Topics

Plague or Pestilence, the

Plague and pestilence are divine judgments sent by God upon sinful nations and individuals, yet believers are promised protection through faith and obedience to God's Word.

Overview

Throughout Scripture, plagues and pestilences serve as instruments of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. God uses disease and death to call nations to repentance, yet He also offers His people supernatural protection and deliverance. The Bible presents both the reality of plague as a consequence of sin and God's faithfulness to shield those who trust in Him.

Key Scriptures

"The Lord sent a plague upon Israel from the morning till the appointed time, and seventy thousand men of the people from Dan to Beersheba died" (2 Samuel 24:15, ESV). "A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you" (Psalm 91:7, ESV). "You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday" (Psalm 91:5-6, ESV).

Application

Believers should repent of sin, trust in God's protection through faith in Christ, and intercede for their nations during times of pestilence and disease.

Scripture References 40
Full Topical Reference List 47 total — Nave's Topical Bible

David's subjects for his numbering the people

Described as noisome

Egypt often afflicted with

Equally fatal day and night

Fatal to man and beast

God's judgments upon the apostasy

Israel for despising manna

Israel for making golden calf

Israel for worshipping Baal-peor

Israel threatened with, as a punishment for disobedience

Often broke out suddenly

One of God's four sore judgments

Predicted to happen before destruction of Jerusalem

The diseased state of man's heart

The Jews sought deliverance from, by prayer

Was attributed to a destroying angel