Topical Bible: The Anger of God: Aggravated by Continual Provocation

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The concept of God's anger is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His righteous response to sin and disobedience. God's anger is not capricious or unjust; rather, it is a holy and just reaction to the continual provocation by His people. This entry explores the biblical understanding of God's anger, particularly as it is aggravated by persistent rebellion and sin.

Biblical Instances of Provocation

1. The Wilderness Generation: One of the most notable examples of God's anger being provoked is found in the narrative of the Israelites in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites repeatedly tested God's patience through unbelief and disobedience. In Numbers 14:11, the LORD expresses His frustration: "How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them?" . Their continual rebellion led to God's decree that the generation would not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:22-23).

2. The Idolatry of Israel and Judah: The history of Israel and Judah is marked by cycles of idolatry and repentance. The persistent worship of foreign gods provoked God's anger, as seen in 2 Kings 17:18: "So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained" . The prophets frequently warned the people of the consequences of their actions, yet their continued idolatry led to exile.

3. The Rejection of God's Prophets: Throughout the Old Testament, God sent prophets to call His people back to righteousness. However, the rejection and persecution of these messengers further provoked God's anger. In 2 Chronicles 36:15-16, it is recorded: "But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets until the wrath of the LORD rose against His people, until there was no remedy" .

Characteristics of God's Anger

1. Righteous and Just: God's anger is always righteous and just, rooted in His holiness and the moral order He established. Unlike human anger, which can be irrational or unjust, God's anger is a measured response to sin and rebellion.

2. Slow to Anger: Despite the provocations, God is described as "slow to anger" (Exodus 34:6). His patience and long-suffering nature are evident throughout Scripture, as He provides numerous opportunities for repentance before executing judgment.

3. Redemptive Purpose: God's anger often serves a redemptive purpose, aiming to bring His people back to a right relationship with Him. The discipline that accompanies His anger is intended to correct and restore, as seen in Hebrews 12:6: "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives" .

Responses to God's Anger

1. Repentance: The appropriate response to God's anger is repentance. Throughout the Bible, when individuals or nations turn from their wicked ways and seek God's forgiveness, He is faithful to relent from His anger and restore them (Joel 2:13-14).

2. Intercession: Intercessory prayer is another response to God's anger. Moses, for example, interceded on behalf of the Israelites, and God relented from the disaster He had threatened (Exodus 32:11-14).

3. Obedience: Ultimately, obedience to God's commands is the surest way to avoid provoking His anger. Deuteronomy 11:1 instructs, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments" .

In summary, the anger of God, as depicted in the Bible, is a response to continual provocation through sin and disobedience. It is characterized by righteousness, patience, and a desire for repentance and restoration. Understanding this aspect of God's nature calls believers to live in obedience and reverence, acknowledging His holiness and justice.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 32:14
And, behold, you are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... shame by their sin, and God his anger, by taking ... midst of torment, all present
affliction is aggravated, and that ... things' sake comes the wrath of God upon the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES
IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... the Lord cometh, inexorable, with wrath and anger; to lay ... he afterwards did, but
he would have aggravated his former ... who are armed with hope in God ought not ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... In opposition to the god of light, they necessarily formed the idea of a god of
darkness, the god of the underworld, who presides ... The name Aeshma means anger. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... the face may be discerned whether there is anger or otherwise ... of our conversion,
the Spirit of God beginneth with ... is still capable of making continual resistance ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm