Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, plagues and pestilences are often depicted as instruments of divine judgment, sometimes executed by a "destroying angel." This concept is rooted in several key passages throughout the Scriptures, where God uses a supernatural agent to carry out His will, particularly in response to sin or disobedience.1. The Destroying Angel in Egypt: One of the most prominent examples of a destroying angel is found in the account of the tenth plague in Egypt, where the firstborn of the Egyptians were struck down. In Exodus 12:23 , it is written, "For the LORD will pass through to strike down the Egyptians, and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you down." Here, the "destroyer" is understood as an angelic being executing God's judgment upon Egypt, sparing the Israelites who obeyed God's command to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb. 2. The Plague in the Wilderness: In the wilderness, the Israelites experienced a plague as a result of their rebellion and idolatry. Numbers 16:46-50 describes how Aaron, at Moses' instruction, made atonement for the people to stop the plague. While the text does not explicitly mention a destroying angel, the sudden and severe nature of the plague suggests divine intervention. This incident underscores the theme of divine retribution and the necessity of atonement to avert God's wrath. 3. David's Census and the Plague: Another significant instance is found in 2 Samuel 24 and 1 Chronicles 21, where King David's decision to conduct a census of Israel leads to a severe plague. In 2 Samuel 24:15-16 , it states, "So the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from that morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand men of the people died. But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, 'Enough! Withdraw your hand now!' The angel of the LORD was then by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite." This passage explicitly identifies the agent of destruction as an angel, emphasizing the role of divine mercy in halting the plague. 4. Theological Implications: The concept of a destroying angel in these narratives highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores God's sovereignty and justice, as He uses supernatural means to execute judgment. Second, it illustrates the seriousness of sin and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Third, it reveals God's mercy, as seen in His willingness to relent and provide a means of atonement or protection, such as the Passover lamb or David's intercession. 5. New Testament Reflections: While the New Testament does not explicitly mention a destroying angel in the context of plagues, the theme of divine judgment continues. In Revelation, various plagues are described as part of the end-times judgments, carried out by angelic beings. This continuity reflects the consistent biblical portrayal of God using both natural and supernatural means to accomplish His purposes. In summary, the biblical depiction of plagues and pestilences attributed to a destroying angel serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and mercy throughout the Scriptures. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 12:23For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 24:16 Library Sovereignty of God in Administration Book vi. It is with a Full Knowledge of the Dangers and Passions ... Against Jovinianus. Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the cause of the recent plague of child molestation incidents? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt? | GotQuestions.org Is there extra-biblical evidence of the ten plagues in Egypt? | 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) |
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