Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sickness is sometimes depicted as being sent by God as a form of judgment, discipline, or a means to fulfill His divine purposes. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the sovereignty of God over human health and the physical world.Old Testament Instances 1. Plagues in Egypt: One of the most prominent examples of sickness sent by God is found in the account of the plagues in Egypt. In Exodus 9:8-12, God instructs Moses to take handfuls of soot from a furnace and scatter it toward the sky in the presence of Pharaoh. This act results in festering boils breaking out on people and animals throughout Egypt. This plague, like others, was a direct act of God to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites from bondage. 2. Miriam's Leprosy: In Numbers 12:9-10, Miriam, the sister of Moses, is struck with leprosy as a punishment for speaking against Moses. The LORD's anger burned against her, and she was afflicted with a skin disease, demonstrating God's direct intervention in response to disobedience and rebellion. 3. The Philistines and the Ark: In 1 Samuel 5:6-12, the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant and bring it to their cities. The LORD's hand is heavy upon them, and He afflicts them with tumors. This affliction serves as a divine message that the Ark should not remain in their possession. New Testament Context 1. Herod's Death: In Acts 12:21-23, King Herod is struck down by an angel of the Lord and is eaten by worms because he did not give glory to God. This incident highlights the New Testament continuation of the theme where God directly intervenes in human affairs through sickness as a form of judgment. 2. Ananias and Sapphira: While not a sickness in the traditional sense, the sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 serve as a divine judgment for lying to the Holy Spirit. This event underscores the seriousness with which God views sin within the early church. Theological Reflections The concept of sickness as sent by God raises important theological considerations. It underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority and His ability to use physical ailments as instruments of His will. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God's commandments include references to health and sickness, illustrating the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Discipline and Correction In some instances, sickness is portrayed as a form of divine discipline intended to bring about repentance and spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This perspective suggests that God may use sickness to draw individuals closer to Him, refine their character, or redirect their paths. Job's Suffering The Book of Job presents a complex view of suffering and sickness. While Job's afflictions are not directly sent by God, they are permitted by Him as part of a larger divine purpose. Job's account emphasizes the mystery of God's ways and the reality that human understanding is limited in comprehending divine intentions. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of sickness as sent by God serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the multifaceted ways in which He interacts with humanity. While not all sickness is attributed to divine intervention, the Scriptures provide instances where God uses physical ailments to achieve His purposes, whether as judgment, discipline, or a means to reveal His glory. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:59-61Then the LORD will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 32:39 2 Samuel 12:15 Acts 12:23 Library Concerning Ahaziah; the King of Israel; and Again Concerning the ... 'Physicians of no Value' How Internal Livers Ought to Behave Themselves in Time of Sickness ... Consolations against Impatience in Sickness. The Rod that Troubled Egypt. God whom I as Love have Known, The Sickness of Lazarus; Christ's Reply to the Messengers who ... Per??a to Bethany. Raising of Lazarus. Letter ix. Religious Culture and Duty. How Hezekiah was Sick, and Ready to Die; and How God Bestowed Upon ... Resources What does the Bible say about healing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a spirit of infirmity? | GotQuestions.org Why doesn't God heal everyone? | GotQuestions.org Sickness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sickness: Christ Compassionate Those In Sickness: Christ Healed by Imposition of Hands Sickness: Christ Healed with a Touch Sickness: Christ Healed with a Word Sickness: Christ Healed: Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Not Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Through the Touch of his Garment Sickness: Faith Required in Those Healed of, by Christ Sickness: God: Abandons the Wicked To Sickness: God: Comforts Saints In Sickness: God: Exhibits his Love in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Mercy in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Power in Healing Sickness: God: Hears the Prayers of Those In Sickness: God: Often Manifests Saving Grace to Sinners During Sickness: God: Permits Saints to be Tried By Sickness: God: Persecutes the Wicked By Sickness: God: Preserves Saints in Time of Sickness: God: Promises to Heal Sickness: God: Strengthens Saints In Sickness: God's Aid should be Sought In Sickness: Healing of, Lawful on the Sabbath Sickness: Not Visiting Those In, an Evidence of not Belonging to Christ Sickness: Often Brought on by Intemperance Sickness: Often Incurable by Human Means Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sickness: One of God's Four Sore Judgments on a Guilty Land Sickness: Pray for Those Afflicted With Sickness: Saints are Resigned Under Sickness: Saints: Acknowledge That, Comes from God Sickness: Saints: Ascribe Recovery From, to God Sickness: Saints: Feel for Others In Sickness: Saints: Mourn Under, With Prayer Sickness: Saints: Praise God for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Pray for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Thank God Publicly for Recovery Form Sickness: Saints: Visit Those In Sickness: The Apostles Were Endued With Power to Heal Sickness: The Devil Sometimes Permitted to Inflict Sickness: The Power of Healing: One of the Miraculous Gifts Bestowed on the Early Church Sickness: The Wicked: Forsake Those In Sickness: The Wicked: Have Much Sorrow, With Sickness: The Wicked: Visit not Those In Sickness: Visiting Those In, an Evidence of Belonging to Christ Related Terms |
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