What Afflicted Reveals About God's Character

What is an Afflicted Person?

In biblical terms, an afflicted person is one enduring suffering, oppression, or hardship, often within God's redemptive purpose.

The psalmist frequently uses 'afflicted' to describe those in distress, as seen in Psalm 22:24, which states, 'For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.' Similarly, Isaiah 53:3 refers to the 'Suffering Servant' as one who 'was despised and rejected by others, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,' highlighting how affliction can be part of a divine vocation.

Understanding affliction in Scripture invites reflection on how suffering intersects with faith, justice, and God's ultimate redemption, preparing readers for deeper exploration of related themes.

Biblical Examples of Affliction

The Bible illustrates affliction as a recurring theme affecting both individuals and communities, often prompting divine intervention.

Psalm 22:6 portrays David’s personal anguish, as he declares, 'I am a worm and not a man,' underscoring the vulnerability of the afflicted. Isaiah 53:3 describes the Suffering Servant as 'a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,' linking affliction to a redemptive role in God’s plan. Exodus 2:23 records the collective suffering of Israel under Egyptian bondage, prompting God to 'remember his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.' These passages reveal affliction as a context for testing faith, demonstrating solidarity, and initiating divine rescue.

Such examples establish a pattern where affliction, whether personal or communal, is met with God’s attentive care, setting the stage for deeper reflection on suffering’s purpose in Scripture.

The Purpose of Affliction in Scripture

The Bible presents affliction as a multifaceted element within God’s sovereign plan, revealing both His testing of faith and His redemptive intentions.

One key purpose of affliction is to test and refine faith, as seen in Job 1:21-22 where Job responds to devastating loss with worship, declaring, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' This passage illustrates affliction as a context for spiritual growth rather than divine punishment.

Affliction also functions as divine discipline, reflecting God’s fatherly care for His people. Hebrews 12:5-6 states, 'And have you forgotten the exhortation from the Lord, my son, regard not lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary of his reproof; for the Lord disciplines him whom he loves...' This framework positions suffering as a corrective tool that fosters holiness and maturity.

Scripture frames affliction within God’s redemptive purposes, as Isaiah 53:4-5 declares, 'Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows... by his wounds we are healed.' This passage underscores how suffering, when aligned with God’s will, becomes a vehicle for communal restoration and divine glory.

How to Read Affliction Correctly

To understand biblical affliction, readers must engage with its ancient context, theological nuances, and redemptive implications as revealed in Scripture.

In the ancient Near East, affliction often signaled divine displeasure or social marginalization, yet Scripture reframes it as a space where God’s character is revealed. The Bible distinguishes between physical suffering, as seen in the psalmist’s lament (Psalm 22:24), and spiritual trials that test faith, as in Job’s steadfastness. This distinction invites readers to discern whether affliction arises from external hardship or internal spiritual conflict.

Isaiah 53:3, which describes the Suffering Servant as ‘a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,’ links affliction to messianic hope, showing how suffering can bear redemptive fruit. Modern readers should approach affliction by seeking to understand its context, trusting in God’s presence, and recognizing its potential to align with His broader purposes of redemption.

Going Deeper

To deepen our understanding of affliction in Scripture, it’s helpful to explore related concepts like the 'Suffering Servant' in Isaiah 53:3 and the New Testament’s use of 'tribulation' in contexts of faith testing.

Comparing Old Testament portrayals of affliction as divine testing (Psalm 22:24) with New Testament teachings on enduring suffering as redemptive (Hebrews 12:5-6) reveals how the biblical narrative frames hardship within God’s overarching plan of salvation.