Turning away in disgust is a reaction often depicted in the Bible, reflecting a response to sin, idolatry, or moral corruption. This concept is rooted in the holiness and righteousness of God, who cannot tolerate sin and often expresses His displeasure through turning away or hiding His face from those who engage in wickedness.

Divine Disgust and Rejection

In the Old Testament, God's turning away in disgust is frequently associated with Israel's idolatry and rebellion. In Deuteronomy 31:17-18 , God warns Israel of the consequences of forsaking Him: "On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed. Many troubles and disasters will befall them, and on that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’ And I will certainly hide My face on that day because of all the evil they have done by turning to other gods."

The prophets also speak of God's disgust with the people's sins. In Isaiah 59:2 , the prophet declares, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." This turning away is not a sign of God's abandonment but a call to repentance and a return to righteousness.

Human Disgust at Sin

The Bible also records instances where individuals express disgust at sin and unrighteousness. In the Psalms, David often speaks of his loathing for the wicked and their deeds. Psalm 101:3 states, "I will set no worthless thing before my eyes. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me." This reflects a personal commitment to purity and a rejection of evil influences.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to abhor what is evil. Romans 12:9 instructs, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This call to detest evil is a reflection of the believer's desire to align with God's holiness and righteousness.

Christ's Reaction to Hypocrisy and Sin

Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, also demonstrated turning away in disgust, particularly towards hypocrisy and self-righteousness. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their outward religiosity and inward corruption. Matthew 23:27-28 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

The Call to Repentance

The biblical theme of turning away in disgust is not merely about rejection but serves as a powerful call to repentance. God's turning away is often accompanied by a call to return to Him. In 2 Chronicles 7:14 , God promises restoration to those who repent: "And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."

Thus, turning away in disgust, whether divine or human, underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and holiness in the life of believers.