Throughout the Bible, instances of disease and affliction are frequently met with divine intervention and miraculous healing. These accounts serve as powerful testimonies to God's compassion, power, and sovereignty over human suffering. The Bible presents numerous examples where individuals afflicted with various diseases are divinely cured, often through the direct intervention of God or His chosen instruments.

Old Testament Examples

1. Miriam's Leprosy: In the Book of Numbers, Miriam, the sister of Moses, is struck with leprosy as a consequence of speaking against Moses. However, after Moses intercedes on her behalf, God heals her. "So Moses cried out to the LORD, 'O God, please heal her!' And the LORD answered Moses, 'If her father had but spit in her face, would she not be in disgrace for seven days? Let her be confined outside the camp for seven days; after that she may be brought back in.'" (Numbers 12:13-14).

2. Hezekiah's Illness: King Hezekiah fell gravely ill, and the prophet Isaiah informed him of his impending death. In response, Hezekiah prayed earnestly to the Lord, who then granted him an additional fifteen years of life. "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, that this is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the house of the LORD." (2 Kings 20:5).

New Testament Examples

1. The Healing Ministry of Jesus: The Gospels are replete with accounts of Jesus healing the sick, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. One notable example is the healing of the woman with the issue of blood. "But Jesus turned around and saw her. 'Take courage, daughter,' He said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was cured from that very hour." (Matthew 9:22).

2. The Man Born Blind: In the Gospel of John, Jesus heals a man who was blind from birth, illustrating that such afflictions can serve a greater divine purpose. "As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God would be displayed in him.'" (John 9:1-3).

3. The Apostolic Healings: After Jesus' ascension, the apostles continued His healing ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Peter and John healed a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. "Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!' Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were made strong." (Acts 3:6-7).

Theological Implications

The divine healing of diseases in the Bible underscores several key theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's compassion and willingness to intervene in human suffering. Secondly, it demonstrates the power of faith and prayer as conduits for divine action. Lastly, these miraculous healings often serve as signs pointing to the greater spiritual healing and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The accounts of divine healing in Scripture continue to inspire faith and hope, affirming the belief in a God who is both willing and able to heal.2 Kings 20:5
Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus said the LORD, the God of David your father, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will heal you: on the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:15
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lives of Faith and Trust
... he rewards faith, how he cares for those who trust ... For nineteen years I have been
afflicted with neuralgia ... of late years a combination of diseases has rendered ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/lives of faith and trust.htm

The Seventh Book
... same treatment as flocks and cattle afflicted by incurable diseases. ... Word and to
open up to those who came ... know that all things which are afflicted are indeed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments ... there will be given
a nip to those swarms of ... Having so often sold thyself to me to work wickedness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

part i
... be afflicted, and mourn, and weep." [50] Tears have ... ourselves have cherished"that
is, we often meet our ... I receive help through the names of those saints upon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... Take away diseases, take away wounds, and there is no ... The truth then designates as
dead those whom this ... name, whose pious soul had been afflicted with grievous ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... he said unto her, My name is Secret;[21] I dwell with those that are ... Then Christiana
replied, I have been sorely afflicted since my husband's departure from me ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

part ii
... Where is the reading of the divinely-inspired Psalms, which ... yet you remain in them,
are often bound by ... Be then indulgent, patient, and loving to those who live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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