In the first part of this series on curses and blessings, we learnt that curses may come from God, a man of God, a husband, parent or a man of the devil. Also, we learnt that curses may be self-imposed. We also mentioned about 29 causes of curses including not listening to the voice of the Lord and not obeying Him. We shall continue this series by looking at 3 notable curses, and their causes and consequences before proceeding to other aspects of this study.

THREE NOTABLE CURSES: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES:

The three (3) notable curses we wish to study in details are (i) the curse placed on David by Nathan (ii) curse placed on Gehazi by Elisha and (iii) curse placed on Joab by David

David was guilty of (i) evil plotting (ii) murder (iii) ingratitude to God (iv) lack of contentment (v) injuring the Name of the Lord and (vi) judging others. The consequence is that Israel had always been at war. 

Gehazi on his own part was guilty of (i) covetousness, (ii) evil plotting (iii) lying (iv) hypocrisy (v) injuring the name of the Lord (vi) attempting to deceive the Holy Spirit. 

The Consequence is that leprosy is difficult to eradicate. 

Joab on the other hand was guilty of (i) desire to revenge (ii) struggle for position (iv) cold-blooded murder. It is from the Joab’s curse that we discover some signs that a curse might be at work. These are (a) incurable disease defying medicine and prayers, (b) being accident-prone (c) regular miscarriages (d) inexplicable poverty. 2 Samuel 12:7-14, 2 Kings 5:25-27, 2 Samuel 3:26-29, Psalms 94:20-23, Proverbs 5:21-23.

SOME CURSES WORK INSTANTLY: Some curses have delayed effects. However some do work instantly. Almost invariable, there are curses pronounced by men of God. Examples include Elijah’s curse on the 2 captains and their bands of fifty soldiers each, Elisha’s curse on the insolent children, Elisha’s curse on Gehazi mentioned above and Elisha’s curse on the Syrian army. Similarly, blessings pronounced by a man of God could also have instant effects. II Kings 1:10-12, 2:23-24, 5:25-27, II Kings 12:7-14, 6:18, II Kings 2:19-22, 4:4.

THOSE YOU MUST NEVER CURSE:  There is a set of people you must never curse, infact the penalty from cursing some of them is death and in some other cases several curses. This set consists of God, your parents, rulers and those who curse you. Job 2:9, Exodus 21:17, Leviticus 20:9, Proverbs 20:20, Mark 7:10, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14, Exodus 22:28, Acts 23:1-5, Psalms 109:28.