How the Hebrew idiom of permission will change how you understand Scripture and God’s character

Throughout Scripture we read strange statements such as God hardening hearts (Exodus 7:3), sending evil spirits (Judges 9:23; 1 Samuel 16:14), destroying lives (Genesis 6:7; 1 Corinthians 3:17) and sending strong delusions (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Are these phrases to be taken strictly literal, or is there something we are missing?