High Height

The last theological issue in the Old Testament that we will like to examine is the question of theodicy. How can we account for the evil, wickedness, sin, pain and suffering experienced by people of the Old Testament who belong to Yahweh who is great, powerful and good?

How do we explain: The bitterness that made many of the Psalmists to cry and agonize to God? The tragedy that Naomi experienced in Moab described in the book of Ruth? The destruction of Jerusalem that led to the writing of the book of Lamentations? The afflictions of Job who was blameless, upright and God-fearing?

The Christian explanation of the problem of evil in the world is part of the doctrine of providence. According to NIV Disciple’s Study Bible (1988, 1737), providence is “God’s care for and guidance if His creation against all opposition.” Theologically, evil is usually classified either as moral (sin) or physical (natural). Sin has come into the world as a result of the disobedience of man. Sin is not part of the things that God created

originally. Physical evil are natural disasters like floods, whirlwinds and earthquakes.

In the experience of Old Testament people we see the reality and mystery of evil. Naomi experienced bitterness and tragedy of loss of husband and children. Job suffered loss of children, health and material possessions. We also see the mystery of evil in the fact that many times we do not know why people suffer pain. The secret of evil appears to be in the mind of God and it is beyond human reason. Job and his comforters did not know that Satan was responsible for his affliction.

We like the Old Testament characters do not always understand why we suffer calamity today.

We do know that pain warns us of danger in our body system. Suffering makes us to depend upon the Lord. However, in spite of such explanation, evil can not be justified. Christian response to the problem of evil includes the following: One, the biblical perspective does not necessarily resolve the mystery of evil, but a declaration and assurance of certainty of victory over all kinds and manifestations of evil in human experience. Two, the presence of evil in the world does not question the power and sovereignty of God. We must not misinterpret God. The world may be evil, wicked and bitter. God is always good and sweet.

The author of Lamentations affirmed the goodness of God in the face of their suffering occasioned by the destruction of Jerusalem (Lam.

3:22-23). That is victory over the problem of evil in the world.

Steadfast, stubborn faith in God in the face of trials and tribulation now will give us total victory over evil some day.

Self-Assessment Exercise 3.5

Give a Christian and biblical response to the mystery of evil.

4.0 CONCLUSION

A critical study of the Old Testament raises some theological questions.

The following are some of the conclusions from a critical reflection on some of such issues:

God has the freedom and power to act as he wills. Our response is to worship, obey and submit to God

The doctrine of creation and the scientific theory of evolution are not necessarily alternative, contradictory but complimentary explanation of the origin of creation.

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Possibility of miracles is very consistent with the doctrine of sovereignty of God. Science and philosophy can not successfully deny the supernatural events of life.

The holy war that Yahweh declared, fought and won in the Old Testament is part of his redemptive plan for the world and does not justify any modern warfare.

In the Old Testament we see the reality and mystery of evil. Biblical revelation is not theoretical justification for suffering but practical affirmation of victory over evil.

5.0 SUMMARY

In this unit we have examined some theological issues in our study of critical introduction to the Old Testament. Questions have been raised about the sovereignty of God, creation and evolution, miracles, the ethics of the holy war and the problem of evil. Attempt has been made to reflect critically, respond to and answer those issues.

What I have done in this course is to introduce you to a critical study of the Bible. You will take another course on a critical introduction to New Testament. I urge you then to remain committed to the prayerful study of the word of God. May it please the Lord to use these efforts to give you a better understanding of the biblical revelation to bless your life and to enrich your Christian work. God bless you.

6.0

TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS

Write a concise theological essay on The Problem of Evil from the Perspective of the Old Testament.

7.0 REFERENCES AND OTHER SOURCES

Youngblood, Ronald (1971) The Heart of the Old Testament, pp.

17-26.

Alexander, David and Pat (1983) The Lion Handbook to the Bible, pp.

127-130.

The NIV Study Bible (1995), pp. 284.

Milne, Bruce (1998) Know the Truth England: Intervarsity Press, pp.

80-112.

NIV Disciple’s Study Bible (1988), pp. 221-227; 263, 1736-1737.

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