Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the theme of divine protection is intricately linked to obedience to God's commandments. Throughout Scripture, God's protection is portrayed as a covenantal promise to those who walk in His ways, while disobedience often results in the withdrawal of this divine safeguard.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides numerous examples where God's protection is contingent upon the obedience of His people. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and curses are clearly outlined. Verses 1-14 describe the blessings of obedience, including divine protection, while verses 15-68 detail the curses that follow disobedience. Deuteronomy 28:15 states, "But if you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you." The history of Israel is replete with instances where disobedience led to the withdrawal of God's protection. In Judges 2:20-21 , the Lord's anger is kindled against Israel due to their disobedience, and He declares, "Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their fathers and has not listened to My voice, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died." This withdrawal of protection resulted in Israel's oppression by surrounding nations. Prophetic Warnings The prophets frequently warned Israel and Judah about the consequences of disobedience. In Isaiah 30:1-3 , the Lord admonishes the rebellious children who seek alliances contrary to His will, stating, "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the LORD, who carry out a plan that is not Mine, forming an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin. They set out to go down to Egypt without consulting Me, to seek shelter under Pharaoh’s protection and take refuge in Egypt’s shade. But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shadow your disgrace." New Testament Insights The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the spiritual consequences of disobedience. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul describes how God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The passage illustrates how persistent disobedience leads to God giving individuals over to their sinful desires, effectively withdrawing His protective presence. In Hebrews 10:26-27 , the author warns, "If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries." This passage underscores the seriousness of willful disobedience and the resultant loss of divine protection. Practical Implications The biblical principle that protection is withdrawn from the disobedient serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with God's will. It calls believers to a life of holiness and obedience, recognizing that divine protection is not merely a right but a privilege contingent upon faithfulness to God's commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 26:14-17But if you will not listen to me, and will not do all these commandments; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hebrew Prophecies. The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem Faith and Unbelief. Fresh Supplies of Power. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... The Epistles of St. Paul part i The Pilgrim's Progress Resources Does Satan have to get God's permission before he can attack us? | GotQuestions.orgWhat items should be included in a church constitution? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that love always protects (1 Corinthians 13:7)? | GotQuestions.org Protection: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Protection is Afforded to Returning Sinners Protection is Afforded to The Church Protection is Afforded to The Oppressed Protection is Afforded to The Perfect in Heart Protection is Afforded to The Poor Protection is Afforded to Those Who Hearken to God Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in all Dangers Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in all Places Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Calamities Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Death Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defeating the Counsels of Enemies Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Defending Them Against Their Enemies Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Their Feet Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Evil Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Falling Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them from Temptation Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Keeping Them in the Way Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Persecution Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Preserving Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Providing a Refuge for Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Sleep Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Strengthening Them Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Temptation Protection is Vouchsafed to Saints in Upholding Them Protection of God Is: Effectual Protection of God Is: Encouraging Protection of God Is: Indispensable Protection of God Is: Often Afforded Through Means Inadequate in Themselves Protection of God Is: Perpetual Protection of God Is: Seasonable Protection of God Is: Unfailing Protection of God Is: Uninterrupted Protection: God is Able to Afford Protection: God is Faithful to Afford Protection: Not to be Found in Horses Protection: Not to be Found in Hosts Protection: Not to be Found in Idols Protection: Not to be Found in Man Protection: Not to be Found in Riches Protection: Saints: Acknowledge God As Their Protection: Saints: Praise God For Protection: Withdrawn from The: Backsliding Protection: Withdrawn from The: Disobedient Protection: Withdrawn from The: Obstinately Impenitent Protection: Withdrawn from The: Presumptuous Protection: Withdrawn from The: Unbelieving Related Terms |