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Divine Providence and Human Suffering in Scripture

Divine providence refers to God's continuous activity in preserving and governing all things through secondary causes [1]. This concept encompasses God's care over the natural world, animal creation, and the affairs of humanity, including the lives of individuals and their free actions [1, 2]. The Bible illustrates God's providence extending to the natural world (Psalm 104:14; 135:5-7; Acts 14:17), the animal kingdom (Psalm 104:21-29; Matthew 6:26; 10:29), and human events (1 Chronicles 16:31; Psalm 47:7; Proverbs 21:1; Job 12:23; Daniel 2:21; 4:25) [1]. It also includes specific individuals (1 Samuel 2:6; Psalm 18:30; Luke 1:53; James 4:13-15) [1].

The concept of providence is closely linked to God's long-suffering, which is presented as a core aspect of His character (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 86:15) [3]. This divine long-suffering is intended to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) and is exercised toward both His people (Isaiah 30:18; Ezekiel 20:17) and the wicked (Romans 9:22; 1 Peter 3:20) [3]. However, there are limits to God's long-suffering (Genesis 6:3; Jeremiah 44:22), and those who abuse or despise it will face punishment (Ecclesiastes 8:11; Matthew 24:48,49; Romans 2:5) [3].

Human suffering, within the framework of divine providence, is a complex topic in Scripture. The Bible acknowledges that suffering is a reality for humanity (Psalm 31:9) [8]. Christians are instructed to expect trials, especially when seeking to live godly lives, as the world can be hostile to such endeavors (John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:17; Philippians 1:29) [10]. The Apostle Peter advises believers not to be surprised by fiery trials, viewing them as an inevitable part of their experience [10].

One perspective on suffering is that evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions (Proverbs 1:31), and God ensures that sinners receive appropriate punishment (Matthew 25:44-46; Hebrews 10:29; 2 Peter 2:9) [12]. However, suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin. The book of Job, for instance, challenges the idea that suffering is solely a consequence of individual wrongdoing [9].

The New Testament also addresses suffering in the context of Christ's example. Jesus, in his human nature, experienced infirmities and afflictions, which enabled him to empathize with and succor those who are tried [6, 13, 14]. His suffering was necessary for his mediatorial office (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:17) [6]. Believers are called to endure sorrows even when suffering unjustly, recognizing that such endurance, when done out of consciousness of God, finds favor (1 Peter 2:19) [5]. Paul's own ministry exemplified this, as he endured hardships and even blessed those who cursed him, aligning with Jesus' teaching (Matthew 5:44-45; Romans 12:14, 17-21; 1 Corinthians 4:12) [11].

The concept of "dispensations of Providence" refers to the ways God carries out His purposes toward humanity, often seen as stages in His unfolding plan of grace [4]. Josephus, in his Antiquities of the Jews, reflects on divine providence, noting how it distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, and ensures the accomplishment of prophecy [7].

Sources

  1. 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; ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Providence of God, The — Is his care over his works -- Ps 145:9. Is exercised in Preserving his creatures. -- Ne 9:6; Ps 36:6; Mt 10:29. Providing for his creatures. -- Ps 104:27,28; 136:25; 147:9; Mt 6:26. The special preservation of saints. -- Ps 37:28; 91:11; Mt 10:30. Prospering saints. -- Ge 24:48,56. Protecting saints. -- Ps 91:4; 140:7. Delivering saints. -- Ps 91:3; Isa 31:5. Leading saints. -- De 8:2,15; Isa 31:5. Leading saints. -- De 8:2,15; Isa 63:12. Bringing His words to pass. -- Nu 26:65; Jos 21:45; Lu 21:32,33. Ordering the ways of men. -- Pr 16:9; 19”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
  4. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Dispensation — (Gr. oikonomia, "management," "economy"). (1.) The method or scheme according to which God carries out his purposes towards men is called a dispensation. There are usually reckoned three dispensations, the Patriarchal, the Mosaic or Jewish, and the Christian. (See [160]COVENANT, Administration of.) These were so many stages in God's unfolding of his purpose of grace toward men. The word is not found with this meaning in Scripture. (2.) A commission to preach the gospel (1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25). Dispensations of Providence are providenti”
  5. I Peter “I Peter 2:19 (LEB) — For this finds favor, if because of consciousness of God someone endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
  7. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, CHAPTER 15, section 19: that although Ahab hoped Jehoshaphat would be mistaken for him, and run the only risk of being slain in the battle, yet he was entirely disappointed, while still the escape of the good man Jehoshaphat, and the slaughter of the bad man Ahab, demonstrated the great distinction that Divine providence made betwixt them.] 44 (return) [ We have here a very wise reflection of Josephus about Divine Providence, and what is derived from it, prophecy, and the inevitable certainty of its accomplishment; and that when wicked men think they ”
  8. Psalms “Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief. -- Psalms 31:9”
  9. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 21:7: The answer is Rom 2:4; Ti1 1:16; Psa 73:18; Ecc 8:11-13; Luk 2:35-end; Pro 16:4; Rom 9:22. old--in opposition to the friends who asserted that sinners are "cut off" early (Job 8:12, Job 8:14).”
  10. 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
  11. 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 4:12: 4:12 We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18; Acts 18:3; 20:33-35). • We bless those who curse us: Paul’s response was in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matt 5:44-45; cp. Rom 12:14, 17-21).”
  12. Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 1:31: 1:31 Evil people suffer the consequences of their own actions (see 1:15-19); God will ensure that sinners receive their proper punishment (see Matt 25:44-46; Heb 10:29; 2 Pet 2:9).”
  13. Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 2:18: For in that he himself hath suffered - The maxim on which this verse is founded is the following: A state of suffering disposes persons to be compassionate, and those who endure most afflictions are they who feel most for others. The apostle argues that, among other causes, it was necessary that Jesus Christ should partake of human nature, exposed to trials, persecutions, and various sufferings, that he might the better feel for and be led to succor those who are afflicted and sorely tried. This sentiment is well expressed by a Roman poet: - Me quoque per multas s”
  14. Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 5:7: Who in the days of his flesh - The time of his incarnation, during which he took all the infirmities of human nature upon him, and was afflicted in his body and human soul just as other men are, irregular and sinful passions excepted. Offered up prayers and supplications - This is one of the most difficult places in this epistle, if not in the whole of the New Testament. The labors of learned men upon it have been prodigious; and even in their sayings it is hard to find the meaning. I shall take a general view of this and the two following verses, and then examine t”
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