In the biblical narrative, the concept of divine protection is a recurring theme, often associated with faithfulness and obedience to God. Conversely, the withdrawal of God's protection is frequently depicted as a consequence of unbelief and disobedience. This theme is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where the unbelieving are often left vulnerable to the consequences of their actions and the surrounding dangers.

Old Testament Examples

1. Israel's Wilderness Journey: During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, God's protection was contingent upon their faith and obedience. In Numbers 14, when the Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land due to unbelief, God declared that they would not see the land He had promised. As a result, the protection that would have accompanied their entry was withdrawn, and they wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Numbers 14:34 states, "For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your iniquities and know My displeasure."

2. The Siege of Jerusalem: In 2 Kings 25, the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians is depicted as a direct result of the people's persistent unbelief and idolatry. Despite numerous warnings from prophets like Jeremiah, the people of Judah continued in their disobedience, leading to the withdrawal of divine protection. The city was besieged, and the temple was destroyed, illustrating the severe consequences of turning away from God.

New Testament Insights

1. Jesus' Ministry: In the New Testament, Jesus Himself encountered unbelief, which limited the manifestation of divine power and protection. In Mark 6:5-6 , it is recorded, "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them. And He was amazed at their unbelief." This passage highlights how unbelief can hinder the flow of divine grace and protection.

2. The Parable of the Ten Virgins: In Matthew 25, the parable of the ten virgins serves as a metaphor for readiness and faithfulness. The five foolish virgins, who were unprepared and lacked faith, found themselves shut out from the wedding feast. This parable underscores the importance of maintaining faith to remain under God's protective care.

Theological Implications

The withdrawal of divine protection from the unbelieving serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in the life of a believer. Scripture consistently portrays God's protection as a covenantal promise, contingent upon the faithfulness of His people. The absence of belief and trust in God often leads to vulnerability and exposure to spiritual and physical dangers.

Practical Application

For believers today, these biblical accounts serve as a call to steadfast faith and trust in God's promises. The assurance of divine protection is closely linked to a life of faith and obedience. As the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6:16 , "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." This verse emphasizes the protective power of faith in the believer's spiritual armor.

In summary, the withdrawal of protection from the unbelieving is a consistent biblical theme that underscores the necessity of faith and obedience in maintaining a secure relationship with God.Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force Has Been Professed ...
... Having withdrawn from human protection, what can ... Men of the most diverse views,
believers, and, what is surprising, unbelieving liberals also, as though ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter i the doctrine of.htm

"Woe unto You, Because Ye Build the Tombs of the Prophets, and ...
... hast thou turned me aside, nor withdrawn me from ... and in the Psalms, indicating His
great protection and care ... it plain even to the utterly unbelieving, that then ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxiv woe unto you.htm

The Parting Promises of the Saviour.
... But now when He was withdrawn from their eyes while they ... he feels himself safe under
God's protection, and even ... Him; and thus He allows the unbelieving to pass ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xxvi the parting promises of.htm

Luther Before the Diet.
... him to the Diet, assuring him of protection, and promising ... Said Christ of the
unbelieving Jews, "If I had ... important labors, that God had withdrawn His servant ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /8 luther before the diet.htm

Luther Before the Diet
... him to the Diet, assuring him of protection, and promising ... Said Christ of the
unbelieving Jews: "If I had ... important labors, that God had withdrawn His servant ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 8 luther before the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... the heathen and by the godless and unbelieving among the ... They prayed very fervently
for the protection of the ... I saw this blessing withdrawn by God's merciful ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... He is not here, for he sits there, at the right hand of the Father. And yet
he is here: for the presence of his majesty is not withdrawn. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... But now they also are witnesses for God, and for his grace against an unbelieving
world; for, as I said, they shall come to convince the world of their speeches ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

part i
... avenging God that we should represent to ourselves, we who have withdrawn ourselves
from ... And in order that the unbelieving heart should not think that both the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

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