Doctor, medicine and therapy in the Old Testament

Abstract

In the books of the Old Testament there are several references to the person who provides healing and to cases of illness or advice for the care of the sick. The presence of disease is often correlated with the reality of sin (especially in the prophetic books), just as the absence of disease and infirmity is a true eschatological symbol of universal restoration, when no man will suffer from disease. The Holy Scripture, especially the Old Testament, describes numerous occasions when God brought plagues and sickness upon His people or upon His enemies “to make you see My power” (Exodus 9:14, 16). At the same time, the healing power of God is made manifest when the people as a whole or a particular virtuous person is in a state of illness.