The concept of the anger of God is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His holiness, justice, and righteousness. God's anger is not capricious or unjust; rather, it is a response to sin, disobedience, and rebellion against His divine will. The anger of God is to be dreaded, as it underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance and obedience.

Biblical Instances of God's Anger

1. The Flood: One of the earliest and most dramatic instances of God's anger is the account of the Flood in Genesis. Humanity's wickedness had become so great that God decided to cleanse the earth with a flood, sparing only Noah and his family. Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'"

2. Sodom and Gomorrah: The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is another example of God's anger against sin. The cities were notorious for their immorality and wickedness, prompting God to destroy them with fire and brimstone. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."

3. The Golden Calf: In Exodus 32, the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf provoked God's anger. Despite witnessing God's mighty acts in Egypt, the people quickly turned to idol worship. Exodus 32:9-10 records, "The LORD also said to Moses, 'I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. Now leave Me alone so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.'"

4. The Wilderness Wanderings: Throughout the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, God's anger was kindled by their repeated disobedience and lack of faith. Numbers 14:11-12 illustrates this: "And the LORD said to Moses, '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? I will strike them with a plague and destroy them—and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.'"

The Nature of God's Anger

God's anger is always righteous and just, rooted in His holy nature. Unlike human anger, which can be impulsive and unjust, God's anger is a measured response to sin and rebellion. It serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the need for humanity to align with God's will.

The Dread of God's Anger

The dread of God's anger is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving as a deterrent against sin. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not merely terror but a reverent acknowledgment of God's power and holiness.

God's Anger and Redemption

While God's anger is to be dreaded, it is also tempered by His mercy and grace. The ultimate expression of God's love and desire for reconciliation is found in Jesus Christ, who bore the wrath of God on the cross for humanity's sins. Romans 5:9 assures believers, "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!"

In summary, the anger of God is a profound aspect of His character, reflecting His justice and holiness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance, while also pointing to the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ.Psalm 2:12
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 76:7
You, even you, are to be feared: and who may stand in your sight when once you are angry?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 90:11
Who knows the power of your anger? even according to your fear, so is your wrath.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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Called to Reach a Higher Standard
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Threefold Repentance
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/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/threefold repentance.htm

Acts XXIII
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/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiii.htm

Psalm VI.
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amended in the anger of the ... health is, neither death is to be dreaded, nor the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm vi.htm

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