Topical Bible: Man: God: Makes the Wrath of, to Praise Him

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept that God can make the wrath of man to praise Him is rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes even through human anger and opposition. This theme is encapsulated in Psalm 76:10 , which states, "Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself."

Biblical Context and Interpretation

Psalm 76 is a psalm of Asaph, celebrating God's power and His deliverance of His people from their enemies. The verse in question highlights the paradoxical truth that even human wrath, which is often contrary to God's will, can ultimately serve His divine purposes. This reflects the broader biblical theme that God is able to use all things, even those intended for evil, for good (Genesis 50:20).

Theological Implications

1. Divine Sovereignty: The idea that God can make the wrath of man to praise Him underscores His absolute sovereignty. It affirms that nothing is outside of God's control, and He can orchestrate events to fulfill His divine plan, even when human intentions are malicious or misguided.

2. Providence and Redemption: This concept is closely related to the doctrine of providence, where God is actively involved in His creation, guiding and directing it towards His ultimate purposes. It also ties into the theme of redemption, where God can redeem even the most adverse circumstances for His glory and the good of His people.

3. Human Responsibility: While God can use human wrath to achieve His purposes, this does not absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions. Scripture consistently teaches that humans are accountable for their deeds, and God's ability to bring good from evil does not justify sinful behavior.

Examples in Scripture

1. Joseph and His Brothers: In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people." Here, the wrath and jealousy of Joseph's brothers ultimately led to the preservation of the Israelite people during a time of famine.

2. The Crucifixion of Jesus: The most profound example is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Human wrath and rejection led to the crucifixion, yet through this event, God brought about the salvation of humanity. Acts 2:23 states, "He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross."

3. Persecution of the Early Church: The persecution faced by the early church, as seen in Acts, often resulted in the spread of the Gospel. Acts 8:1-4 describes how the scattering of believers due to persecution led to the Word being preached in new regions, thus expanding the reach of the Gospel.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the face of human opposition or wrath. Understanding that God can use all circumstances for His glory provides comfort and assurance. It calls Christians to remain faithful and steadfast, knowing that God is at work, even when His ways are not immediately apparent. This trust in God's providence should inspire believers to respond to adversity with faith and hope, confident that God is able to bring about His purposes in all situations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise you: the remainder of wrath shall you restrain.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Last Merciful Warning
... but had been the dark background against which the blaze of God's irresistible might
had shone the brighter. He makes the wrath of man to praise Him, and turns ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a last merciful warning.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... But it is the evil nature which makes innocent things ... hate; and yet, over all this
foaming torrent, God's steadfast bow ... 'Thou makest the wrath of man to praise ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm

God in the Covenant
... pleasure, yet he can make the wrath of man to praise him ... regard to his children,
and he is their God even in ... He makes them the vessels of mercy, who shall be to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/god in the covenant.htm

The Rich Fool.
... thus the Lord makes the covetousness as well as the wrath of man to ... On the fields
of the covetous man the rain fell and the sun shone: God makes his sun ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xix the rich fool.htm

The Covenant of Grace
... draws the will; and this willingness in religion makes all our ... a spark of God's wrath
flies into a man's conscience ... Psalm 103:3. God is your God in covenant; he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the covenant of grace.htm

Of Contemplation
... Christ also makes darkness His resting place, and yet speaks ... in this truly is love
perfect when man, going in the flesh, cannot be glad but in God, and wills ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xii of contemplation.htm

A Plot Detected
... handled like pawns on a chessboard by Him who 'makes the wrath of man to praise
Him ... that they were all partners in bringing about one God-determined result ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a plot detected.htm

God Justified, Though Man Believes Not
... we say? If it so turns out, that even man's sin makes the holiness
of God the more illustrious, what shall we say? 5. Is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/god justified though man believes.htm

The Net Broken
... Man is free and responsible, God is sovereign and all-pervading. He 'makes the wrath
of man to praise Him, and with the remainder thereof He girdeth Himself ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the net broken.htm

Andover Orthodox Creed.
... and renewing our wills, the HOLY SPIRIT makes us partakers ... dependence with his
accountability; that man has understanding ... it is the prerogative of GOD to bring ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/andover orthodox creed.htm