Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "plague" often refers to a widespread affliction or calamity, typically seen as a divine judgment or a means of demonstrating God's power. Plagues are mentioned throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, and they serve various purposes, including punishment, warning, and the display of God's sovereignty.Old Testament The most notable instance of plagues in the Bible is the series of ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt as recorded in the Book of Exodus. These plagues were a divine response to Pharaoh's refusal to release the Israelites from slavery. Each plague was a direct challenge to the Egyptian gods and demonstrated the power of the God of Israel. The plagues included: 1. Water turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24) 2. Frogs (Exodus 8:1-15) 3. Gnats (Exodus 8:16-19) 4. Flies (Exodus 8:20-32) 5. Livestock disease (Exodus 9:1-7) 6. Boils (Exodus 9:8-12) 7. Hail (Exodus 9:13-35) 8. Locusts (Exodus 10:1-20) 9. Darkness (Exodus 10:21-29) 10. Death of the firstborn (Exodus 11:1-12:30) These plagues culminated in the liberation of the Israelites, showcasing God's deliverance and faithfulness to His covenant people. In Leviticus, plagues are also associated with laws concerning cleanliness and holiness. Leviticus 13-14 provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and dealing with infectious skin diseases, often translated as "leprosy," which could be seen as a form of plague. These laws emphasize the importance of purity and the need for the community to remain holy before God. New Testament In the New Testament, plagues are mentioned in the context of eschatological events. The Book of Revelation describes a series of plagues that will occur during the end times as part of God's final judgment upon the earth. Revelation 15:1 states, "Then I saw another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed." These plagues serve as a call to repentance and a demonstration of God's ultimate authority over creation. Theological Significance Plagues in the Bible are often seen as instruments of divine justice and mercy. They serve as a warning to turn away from sin and return to God. The plagues in Egypt, for example, were not only punitive but also redemptive, as they led to the liberation of the Israelites and the establishment of a covenant relationship with God. From a theological perspective, plagues remind believers of the fallen state of the world and the consequences of sin. They also point to the hope of redemption and the promise of a new creation where there will be no more suffering or death (Revelation 21:4). Moral and Spiritual Lessons The biblical accounts of plagues teach several moral and spiritual lessons. They underscore the importance of obedience to God and the dangers of hard-heartedness, as exemplified by Pharaoh's repeated refusals to heed God's commands. They also highlight God's patience and willingness to provide opportunities for repentance. Furthermore, plagues serve as a reminder of God's control over nature and history. They call believers to trust in God's providence and to seek His protection and guidance in times of crisis. The biblical narrative encourages a response of faith, humility, and reliance on God's grace in the face of adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 11:33And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 24:15,21,25 Library But if that Snake was not a Present Deity... Psalm 91 Part 1 Safety in Public Diseases and Dangers. Psalm 91:1. 1-7. First Part. Safety in Public Diseases and Dangers ... On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail. The Plagues of Egypt The Galleys The Spiritual Agencies Employed. --Faith Demanded for the Cure. The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness Jairus' Daughter and the Invalid Woman. And all the Multitude of the Gadarenes Entreated Him to Depart ... Resources Who were the 70 (or 72) disciples in Luke 10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | 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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