The concept of divine justice is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's righteousness and moral order. The Scriptures provide numerous historical precedents where divine justice is enacted, serving as both a warning and a guide for human conduct.

The Fall of Man (Genesis 3)
The first instance of divine justice is found in the account of Adam and Eve. After disobeying God's command by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they face immediate consequences. God pronounces judgment, resulting in the curse of the ground, pain in childbirth, and eventual death. This event establishes the principle that sin leads to separation from God and suffering. Genesis 3:17-19 states, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life."

The Flood (Genesis 6-9)
The narrative of Noah and the Flood is a profound example of divine justice on a global scale. Humanity's wickedness had become so great that God decided to cleanse the earth with a flood, sparing only Noah and his family due to Noah's righteousness. Genesis 6:5-7 describes God's decision: "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth... So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth.'"

Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19)
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark reminder of divine justice against rampant immorality and sin. Despite Abraham's intercession, the cities are destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their grievous sins. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah... He overthrew those cities and the entire plain."

The Exodus and Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12)
The liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage is marked by a series of plagues that demonstrate God's justice against Pharaoh's hardened heart and refusal to release the Israelites. Each plague serves as a judgment against the gods of Egypt and Pharaoh's defiance. Exodus 12:12 declares, "I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD."

The Conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6-12)
The conquest of Canaan under Joshua's leadership is portrayed as an act of divine justice against the Canaanite nations, whose iniquities had reached their full measure. The fall of Jericho and other cities is seen as God's judgment and fulfillment of His promise to Israel. Joshua 6:21 describes the event: "They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it."

The Babylonian Exile (2 Kings 24-25; Jeremiah 25)
The Babylonian Exile is a significant event where divine justice is executed upon Judah for its persistent idolatry and disobedience. The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, along with the exile of the people, fulfill the warnings given by the prophets. Jeremiah 25:11 prophesies, "This whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years."

The Cross of Christ (Matthew 27; John 19)
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of divine justice and mercy. While it serves as the judgment for sin, it also provides the means for redemption. Jesus' sacrificial death satisfies the demands of justice, offering salvation to all who believe. Romans 3:25-26 explains, "God presented Him as the atoning sacrifice... to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand."

These historical precedents underscore the consistent biblical theme that God is just and that His justice is both corrective and redemptive, aiming to restore righteousness and order in His creation.