Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1449 signs, purposes of

1449 signs, purposes of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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Signs are given to confirm God's word. They may warn the rebellious or encourage the faithful. People may seek signs as a result of a genuine desire to serve God.

Signs are given to demonstrate God's power

Deuteronomy 34:10-12 See also Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 6:21-22; Deuteronomy 7:19; Deuteronomy 26:8; 1 Chronicles 16:11-12 pp Psalm 105:4-5; Jeremiah 32:21

Signs demonstrate the authority of God's servants

Moses and Aaron

Exodus 4:1-9 See also Exodus 4:30-31; Exodus 7:8-12; Numbers 17:1-9; Acts 7:36

Elijah

1 Kings 18:36-38

Elisha

2 Kings 2:13-14

Jesus Christ

The apostles

2 Corinthians 12:12 See also Acts 2:43; Acts 5:12; Acts 15:12

Signs may accompany the preaching of the gospel

Hebrews 2:3-4 See also Mark 16:20; Acts 8:6; Acts 14:3

Signs may warn the ungodly of impending judgment

Exodus 8:22-23

The prophets often acted out their messages for greater effect:

Isaiah 20:1-4; Ezekiel 4:1-3; Ezekiel 12:3-6,11; Ezekiel 24:15-24 Jeremiah 44:29-30; Luke 2:34; Philippians 1:28

Signs may warn God's people against rebellion

Numbers 17:10 See also Numbers 16:38; Numbers 26:10; Deuteronomy 28:45-46; 1 Samuel 2:34; Samuel 12:16-18

Signs may encourage faith

By giving guidance

1 Samuel 14:8-10 See also Genesis 24:10-14; Exodus 13:21-22; 2 Samuel 5:23-24 pp 1 Chronicles 14:14-15; Matthew 2:9-10

By giving assurance of God's presence

Judges 6:17-22 See also Genesis 28:10-17; Exodus 3:1-5

By encouraging the fearful and doubting

Isaiah 38:7-8 pp 2 Kings 20:8-11 pp 2 Chronicles 32:24 See also Deuteronomy 7:17-19; Judges 6:36-40; 2 Kings 6:15-17

Signs need hold no terror for the godly

Jeremiah 10:2 See also Matthew 24:6 pp Mark 13:7 pp Luke 21:9

Seeking signs

When seeking signs is acceptable to God

Isaiah 7:11 See also Judges 6:17; Isaiah 38:22

When seeking signs is condemnned by God

Matthew 16:1-4 pp Mark 8:11-12 See also Matthew 12:38-39 pp Luke 11:29; Luke 11:16; Luke 12:54-56; Luke 23:8; John 2:18; John 4:48; John 6:30; 1 Corinthians 1:22