, as part of the curses for disobedience, the Lord warns the Israelites: "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." Here, fever is listed among the afflictions that would come upon the people as a result of their unfaithfulness. Leviticus 26:16 also includes fever as a form of divine retribution: "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." In these passages, fever is depicted as a tool of divine discipline, emphasizing the seriousness of covenantal faithfulness. New Testament References In the New Testament, fever is mentioned in the context of Jesus' healing ministry, demonstrating His authority over sickness and His compassion for the afflicted. One notable instance is found in the healing of Peter's mother-in-law. In Matthew 8:14-15, it is recorded: "When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them." This account is also found in Mark 1:30-31 and Luke 4:38-39, highlighting the immediacy and completeness of the healing. The healing of fever by Jesus underscores His divine power and the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, as He brings restoration and relief to those suffering. It also reflects the compassionate nature of Christ, who responds to the needs of individuals, regardless of their social status or condition. Cultural and Theological Significance In biblical times, fever was not only a physical ailment but also carried cultural and theological implications. It was often viewed as a manifestation of spiritual or moral issues, reflecting the belief that physical health was closely tied to spiritual well-being. The healing of fever by Jesus serves as a testament to His role as the Great Physician, who not only addresses physical ailments but also offers spiritual healing and redemption. The biblical accounts of fever and its healing provide a window into the understanding of disease in the ancient world and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry. Fever, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the hope of restoration through divine intervention. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:22The LORD shall smite you with a consumption, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, and with an extreme burning, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 8:14 Library Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others. St. Ambrose Returns Again to the Subject of Christ... A Day of Good Deeds in Capernaum. Whether this Sacrament Ought to be Repeated During the Same ... But when Simon Cephas Saw this He Fell Before the Feet of Jesus... A Group of Miracles Matt. viii. 14 Proving God's Faithfulness (1902-1908) Acts vii. 6, 7 Hail, the Galilean 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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