We’ve all asked it in hard times: “Was it something I did to deserve this?” This question comes from a very human place. We’ve learned that every action has a reaction, and our choices lead to consequences. But what if we’re applying our human logic to a divine principle? The nature of this question often stems from a misunderstanding of how God works. There are two key biblical terms we need to explore: punishment and affliction.

Understanding Punishment vs. Affliction

In the Bible, punishment is a direct consequence for a specific, known sin. It’s an act of divine justice. Affliction, on the other hand, is a hardship or trial that is not necessarily a direct consequence of a personal sin. It’s a tool God uses to bring about revelation or change for a greater purpose.

My Personal Journey: Why Did God Afflict Pharaoh?

I wrestled with a question for weeks that wouldn’t leave me: “Why did God punish Pharaoh for Abram’s lack of transparency?” It seemed so unfair. As I studied the account in Genesis 12, I realized I was misusing the word “punishment.” God did not punish Pharaoh. If we go back to the definition, it couldn’t be a punishment because Pharaoh did not know he was doing wrong. In my reading, I found that many translations, like the ESV, say that God “afflicted” Pharaoh. This distinction changed everything for me.

A Case Study in Affliction: Pharaoh’s Plagues

Affliction is a hardship or trial with a purpose. God sent plagues upon Pharaoh’s household not to punish him for a sin he unknowingly committed, but to bring about a revelation. Why? God had told Abram He would make him into a great nation and bless him. God’s blessings and promises cannot be revoked; therefore, His plan must come to pass. Pharaoh taking Sarai into his home directly went against this divine plan, and God doesn’t have a Plan B. The affliction was a divine signal that something was wrong, prompting Pharaoh to investigate. The plagues weren’t about justice for Pharaoh but about preserving the cosmic order and fulfilling God’s promise.

Then, my mind wandered: Would God have been justified in punishing Pharaoh if, after this revelation, he still decided to keep Sarai? I believe the answer is yes. Once Pharaoh was afforded the opportunity to fix the wrongdoing, any subsequent action would be a conscious choice. In that case, punishment would be a fair and just consequence.

The Takeaway: Evaluating Our Hardships

So, let’s not be so quick to blame the enemy for every hardship or assume we’re being punished. Instead, we can take a step back and investigate the trials in our lives. We can begin to ask if it is a punishment for something we knowingly did, or if it is an affliction—a tool God is using to reveal a hidden truth, correct a situation, or prepare us for His greater purpose.