Can Germs Think? Does God Talk about Germs in the Bible?
Dear Ashley and Justus,
Thanks for sending excellent questions about germs. I always love getting thoughtful questions from Discovery readers. Germs are microscopic, living things that can sometimes make our bodies sick, but are too small to have brains. Of course, we do some things to prevent the spread of germs, such as washing our hands and covering our mouths when we cough. However, certain germs are helpful, such as bacteria that make our digestive systems work properly. Other germs help scientists develop medicines and vaccines.
The children of Israel knew nothing about germs, but God knows everything (Psalm 139:1-4), and so He commanded the Israelites to do certain things to protect themselves against deadly germs. For example, God commanded the Israelites to avoid touching dead bodies (Leviticus 11:31-33) and to stay away from sick people (Leviticus 13). God even prescribed a recipe for ancient “soap” (Numbers 19). Hundreds of years before modern scientists learned about germs, God knew all about them, and protected His people. It is wonderful to serve the all-knowing Creator.
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