In the biblical narrative, the concept of judgment is a recurring theme that underscores God's righteousness, justice, and holiness. Judgment is portrayed as a divine response to human sinfulness and rebellion against God's established order. The cause of judgment is rooted in the violation of God's laws and the rejection of His covenantal relationship with humanity.

Sin and Rebellion

The primary cause of divine judgment is sin, which is defined as any action, thought, or attitude that transgresses God's commands. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, sin is depicted as the catalyst for judgment. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden results in the first instance of divine judgment, leading to their expulsion from paradise and the introduction of death into the human experience. This narrative sets the stage for understanding sin as the fundamental cause of separation from God and the subsequent need for judgment.

Idolatry and False Worship

Idolatry, the worship of false gods, is another significant cause of judgment. The First Commandment explicitly forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3). Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites' repeated turn to idolatry provokes God's wrath and results in judgment. For instance, in the book of Judges, the cycle of Israel's idolatry, oppression, repentance, and deliverance illustrates the consequences of forsaking the one true God. The prophets frequently warn of impending judgment due to the nation's idolatrous practices, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13, where God laments, "My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

Injustice and Oppression

God's judgment is also pronounced against social injustice and the oppression of the vulnerable. The prophets Amos and Micah, among others, highlight the moral and ethical failures of Israel and Judah, condemning their exploitation of the poor and corruption in leadership. Amos 5:24 calls for justice and righteousness, stating, "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." The failure to uphold justice and care for the marginalized is a cause for divine judgment, as it reflects a departure from God's character and commands.

Covenant Unfaithfulness

The breaking of the covenant between God and His people is a recurring cause of judgment. The covenant, established with figures such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses, outlines the relationship between God and His chosen people, including blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and curses are explicitly detailed, with disobedience leading to various forms of judgment, including exile and destruction. The history of Israel and Judah is marked by periods of covenant unfaithfulness, resulting in divine judgment, such as the Babylonian exile.

Rejection of Christ

In the New Testament, the rejection of Jesus Christ as the Messiah is presented as a cause of judgment. Jesus Himself warns of the consequences of unbelief, as seen in John 3:18, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." The ultimate judgment is depicted in eschatological terms, where the final separation of the righteous and the wicked is based on one's response to Christ (Matthew 25:31-46).

Divine Patience and Warning

Despite the causes of judgment, the Bible consistently portrays God as patient and longsuffering, desiring repentance rather than destruction. In 2 Peter 3:9, it is written, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Throughout Scripture, God provides warnings and opportunities for repentance, sending prophets and ultimately His Son to call humanity back to Himself.

The cause of judgment, therefore, is deeply intertwined with the human condition and the choices made in relation to God's revealed will. Judgment serves as both a warning and a call to return to a right relationship with the Creator.