Provocation
/prov-oh-KAY-shun/
Summary
Provocation refers to actions that stir God to anger, particularly Israel's persistent rebellion that tested His patience.
☩Israel's Provocation
Israel provoked God repeatedly in the wilderness through unbelief, idolatry, and complaint. The place where they tested God was called Massah and Meribah (testing and provocation). The psalmist warns against hardening hearts 'as in the provocation.' Their entire wilderness generation was excluded from the promised rest.
Key verses:Psalm 95:8-11Hebrews 3:8-11Hebrews 3:15-19Deuteronomy 9:7-8
☩Continuing Sin
Israel continued provoking God in Canaan through idol worship, particularly under kings like Ahab and Manasseh. The prophets warned that such provocation would bring judgment. Christians are warned not to provoke one another to anger, but instead to provoke one another to love and good works.
Key verses:1 Kings 16:332 Kings 21:6Galatians 5:26Hebrews 10:24
Related Verses26 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Provocation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).