Topical Bible: Prophets: God Avenged all Injuries Done To

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In the biblical narrative, prophets are depicted as God's chosen messengers, tasked with delivering His word to the people. Throughout the Scriptures, God demonstrates His commitment to protecting His prophets and avenging any wrongs done to them. This divine protection underscores the sacred nature of their mission and the seriousness with which God regards their role.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses and Aaron: In Numbers 12, Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses because of his Cushite wife. God defends Moses, affirming his unique relationship with Him: "With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD" (Numbers 12:8). As a result, Miriam is struck with leprosy, demonstrating God's swift retribution for the disrespect shown to His prophet.

2. Elijah: In 2 Kings 1, King Ahaziah sends messengers to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, instead of seeking the LORD. Elijah intercepts them, delivering God's judgment. When Ahaziah sends soldiers to capture Elijah, fire from heaven consumes them, illustrating God's protection and vengeance for His prophet.

3. Elisha: In 2 Kings 2:23-24, as Elisha travels to Bethel, a group of youths mock him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" Elisha curses them in the name of the LORD, and two bears come out of the woods, mauling forty-two of the youths. This incident highlights the seriousness with which God defends His prophets against mockery and disrespect.

4. Jeremiah: The prophet Jeremiah faced significant opposition and persecution throughout his ministry. In Jeremiah 20:11, he declares, "But the LORD is with me like a fearsome warrior. Therefore, my persecutors will stumble and will not prevail." Despite the threats against him, God assures Jeremiah of His protection and eventual vindication.

New Testament Examples

1. John the Baptist: Although John the Baptist was executed by Herod Antipas, Jesus affirms John's prophetic role and righteousness. In Matthew 11:11, Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." John's death is avenged through the eventual downfall of Herod, as recorded by historical sources.

2. Jesus Christ: As the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, Jesus faced rejection and crucifixion. However, His resurrection serves as the ultimate vindication by God. In Acts 2:36, Peter proclaims, "Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!" The resurrection is God's definitive act of avenging the wrongful death of His Son.

3. Apostles and Early Christians: The apostles, as prophets of the New Covenant, also experienced persecution. In Acts 5:38-39, Gamaliel advises the Sanhedrin regarding the apostles, "For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God." This counsel reflects the divine protection over those who speak on God's behalf.

Theological Implications

The consistent theme of God avenging injuries done to His prophets emphasizes His sovereignty and justice. It serves as a reminder of the sacred responsibility of those who speak for God and the divine protection afforded to them. This theme also underscores the seriousness with which God regards His word and those who faithfully proclaim it.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 9:7
And you shall smite the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.
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1 Chronicles 16:21,22
He suffered no man to do them wrong: yes, he reproved kings for their sakes,
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Matthew 23:35-38
That on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar.
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Luke 11:50
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
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Library

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ...
... let him disregard injuries, not seek to be avenged, let him ... of Daniel, and Ezekiel,
and the rest of the prophets, who did ... [2942] The people of God, the people ...
/.../sermon xxxviii on the words.htm

A Discourse
... Jeremiah 22:23; Zechariah 11:1). This answereth to that, 'Rejoice over her thou
heaven; and ye holy apostles and prophets, for God hath avenged you of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just ... for thou only art holy: for
all nations shall come ... earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
... All this, replies Augustin, as if the Spirit of God did not ... But Christ, after the
resurrection, said that the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms testified of ...
/.../chapter ii name analysis of.htm

The Puritan Conflict.
... of the writings of the greater and lesser Prophets. ... terms of peace to the United
Provinces, avenged the common ... were shown to the people of God, the English ...
/.../ 92 the puritan conflict.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... is the long promised consummation, foretold by prophets, and anticipated ... when the
dead are to be avenged,"when those ... been slain for the word of God, and for ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... of the ancient stock, who had avenged the injuries ... popular faith into forms of one
god; sometimes this ... priests," the "seers," and the "prophets." The prophets ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... strike through the heart and liver of all swerving and ... It is darkness, and not light,
that keepeth God's people from ... as in these and other days they have done. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... you render void the words of the prophets and the ... with the statement of Jerome,
"Piety for God is not ... in those who were compelled the disobedience is avenged. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... though we equal not the lauded sanctity of patriarchs, prophets, and apostles ... me,
I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm