In the Bible, “smitten” often refers to being struck down or afflicted by God or others, indicating punishment or suffering due to sin or disobedience. It can symbolize God’s judgment or the trials faced by individuals as a test of faith.
Scripture
12 “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.”
13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint for you a place to which he may flee.
14 But if a man willfully attacks another to kill him by cunning, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.
Biblical Meaning of “Smitten”
The term “smitten” in the Bible carries a multifaceted significance, often underscoring the consequences of sin and disobedience as well as the divine sovereignty of God in administering justice. For instance, in Isaiah 53:4, it is noted that “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.” Here, the idea of being smitten conveys not merely physical affliction but a profound spiritual and physical suffering, particularly in the context of Christ’s atonement for humanity’s sins. This highlights a central theme in scripture where suffering serves as a basis for redemption and grace, emphasizing God’s active role in both punishment and restoration.
Moreover, the concept of being smitten may also reflect the trials that serve to strengthen one’s faith and character. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul attests to this in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where he speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” which was given to him to keep him humble. His suffering, which he referred to as being “smitten,” taught him to rely on God’s grace rather than his own strength. Thus, the broader meaning of “smitten” embodies the duality of divine discipline and divine grace; it serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of sin while simultaneously inviting believers to trust in God’s purpose and strength through their trials. This rich theological theme permeates the scriptural narrative, portraying suffering as both a consequence and a pathway to spiritual growth and intimacy with God.
Further exploration of the term “smitten” reveals its implications not only in the context of individual suffering but also as part of communal experiences within the biblical narrative. The Israelites frequently faced calamities as a result of their collective disobedience to God, exemplified in the narratives of the plagues in Egypt or the Babylonian exile. In these instances, being smitten represents the weight of national sin and the resulting consequences that befall a society. Such moments underscore the importance of repentance and returning to God, demonstrating how a community, when stricken, should seek reconciliation with the Divine in hopes of restoration and mercy.
Additionally, the concept of being smitten can be interpreted through the lens of divine instruction and correction. In the book of Psalms, there are instances where God is portrayed as disciplining His people, allowing them to experience hardship as a means of leading them back to righteousness. This reflective quality of suffering conveys a sense of purpose; the pain inflicted is not arbitrary but serves as a divine intervention meant to awaken the hearts of the people to their spiritual state. Thus, the biblical meaning of “smitten” extends beyond mere punishment; it encapsulates the transformative potential of suffering as a call to repentance, a chance for renewal, and an opportunity for deeper communion with God as one endures life’s trials.
The Concept of Divine Judgment
In the Bible, the term “smitten” often conveys the idea of being struck down as a form of divine judgment. This can reflect God’s displeasure with sin or disobedience, where individuals or nations face consequences for their actions. The act of being smitten serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, illustrating the relationship between divine authority and human behavior.
Suffering and Affliction
Another broader meaning of “smitten” relates to the experience of suffering and affliction. In various contexts, being smitten can symbolize the trials and tribulations that individuals endure, whether as a result of personal circumstances or broader societal issues. This suffering is often portrayed as a means of spiritual growth or purification, emphasizing the transformative power of enduring hardship and the potential for redemption through faith.
The Role of Compassion and Healing
Lastly, the term “smitten” can also highlight the contrast between affliction and the possibility of healing. While being smitten indicates a state of suffering, it also opens the door to themes of compassion, mercy, and restoration. Many biblical narratives illustrate how God or others respond to those who are smitten with care and healing, reinforcing the idea that even in moments of despair, there is hope for renewal and reconciliation.
How to Embrace Faith Amidst Suffering and Judgment
Embracing faith amidst suffering and judgment can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s in these very moments that our faith can deepen and transform us. When we face trials, it’s essential to remember that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence but often a pathway to greater intimacy with Him. Reflect on the stories of Job or Paul, who found strength and purpose in their struggles. Allow yourself to feel the pain, but don’t let it define you; instead, turn to prayer, scripture, and community for support. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can uplift you and remind you of God’s promises. In moments of judgment, whether from others or ourselves, lean into God’s grace, which assures us that we are loved and accepted despite our flaws. Trust that God is working all things for good, and let that hope guide you through the darkness, knowing that your faith can shine brightest when the world feels heavy.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Smitten”:
Leviticus 26:23-25: 23 “And if by this discipline you are not turned to me but walk contrary to me,
24 then I also will walk contrary to you, and I myself will strike you sevenfold for your sins.
25 And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall execute vengeance for the covenant. And if you gather within your cities, I will send pestilence among you, and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.
Deuteronomy 28:22-24: 22 The Lord will strike you with wasting disease and with fever, inflammation and fiery heat, and with drought and with blight and with mildew. They shall pursue you until you perish.
23 And the heavens over your head shall be bronze, and the earth under you shall be iron.
24 The Lord will make the rain of your land powder. From heaven dust shall come down on you until you are destroyed.
2 Samuel 12:15-18: 15 Then Nathan went to his house.
16 David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.
17 And the elders of his house stood beside him, to raise him from the ground, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them.
18 On the seventh day the child died. But the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.”
2 Kings 15:5-7: 5 And the Lord touched the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death, and he lived in a separate house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the household, governing the people of the land.
6 Now the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?
7 And Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and Jotham his son reigned in his place.
Isaiah 53:4-6: 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Jeremiah 14:17-19: 17 “You shall say to them this word:
‘Let my eyes run down with tears night and day,
and let them not cease,
for the virgin daughter of my people is shattered with a great wound,
with a very grievous blow.
18 If I go out into the field,
behold, those pierced by the sword!
And if I enter the city,
behold, the diseases of famine!
For both prophet and priest ply their trade through the land
and have no knowledge.
19 Have you utterly rejected Judah?
Does your soul loathe Zion?
Why have you struck us down
so that there is no healing for us?
We looked for peace, but no good came;
for a time of healing, but behold, terror.
Lamentations 3:30-33: 30 let him give his cheek to the one who strikes,
and let him be filled with insults.
31 For the Lord will not cast off forever,
32 Though he cause grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
33 for he does not afflict from his heart
or grieve the children of men.
Ezekiel 7:9-11: 9 And my eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. I will punish you according to your ways, while your abominations are in your midst. Then you will know that I am the Lord, who strikes.
10 “Behold, the day! Behold, it comes! Your doom has come; the rod has blossomed; pride has budded.
11 Violence has grown up into a rod of wickedness. None of them shall remain, nor their abundance, nor their wealth; neither shall there be preeminence among them.
Hosea 6:1-3: 1 “Come, let us return to the Lord;
for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.”
2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.
3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.
Zechariah 13:7-9: 7 “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,
against the man who stands next to me,”
declares the Lord of hosts.
“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;
I will turn my hand against the little ones.
8 In the whole land, declares the Lord, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive.
9 And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’
Matthew 26:31-32: 31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.
Luke 22:63-65: 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him.
64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?”
65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.
Acts 7:51-54: 51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”
Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
You who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
Revelation 8:12-13: 12 The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night.
13 Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.