Always notice repetitive phrases when reading the Bible. The authors use the same phrase to connect stories and concepts together to make a point. I was reading 1 Chronicles when I noticed an interesting phrase. Three times, once in each chapter between chapters 13-15, the Bible refers to God breaking out. The word used means to “break out or burst forth.”
The idea is that God keeps his wrath or anger contained, but man’s actions can cause him to have enough and He breaks out in anger! In 1 Chronicles 13:11, He breaks out against Uzzah for touching the ark of God when they were inappropriately transporting the ark (Ex. 37:4-5; Num. 4:15). Uzzah is struck dead because of his desecration of the holy ark. In 14:11, God breaks out against the enemies of David. His actions are described like a “bursting flood” upon these wicked enemies. In 15:13, David describes God as breaking out against them in the death of Uzzah because they “did not carry it the first time” and “did not seek him according to the rule.”
The inspired writer uses this repetitive phrase to make a clear point–God will burst forth in anger and judgment upon people. When Uzzah and David sinned by violated God’s law they experienced the breaking out of God. When David obeyed God, then God broke out against his enemies. There seems to be two clear points from this narrative.
First, beware! God is not a puppy dog figure or a tender grandfather in the sky. He is the awesome Creator, King, Judge, and Law-giver. In His great mercy and longsuffering He contains His anger, but there are limits. When we as an individual or as a people go beyond those limits, He will break out against us.
Second, recognize you want to be on God’s side. When David obeyed, God’s anger burst forth against his enemies. When David disobeyed his anger burst forth against him. You don’t want to be on the opposite side of God! His blessings and protection are wonderful, while His wrath is mighty to be feared.
“and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29 ESV)
