Divine Providence and Human Affliction in Scripture
Divine Providence and Human Affliction in Scripture
The concept of divine providence is deeply intertwined with the understanding of human affliction in Scripture. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, divine providence refers to God's preserving and governing all things by means of second causes [1]. This understanding is rooted in various biblical passages, such as Psalms 18:35 and Acts 17:28, which highlight God's active involvement in the world.
In the context of human affliction, Scripture presents a complex and multifaceted view. Afflictions are described as a common lot for humanity, particularly for the righteous (Job 5:7; 14:1). However, these afflictions are not without purpose; they are appointed by God for the good of His people (James 1:2-3; 2 Corinthians 12:7) and for His glory (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Peter 4:14). Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that God appoints, dispenses, and regulates the measure of afflictions, underscoring His sovereignty over human suffering [2].
The biblical narrative also emphasizes the role of sin in producing affliction (Job 4:8; Proverbs 1:31). According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, sin is visited with affliction as a consequence of the fall (Genesis 3:16-19) [2]. This understanding is echoed in the writings of John Gill on 2 Corinthians 4:16, where he notes that afflictions are a part of the Christian experience, appointed by God for their good [4].
The Psalms frequently express the cry of the afflicted, calling upon God to look upon their suffering and deliver them (Psalms 25:18; 31:7; 119:149). John Gill's commentary on Psalms 119:149 highlights the psalmist's plea for God to consider his affliction and deliver him, underscoring the believer's trust in God's providential care [6].
The relationship between divine providence and human affliction is further nuanced by the understanding that God is not the author of evil, but rather works all things, including afflictions, for the ultimate good of His people (Romans 8:28). As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown note on 2 Thessalonians 3:5, the Christian's hope is rooted in the patience and endurance exemplified by Christ, even in the face of affliction [5].
The biblical understanding of divine providence and human affliction is thus characterized by a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of suffering. As Psalms 31:7 affirms, "I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction" [3]. This trust is grounded in the conviction that God's providence extends to all aspects of human life, guiding and governing all things for the ultimate good of His people.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Providence — Literally means foresight, but is generally used to denote God's preserving and governing all things by means of second causes (Ps. 18:35; 63:8; Acts 17:28; Col. 1:17; Heb. 1:3). God's providence extends to the natural world (Ps. 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the brute creation (Ps. 104:21-29; Matt. 6:26; 10:29), and the affairs of men (1 Chr. 16:31; Ps. 47:7; Prov. 21:1; Job 12:23; Dan. 2:21; 4:25), and of individuals (1 Sam. 2:6; Ps. 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15). It extends also to the free actions of men (Ex. 12:36; 1 Sam. 24:9-15; Ps. 33:14, 15; ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Afflictions — God appoints -- 2Ki 6:33; Job 5:6,17; Ps 66:11; Am 3:6; Mic 6:9. God dispenses, as He will -- Job 11:10; Isa 10:15; 45:7. God regulates the measure of -- Ps 80:5; Isa 9:1; Jer 46:28. God determines the continuance of -- Ge 15:13,14; Nu 14:33; Isa 10:25; Jer 29:10. God does not willingly send -- La 3:33. Man is born to -- Job 5:6,7; 14:1. Saints appointed to -- 1Th 3:3. Consequent upon the fall -- Ge 3:16-19. Sin produces -- Job 4:8; 20:11; Pr 1:31. Sin visited with -- 2Sa 12:14; Ps 89:30-32; Isa 57:17; Ac 13:10,11. Often severe -- Job 16:7-16; Ps 42:7; ”
- Psalms “I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities. -- Psalms 31:7”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 4:16: For our light affliction,.... The difference between the present and future state of the saints is here expressed, the disparity between them shown, and the influence the one has upon the other. The present state is a state of "affliction". Affliction is the common lot of the children of men, but more especially of the children of God, and is here designed by "our" affliction; for these, besides their soul trouble, meet with such in the world, and from the men of it, others do not. Afflictions are appointed for them by their heavenly Father; provision is made f”
- 2 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Thessalonians 3:5: If "the Lord" be here the Holy Ghost (Co2 3:17), the three Persons of the Trinity will occur in this verse. love of God--love to God. patient waiting for Christ--rather as Greek, "the patience (endurance) of Christ," namely, which Christ showed [ALFORD] (Th2 2:4; Th1 1:3). ESTIUS, however, supports English Version (compare Rev 1:9; Rev 3:10). At all events, this grace, "patience," or persevering endurance, is connected with the "hope" (Th1 1:3, Th1 1:10) of Christ's coming. In ALFORD'S translation we may compare Heb 12:1-2, "Run with patien”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:149: RESH.--The Twentieth Part. RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me,.... Or, "look upon mine affliction" (e); as in Psa 25:18. The Lord seems as if he did not, when he does not grant his gracious presence to his people; or does not arise to the help and deliverance of them so soon as they desire and expect: but he always sees and beholds their afflictions; he cannot do otherwise, since he is the omniscient God; and not only so, but he is the author, appointer, and orderer of them; yea, he looks upon them with an eye of pity and compassion, which is what is ”