Diagnoses and Treatments of Diseases in the Old Testament: A Panacea for the 21st Century Christians to Emulate to Enhance Healthy Development
Ishaya Mallo, Makpu
Department of Religious Studies,
Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Email: makpuishayamakpu@ gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The research examines the causes, diagnoses and treatment of diseases in the Old Testament Israel. In the pre-scientific societies, diseases which are changes in living bodies of animals or plants that interferes with normal functions were believed to be caused by God and complex interactions between gods, malevolent spirits, witchcraft, offended ancestors, natural phenomenon and poor hygiene. The act of diagnosing in the Old Testament was left in hands of priests and prophets who in turn determine whether or not a person should be quarantined from the community and administered purification rites for the malady. Also there were some illegitimate health care that due to difficulties in obtaining services at the only legitimate temple of God. However, Yahweh was considered the sole healer and prayers to him was probably the most lawful option: petition, therapeutic (that is the use of herbs, mandrakes, figs, balm of Gilead), and thanksgiving. However, those who felt marginalised sort health care from physicians of non-Yahwistic shrines, through a variety of sorcerers. A move condemned by all standards, as being in variance to absolute dependence on God and the use of natural herbs as prescribed in the cult.
Keywords: Diagnosis, Treatment, Diseases, Emulate, Healthy Development.
