Critics often point to verses involving harsh or graphic divine judgments (e.g., Malachi 2:3; Isaiah 3:17; 2 Samuel 12:11-12; Nahum 3:5-6) and find them 'revolting' or 'disgusting'. However, we must consider the context of God's judgment and whether the punishment fits the crime.

The punishment may be figurative in some verses—Malachi puts the 'disgusting' phrase in parallel with the punishment of rebuking and carrying off. The 'disgusting' phrase is used figuratively for embarrassment, which this literal action was meant to do. Isaiah's and Nahum's passages may be regarded similarly, since they refer to corporate Israel and their prostitution with other gods, using the imagery of discovering their secret parts to symbolize public shame.

The 2 Samuel passage, conversely, represents the tragic consequences of David's secret sins coming to light. An argument from modern outrage is not sufficient; one must demonstrate that the consequences do not fit the actions within the moral framework of the ancient world. Furthermore, the Church Fathers often read such severe physical language spiritually, understanding these vivid descriptions as exposing the deep internal sickness and ultimate spiritual shame of turning away from God.