Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, plagues and pestilences are often depicted as divine instruments of judgment and correction. The term "noisome" is used to describe these afflictions, emphasizing their destructive and overwhelming nature. The Bible frequently associates pestilence with God's response to human sin and disobedience, serving as a call to repentance and a reminder of His sovereignty.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 91:3 · "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague." This verse highlights God's protection against the "deadly plague," underscoring the perilous and life-threatening nature of pestilence. The term "noisome" is often understood in this context as something that is harmful and destructive. 2. Ezekiel 14:21 · "For this is what the Lord GOD says: How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem My four dreadful judgments—sword and famine and wild beasts and plague—to cut off both man and beast from it!" Here, pestilence is listed among the "four dreadful judgments" of God, illustrating its role as a severe and fearsome form of divine retribution. 3. Revelation 6:8 · "Then I looked and saw a pale horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. They were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth." In this apocalyptic vision, pestilence is one of the means by which divine judgment is executed upon the earth, further emphasizing its destructive power. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, pestilence serves as a tangible manifestation of God's displeasure with sin. It acts as a catalyst for spiritual awakening, urging individuals and nations to turn back to God. The "noisome" nature of pestilence is not only a reflection of its physical impact but also its spiritual implications, as it disrupts the normalcy of life and compels humanity to confront its mortality and dependence on divine mercy. Historical Context: Throughout biblical history, instances of pestilence are recorded as pivotal moments that shaped the narrative of God's people. The plagues of Egypt, for example, were instrumental in the liberation of the Israelites from bondage (Exodus 7-12). These events demonstrated God's power over creation and His ability to use natural phenomena to fulfill His purposes. Moral and Ethical Lessons: The presence of pestilence in the biblical narrative serves as a moral and ethical lesson on the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to God's commandments. It is a reminder of the fragility of human life and the need for humility before the Creator. The "noisome" aspect of pestilence underscores the urgency of repentance and the hope of redemption through faith and obedience. In summary, the biblical depiction of pestilence as "noisome" conveys its role as a formidable and fearsome tool of divine judgment, intended to lead humanity back to righteousness and a deeper relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 9:13Have mercy on me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, you that lift me up from the gates of death: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble Resources What were the emerods God afflicted the Philistines with in 1 Samuel 5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |