Topical Encyclopedia Hatred, as depicted in the Bible, is a profound and intense aversion or hostility. When directed towards God, it represents the ultimate rebellion and rejection of divine authority and love. The Scriptures provide numerous instances where the wicked exhibit hatred towards God, illustrating the depth of human depravity and the consequences of such enmity.Biblical Instances of Hatred Towards God 1. Rejection of God's Commandments: The wicked often demonstrate their hatred for God through the rejection of His commandments and statutes. In the book of Exodus, Pharaoh's hardened heart exemplifies this defiance. Despite witnessing God's power through the plagues, Pharaoh's persistent refusal to release the Israelites reveals a deep-seated animosity towards God's authority (Exodus 5:2). 2. Despising God's Word: The wicked's hatred is also evident in their disdain for God's Word. Proverbs 1:29-30 states, "For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof." This passage highlights the willful ignorance and rejection of divine wisdom, which is a form of hatred towards God. 3. Persecution of God's People: Hatred towards God often manifests in the persecution of His people. Jesus warned His disciples of this reality, saying, "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The animosity directed at believers is ultimately rooted in a hatred for Christ Himself and, by extension, God the Father. 4. Idolatry and False Worship: The worship of idols and false gods is another expression of hatred towards the true God. In Deuteronomy 32:16, it is written, "They provoked His jealousy with foreign gods; they enraged Him with abominations." Idolatry is a direct affront to God's sovereignty and a rejection of His rightful place as the only object of worship. 5. Blasphemy and Irreverence: The wicked's hatred is further demonstrated through blasphemy and irreverence. In Psalm 74:18, the psalmist laments, "Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name." Such actions reflect a deep-seated contempt for God's holiness and majesty. Consequences of Hatred Towards God The Bible is clear about the consequences of harboring hatred towards God. Romans 1:18-21 describes how God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. Their rejection of God leads to futile thinking and darkened hearts, ultimately resulting in divine judgment. Furthermore, Proverbs 8:36 warns, "But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." This verse underscores the self-destructive nature of hating God, as it leads to spiritual death and separation from the source of life and goodness. The Call to Repentance Despite the grave nature of hatred towards God, the Bible extends a call to repentance. Ezekiel 18:23 declares, "Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn't I prefer he turn from his ways and live?" God's desire is for the wicked to turn from their hatred and embrace His love and forgiveness through repentance and faith. In summary, the wicked's hatred towards God is a recurring theme in Scripture, manifesting in various forms of rebellion and rejection. The Bible warns of the dire consequences of such enmity while simultaneously offering hope through the possibility of repentance and reconciliation with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library I Shall at once Go On, Then, to Exhibit the Peculiarities of the ... Reply to the Arguments of the Adversaries. John xv. 11, 12 Love Worketh no Ill to his Neighbor; Therefore Love is the ... 1 Timothy ii. 4-Jan The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ... Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. To those who had not Attended the Assembly. Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ... John v. 39, 40 Resources What does the Bible say about misanthropy? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is misotheism? What is a misotheist? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian view misandry? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |