The term "Great Wrath" in the Bible often refers to the intense anger or fierce indignation of God or individuals, typically in response to sin, disobedience, or injustice. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both divine judgment and human emotion.

Divine Wrath

1. God's Righteous Anger: The Bible frequently depicts God's wrath as a response to human sinfulness and rebellion. It is a manifestation of His holiness and justice. In the Old Testament, God's wrath is often directed towards the Israelites when they turn away from Him to worship idols or engage in immoral practices. For instance, in Deuteronomy 9:8, Moses recounts, "At Horeb you provoked the LORD, and He was angry enough to destroy you."

2. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets often warned of God's impending wrath as a call to repentance. In Zephaniah 1:15, the day of the Lord is described as "a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness."

3. The Wrath of the End Times: The New Testament speaks of God's great wrath in the context of eschatological events. Revelation 6:17 states, "For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?" This passage highlights the ultimate expression of God's wrath against sin and evil at the end of the age.

Human Wrath

1. Sinful Anger: Human wrath, in contrast to divine wrath, is often depicted as sinful and destructive. James 1:20 advises, "For man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." The Bible warns against allowing anger to lead to sin, as seen in Ephesians 4:26-27: "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold."

2. Examples of Human Wrath: Throughout the Scriptures, there are numerous examples of individuals exhibiting great wrath. One notable instance is King Saul's anger towards David, which led to relentless pursuit and attempts on David's life (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

God's Wrath and Redemption

1. Atonement through Christ: The New Testament reveals that God's wrath against sin was ultimately satisfied through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:9 declares, "Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" This underscores the belief that believers are spared from God's wrath through faith in Christ.

2. Call to Repentance: The concept of God's great wrath serves as a powerful motivator for repentance and faith. Romans 2:5 warns, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed."

In summary, the theme of "Great Wrath" in the Bible underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of divine justice, while also pointing to the hope of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ.