this issue
next article in this issue

Document Details :

Title: Der Zorn Gottes in der Prophetie und Poesie Israels auf dem Hintergrund altorientalischer Vorstellungen
Author(s): BERGES, U.
Journal: Biblica
Volume: 85    Issue: 3   Date: 2004   
Pages: 305-330
DOI: 10.2143/BIB.85.3.3194424

Abstract :
The theme of divine anger is not peripheral to Yhwh’s revelation of himself but central to it (cf. inter alia Exod 34,6-7). When the instances of Yhwh’s anger in the OT, particularly in the writing prophets and the Psalms are compared with instances of the anger of the gods in the ancient Near East, four categories can be distinguished: a) the anger that seeks to destroy mankind; b) the anger that intervenes in the destiny of peoples; c) the anger that destroys temple cities with their sanctuaries; d) the anger that plunges the individual into danger of death. The OT speaks of Yhwh’s anger on many different levels, which demands a portrayal that is much more nuanced than has been the case up to now and represents a continuing challenge, not least for the reflection of biblical theology.

Download article