Wrath

The first time the Hebrew verb “be wrathful” ( qatzaf ) occurs with Yahweh as subject is in Leviticus 10:6. The related noun occurs for the first time in Numbers 1:53. Both, importantly, have to do with the tabernacle. Yahweh warns that His wrath might break out against Aaron’s family if they mourn for Nadab and Abihu, and in Numbers 1 the priests and Levites encircle the tabernacle to prevent wrath from breaking out against the rest of Israel.

Yahweh is grieved at the sins of the sons of God (Genesis 6:6), His nose burns against Pharaoh (Exodus 4:14), and His burning consumes His enemies (Exodus 15:7). But something new happens when Yahweh sets up the tabernacle: Yahweh’s wrath becomes an issue when He comes close to live in Israel’s camp. Wrath seems to be reserved for post-Sinai Israel; wrath is an expression of Yahweh’s offended love, His jealousy for the bride with whom he covenanted at Sinai.