Plagues in the Old Testament

Abstract

In the Old Testament, plagues are described not as a natural phenomenon but as being brought from God to humans as well as animals. They are exclusively associated with God Yahweh. As a manifestation of the power of God, a plague was one of the most serious disasters for the ancient Israelites. Along with war and famine, plagues were a typical cause of suffering. With the development of monotheism and the understanding of Yahweh as the unique god, plagues were frequently and increasingly considered to be caused by mankind's own sin. It was exclusively a punishment for failing to adhere to the law of God Yahweh. At the same time, the Old Testament was aware of the fundamental problem of this connection between act and retribution. As plagues keep reminding us of our limitations as human beings, it is an undeniable reality that epidemics weigh heavier on socially disadvantaged people. It is our own responsibility to redress this social inequality.