Divine judgment is a central theme throughout the Bible, serving as a manifestation of God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty. It is an expression of God's righteous character and His commitment to uphold moral order in the universe. The purpose of divine judgment can be understood through various dimensions as revealed in Scripture.

1. Revelation of God's Holiness and Justice: Divine judgment reveals the holiness and justice of God. In Isaiah 5:16 , it is written, "But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness." God's judgments demonstrate His intolerance of sin and His commitment to righteousness, affirming His nature as a just and holy God.

2. Vindication of God's Sovereignty: God's judgments affirm His sovereignty over creation. In Daniel 4:35 , it is declared, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" Divine judgment underscores God's ultimate authority and control over all things.

3. Correction and Discipline: Divine judgment serves as a means of correction and discipline for God's people. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." Through judgment, God seeks to bring His people back to righteousness and restore their relationship with Him.

4. Deterrence of Sin: The fear of divine judgment acts as a deterrent against sin. In Ecclesiastes 12:14 , it is written, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." The awareness of impending judgment encourages individuals to live in accordance with God's commandments.

5. Demonstration of God's Mercy and Grace: While divine judgment is an expression of God's justice, it also highlights His mercy and grace. In the account of Nineveh, God relented from sending calamity when the people repented (Jonah 3:10). This demonstrates that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are tempered by His desire for repentance and restoration.

6. Fulfillment of Prophetic Word: Divine judgment fulfills the prophetic word and promises of God. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets warned of impending judgment as a consequence of disobedience. The fulfillment of these prophecies, such as the destruction of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 25:11), confirms the reliability and truth of God's word.

7. Establishment of God's Kingdom: Ultimately, divine judgment paves the way for the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. In Revelation 20:12 , it is described, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and there were open books. And one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." The final judgment will culminate in the eradication of evil and the establishment of a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells.

Divine judgment, therefore, serves multiple purposes within the biblical narrative, each reflecting aspects of God's character and His divine plan for humanity and creation.