Topical Encyclopedia Medicine, as a field of study and practice, is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. While the Bible does not explicitly outline modern medical practices, it contains numerous references to health, healing, and the care of the body, reflecting an understanding of medicine in the ancient world.Biblical References to Healing and Medicine The Bible frequently mentions healing, both as a divine act and through natural means. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as the ultimate healer. Exodus 15:26 states, "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 use of natural remedies is also noted. For instance, in Isaiah 38:21, a poultice of figs is applied to Hezekiah's boil, leading to his recovery. This suggests an understanding of medicinal treatments using available resources. Role of Physicians Physicians are mentioned in the Bible, though their role is sometimes viewed with skepticism. In 2 Chronicles 16:12, King Asa is criticized for relying solely on physicians rather than seeking the LORD's help: "In the thirty-ninth year of his reign, Asa was afflicted with a disease in his feet. Though his disease was severe, even in his illness he did not seek help from the LORD, but only from the physicians." However, the New Testament presents a more balanced view. Jesus acknowledges the role of physicians in Luke 5:31, saying, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." This indicates an acceptance of medical practice as part of God's provision for health. Healing Miracles The New Testament is replete with accounts of Jesus' healing miracles, which demonstrate His divine authority and compassion. These acts of healing are not only physical but also spiritual, pointing to the holistic nature of health in biblical thought. For example, in Matthew 9:35, Jesus is described as going "through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness." The apostles also performed healing miracles, as seen in Acts 3:6-8, where Peter heals a lame man in the name of Jesus Christ. These miracles served as signs of the inbreaking of God's kingdom and the restoration of creation. Anointing and Prayer The practice of anointing with oil and prayer for the sick is encouraged in the New Testament. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." This passage highlights the importance of faith and community in the healing process, suggesting that spiritual care is integral to physical healing. Conclusion While the Bible does not provide a comprehensive medical manual, it offers principles that underscore the value of health, the legitimacy of medical practice, and the importance of seeking God's guidance in matters of healing. The integration of faith and medicine reflects a holistic approach to health, recognizing both divine intervention and human responsibility in the care of the body. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 8:22Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 5:26 Library Paracelsus {13} Scientific Education: Notes of an After-Dinner Speech. Christ's Explanations of Demonism Purely Spiritual. --His ... The Object of Theology When a Man is Asked to Write Down what He Really Thinks on ... Whether Habits are Distinguished by their Objects? Greek-Amerikan-Christian-Association The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ... Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ... Appendix Resources What is Religious Science? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Spirit Science? | GotQuestions.org Do faith in God and science contradict? | GotQuestions.org Science: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Science: Observations of, and Deductions From, Facts Sciences: History and Chronology Related Terms |
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