Comprehensive List of Uses of Divine Power in the Old Testament

The Old Testament contains numerous examples of divine power manifested in various ways. These acts of power served to fulfill God's purposes, demonstrate His sovereignty, deliver His people, and guide them according to His will. Below is a comprehensive list of the different uses of power in the Old Testament, along with key examples and scripture references.

1. Power to Create

Scripture Reference:

Genesis 1-2: The creation of the universe, the earth, and all living things.

Explanation: God’s creative power is displayed in the opening chapters of Genesis, where He speaks the universe into existence. This power is foundational to all other displays of divine power in the Bible, as it establishes God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life.

2. Power to Perform Miracles

Scripture References:

Parting of the Red Sea: Exodus 14:21-22

Turning Water into Blood: Exodus 7:17-20

The Plagues of Egypt: Exodus 7-12

Manna from Heaven: Exodus 16:4-15

The Sun Standing Still: Joshua 10:12-14Elijah’s Fire from Heaven: 1 Kings 18:36-38

Elisha Purifies Water: 2 Kings 2:19-22

Explanation: Miracles in the Old Testament were often performed to demonstrate God’s power, deliver His people, and confirm His messengers. These miracles defied natural laws and served as signs of God’s direct intervention in human affairs.

3. Power to Deliver and Protect

Scripture References:

The Exodus from Egypt: Exodus 12-14

David and Goliath: 1 Samuel 17:45-50

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace: Daniel 3:16-27

Daniel in the Lion’s Den: Daniel 6:16-23

Explanation: God frequently displayed His power by delivering His people from their enemies and protecting them in impossible situations. These acts of deliverance highlighted God’s role as a protector and savior.

4. Power to Prophesy

Scripture References:

Isaiah’s Messianic Prophecies: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53

Jeremiah’s Prophecies of Judgment: Jeremiah 1:9-10; Jeremiah 25:8-11

Daniel’s Visions: Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 9:24-27

Prophecies of Balaam: Numbers 22-24

Explanation: Prophecy was a major way God communicated with His people in the Old Testament. Prophets were given the power to foretell future events, reveal God’s will, and call people to repentance. Their words were often accompanied by signs and wonders to authenticate their divine origin.

5. Power to Lead and Govern

Scripture References:

Moses Leading Israel: Exodus 3:10-12; Exodus 18:13-26

Joshua Leading the Conquest of Canaan: Joshua 1:1-9

Deborah as a Judge: Judges 4-5

Solomon’s Wisdom in Governance: 1 Kings 3:9-12

Explanation: God empowered certain individuals to lead and govern His people, providing them with wisdom, authority, and the ability to make just decisions. This power was crucial for maintaining order and guiding the nation according to God’s laws.

6. Power to Defeat Enemies

Scripture References:

The Defeat of Jericho: Joshua 6:1-20

Gideon’s Victory Over the Midianites: Judges 7:7-22

Samson’s Strength Against the Philistines: Judges 14:5-6; Judges 15:14-15

Jehoshaphat’s Victory Through Worship: 2 Chronicles 20:15-23

Explanation: God’s power was often displayed in military victories that defied the odds. These victories were not just about physical strength but about God’s intervention, often achieved through supernatural means or strategies that emphasized reliance on Him.

7. Power to Provide

Scripture References:

Manna and Quail in the Wilderness: Exodus 16:4-15; Numbers 11:31-32Water from the Rock: Exodus 17:5-7; Numbers 20:7-11

Elijah and the Widow’s Oil: 1 Kings 17:8-16

Elisha and the Multiplication of Bread: 2 Kings 4:42-44

Explanation: God provided for His people in miraculous ways, particularly in times of need. This provision often came in the form of food, water, or other necessities, demonstrating God’s care and faithfulness to sustain His people.

8. Power to Perform Superhuman Feats

Scripture References:

Samson’s Strength: Judges 14:5-6; Judges 16:28-30

Elijah Outrunning Ahab’s Chariot: 1 Kings 18:46

Joshua and the Sun Standing Still: Joshua 10:12-14

Explanation: Certain individuals were granted superhuman strength or abilities to accomplish God’s purposes. These feats were not due to natural ability but were the result of God’s Spirit empowering them for specific tasks.

9. Power to Bring Judgment

Scripture References:

The Flood: Genesis 6:17; Genesis 7:11-12

Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis 19:24-25

The Plagues of Egypt: Exodus 7-12

The Destruction of Jericho: Joshua 6:20-21

Prophetic Judgments through Jeremiah: Jeremiah 1:9-10; Jeremiah 25:8-11

Explanation: God’s power was often displayed in acts of judgment against sin and rebellion. These judgments served to demonstrate His holiness and justice, and to bring about repentance or fulfillment of His covenant promises.

10. Power to Bless and Curse

Scripture References:

Noah’s Blessing on Shem and Curse on Canaan: Genesis 9:25-27

Isaac Blessing Jacob: Genesis 27:27-29

Balaam’s Blessing Over Israel: Numbers 24:5-9

Explanation: Blessings and curses in the Old Testament were seen as powerful pronouncements that could shape the future of individuals and nations. These pronouncements were often made by patriarchs or prophets under divine inspiration and carried significant spiritual and material implications.

11. Power to Raise the Dead

Scripture References:

Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son: 1 Kings 17:17-24

Elisha Raises the Shunammite’s Son: 2 Kings 4:32-37

Explanation: In rare instances, God demonstrated His power over life and death by raising the dead through His prophets. These miracles were powerful signs of God’s authority over all creation and foreshadowed the resurrection power fully revealed in the New Testament.

12. Power to Curse Nature

Scripture References:

Moses Cursing the Nile River: Exodus 7:17-20

Elijah’s Drought: 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 18:1

Elisha Cursing the Boys: 2 Kings 2:23-24

Explanation: At times, God’s power was displayed through curses that affected nature, such as plagues or droughts. These acts served as judgments on sin or as signs to call people to repentance and obedience.

13. Power to Forgive and Restore

Scripture References:

David’s Repentance and Forgiveness: 2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51

Jonah’s Call to Nineveh and Their Repentance: Jonah 3:1-10

God’s Promise of Restoration through Jeremiah: Jeremiah 29:10-14

Explanation: God’s power is also seen in His ability to forgive sins and restore individuals or nations. This power is exercised when people turn to Him in repentance, as seen in the stories of David, the city of Nineveh, and Israel’s promised restoration after exile.

Summary

The Old Testament showcases a wide range of divine powers exercised by God and through His chosen servants. These include:

Creation and miracles to demonstrate God's sovereignty.

Deliverance, protection, and provision to care for and guide His people.

Prophecy and leadership to communicate His will and govern His people.

Judgment, blessings, and curses to enforce His justice and covenant.

Superhuman feats and the raising of the dead to display His control over life and nature.

Each manifestation of power served to fulfill God’s purposes, demonstrate His character, and guide His people according to His will. These examples provide a foundation for understanding how God works in the world and how His power is revealed in the lives of those who trust and obey Him.