The event of healing is a significant theme throughout the Bible, demonstrating God's power, compassion, and authority over physical and spiritual ailments. Healing serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and His desire for the wholeness of His creation. This entry explores various instances and aspects of healing as recorded in the Scriptures.

Old Testament Healings

In the Old Testament, healing is often associated with God's covenant relationship with Israel. One of the earliest references to healing is found in Exodus 15:26, where God declares, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you."

The healing of Naaman, the Syrian commander, in 2 Kings 5 is a notable event. Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, is instructed by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Upon obedience, "his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy" (2 Kings 5:14). This event underscores the power of God working through His prophets and the importance of faith and obedience.

Healing in the Psalms and Prophets

The Psalms frequently speak of God's healing power. Psalm 103:2-3 praises God, saying, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases." The prophets also speak of healing, often in the context of spiritual restoration. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies about the suffering servant, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

New Testament Healings

The New Testament presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate healer, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and demonstrating His divine authority. The Gospels are replete with accounts of Jesus healing the sick, blind, lame, and demon-possessed. In Matthew 4:23, it is recorded, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people."

One of the most profound healing events is the raising of Lazarus from the dead in John 11. Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25), before calling Lazarus out of the tomb, demonstrating His power over death itself.

The Apostolic Era

After Jesus' ascension, the apostles continued His healing ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. Peter declares, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6), and the man is instantly healed, leaping and praising God.

The apostle Paul also performed healings, as seen in Acts 19:11-12, where "God did extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them."

Theological Significance

Healing in the Bible is not merely physical but often symbolizes spiritual restoration and salvation. It points to the ultimate healing found in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life and reconciliation with God. The event of healing serves as a foretaste of the complete restoration promised in the new creation, where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).

Throughout Scripture, healing is a manifestation of God's kingdom breaking into the world, revealing His compassion and inviting humanity to faith and repentance.