OT Promise 37: None of these Diseases

  1. None of these diseases

Exodua15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

This conditional promise is limited to the time and the people who are at that moment involved in the Exodus Salvation Event. The condition is fourfold: 1) if you listen to the Lord; 2) if you do that which is right; 3) if you hear the commandments; 4) and if you keep the laws of God, then God will not put on you the plagues of the Egyptians. None of the ten plagues with which Egypt was judged will come upon you. I am the Lord that heals you.

This promise actually came true for a period of time in the wilderness wanderings of Israel. For over 40 years the weary nomadic life of Israel did not make those under 40 years old sick or die. The Lord even provided water when they were thirsty, manna and quail when they were hungry, and defeat of enemy raiders when they were attacked. However, to prove the conditionality of the promise, when the people rebelled, complained and disbelieved God sent judgments like opening the earth, giving leprosy, sending poisonous snakes, sending out consuming fire, and attacking those who presumed to enter the land against God’s warning not to do so. These judgments came when they did not keep the conditions of faith and obedience.

God’s provision and care and healing for the people were nevertheless given as promised when they listened and obeyed. Even Moses did not grow old and weak over all the years. However, he was not allowed to enter the Land for his presumption. And according to God’s judgment on unbelief, all those over 40 years old who did not believe were judged with death in the wilderness. All those under 40 lived well until the time was up. Their clothing and shoes did not even wear out for all that time.

The God who is with them is the God who heals those who believe and obey. No one is able to believe and live perfectly all the time, except for Jesus, so the condition is not satisfied. Sin happens; diseases happen; death happens. Jesus takes it all away and grants a perfectly healthy life in eternity, where there will be no more sorrow, sickness, death or tears. And there is the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Perfect health and full life will come as promised to all believers in Christ. Meanwhile, God does heal, but He does not promise healing all the time while we wander in the wilderness of the world.