A breach of marital trust provokes intense feelings of anger and a desire for revenge that cannot be easily calmed or restrained. The primary approach among commentators focuses on the natural reaction of a betrayed husband facing adultery. In this deeply personal violation, jealousy serves as the source that breeds intense rage [אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון]. This fire burns within the husband because of the profound injury to his personal honor and the defilement of his home [מלבי"ם]. Unlike other offenses where a victim might be appeased with compensation, human nature dictates a fierce, unyielding jealousy when a spouse is unfaithful [עמנואל הרומי].
A fundamental distinction exists between human anger and the anger of God. While God maintains complete control over His anger and can stop it at will, a human being is entirely incapable of mastering his rage when consumed by marital jealousy. The fury simply overpowers him, stripping away any capacity for self-restraint [אלשיך]. As a direct result of this loss of control, the revenge that follows knows absolutely no mercy [מלבי"ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Even if the betrayed husband cannot retaliate immediately, he never forgets the disgrace inflicted upon him. He harbors a deep grudge and waits patiently for the right opportunity. When the day finally comes that he has the power to strike back, he will offer no forgiveness and show no compassion [מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי]. Furthermore, unlike a victim of theft, a betrayed husband will never accept a financial payoff to cover up the shame or to spare the offender from punishment [אלשיך].
In sharp contrast to this psychological and human perspective, a completely different, theological approach is presented by [רש"י]. According to this view, the jealousy described is not that of a mortal husband, but rather the wrath of God seeking justice against a sinner. The mighty figure in this context actually points to God Himself, who is supreme over all creation. It is God who will not show mercy on the day He chooses to enact His revenge.