Continuing our theme from yesterday that God is not to be trifled with:

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12.28, ESV)

It is noteworthy that God “exploded” in both chapters 13 (during the first attempt at retuning the Ark) and chapter 14 in a battle. Here again is the incident with the Ark:

GOD erupted in anger against Uzzah and killed him because he grabbed the Chest. He died on the spot—in the presence of God. David lost his temper, angry because GOD exploded against Uzzah; the place is still called Perez Uzzah (Exploded Uzzah) (1 Chronicles 13.10, 11, MSG)

Then in chapter 14, the Philistines threaten, and the same word is used:

David prayed to God: “Is this the right time to attack the Philistines? Will you give me the victory?” GOD answered, “Attack; I’ll give you the victory.” David attacked at Baal Perazim and slaughtered them. David said, “God exploded my enemies, as water explodes from a burst pipe.” That’s how the place got its name, Baal Perazim (Baal-Explosion). The Philistines left their gods behind and David ordered that they be burned up. (1 Chronicles 14.10 – 12, MSG)

I’d rather be on the chapter 14 side of God’s explosions, wouldn’t you?

Peter said, “Ananias, how did Satan get you to lie to the Holy Spirit and secretly keep back part of the price of the field? Before you sold it, it was all yours, and after you sold it, the money was yours to do with as you wished. So what got into you to pull a trick like this? You didn’t lie to men but to God.” Ananias, when he heard those words, fell down dead. That put the fear of God into everyone who heard of it. (Acts 5.3 – 5, MSG)

He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?” He said, “Who are you, Master?” “I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.” (Acts 9.3 – 6, MSG)