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The term "afflicts" in the Bible often refers to the experience of suffering, distress, or hardship that individuals or groups endure. This concept is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the human condition and the divine purposes behind such experiences.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, affliction is frequently depicted as a consequence of sin or disobedience to God's commandments. For instance, inDeuteronomy 28:15, the Israelites are warned that if they do not obey the Lord, curses, including various forms of affliction, will come upon them: "But if you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you."

Affliction is also seen as a tool used by God to discipline and refine His people. InPsalm 119:67, the psalmist acknowledges, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word." Here, affliction serves as a corrective measure, bringing the believer back to a path of righteousness.

Moreover, affliction is sometimes portrayed as a test of faith. The account of Job is a prime example, where Job's severe afflictions test his faithfulness and integrity. Despite his suffering, Job remains steadfast, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and justice.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, affliction continues to be a significant theme, particularly in the context of persecution for the sake of Christ. Jesus Himself warns His followers of the trials they will face: "In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Here, affliction is presented as an expected part of the Christian journey, yet believers are encouraged to find hope in Christ's victory.

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the topic of affliction in his epistles. In2 Corinthians 4:17, he writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison." Paul emphasizes that afflictions, though challenging, are temporary and serve a greater purpose in the believer's spiritual growth and eternal reward.

Divine Compassion and Deliverance

Throughout the Bible, God's compassion for the afflicted is evident.Psalm 34:19 assures, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all." This verse highlights God's faithfulness in delivering His people from their troubles, reinforcing the belief that affliction is not without hope or resolution.

The Bible also encourages believers to support and comfort those who are afflicted. In2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." This passage underscores the communal aspect of enduring affliction, where believers are called to extend God's comfort to others.

Conclusion

The concept of affliction in the Bible serves multiple purposes, including discipline, testing, and spiritual growth. While affliction is a reality of the human experience, Scripture consistently points to God's sovereignty, compassion, and ultimate deliverance for those who trust in Him.

Chastisement
... But he does not punish the believer on his own account, it is on the Christian's
account, to do him good, Heafflicts him for his profit, he lays on the rod...

You have Therefore the Will of My God. ...
... burned, and pulled and bitten, is not on that account an evil, for it occasions
helpful pains; nor will it be refused merely because itafflicts, but because...

Letter xxii. --To Bear with Oneself.
... as imperfect. All thisafflicts the soul, overwhelms the heart and casts
you into sadness, distrust and discouragement. This is...

The Justice of God
... of Austin, Judicia Dei possum esse occulta, non injusta; God's ways of judgement
are sometimes secret, but never unjust.' The Lord neverafflicts his people...

The Loved Ones Chastened
... They have been apt to think, that if God lifts a man up there must be some excellence
in him; and if he chastens andafflicts, they are generally led to think...

On the Feast of St Mary Magdalene
... Verily, this should not and ought not so to be; for our dear Lord, in His great
love and mercy towards His chosen ones,afflicts and crucifies them unceasingly...

On the Public Shows.
... As it greatly saddens me, and deeplyafflicts my soul, when no opportunity of writing
to you is presented to me, for it is my loss not to hold converse with you...

Sermon xxvii.
... Here Providence oftenafflicts even the most pious; while the licentious, and proud,
and oppressive, are, perhaps, suffered to enjoy uninterrupted prosperity....

Of Meditating on the Future Life.
... advantages of married life, he either vexes them by the misconduct of their partners,
or humbles them by the wickedness of their children, orafflicts them by...

Intercessory Prayer
... God doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men for nought, and he
shows this by the fact that he neverafflicts them longer than there is a...

Afflicts (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceAfflicts (1 Occurrence). Zechariah 14:18 If the family
of Egypt doesn't go up, and doesn't come, neither will it rain on them....

Afflictions (24 Occurrences)

Grief (252 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Cause of sorrow or pain; that whichafflicts or distresses; trial; grievance.
3. (a.) Physical pain, or a cause of it; malady. Int....

Worm (22 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Same as Vermes. 7. (n.) An internal tormentor; something that gnaws orafflicts
one's mind with remorse. 8. (n.) A being debased and despised....

Trouble (477 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) That which gives disturbance, annoyance, or vexation; that whichafflicts.
7. (n.) A fault or interruption in a stratum. Multi-Version Concordance...

Troubler (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who troubles or disturbs; one whoafflicts or
molests; a disturber; as, a troubler of the peace. Multi-Version Concordance...

Trial (45 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) That which tries orafflicts; that which harasses; that which tries the
character or principles; that which tempts to evil; as, his child's conduct was...

Athaliah (17 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom Godafflicts. (1.) The daughter of Ahab and
Jezebel, and the wife of Jehoram, king of Judah (2 Kings...

Affluence (1 Occurrence)

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