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Ex 34:5-6 Now the LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.  And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…

 

· The order of these virtues is significant in that it signifies that the Father wishes first to be known as a merciful God.

 

Quality of Mercy Defined

· The quality of mercy is defined as “withholding punishment even when justice demands it.”

· Now this quality is so prized that it is entrusted only to the highest government officials, namely, the heads of state.

· The power to grant mercy is solely at the disposition of the official into whose power this authority has been given.

Exodus 33:19

· The sole prerogative to grant mercy lies in the heart of the Father.

· Thus, mercy belongs to our Heavenly Father.

Exodus 34:7

God’s Mercy in the Life of King David

· There are countless examples in Holy Scripture of God’s mercies towards mankind. We see this manifested in a very unique way to King David.

· Not only did King David commit adultery with Bathsheba, he then ordered the death of her husband.

· Although God decreed judgments against David, He nevertheless spared his life.

· This was because David not only acknowledged his iniquities but also accepted God’s just punishments in a spirit of humility, in accordance with Leviticus 26:40-42

 

God’s Mercy to the Nation of Israel

· In God’s dealings with Israel, we consistently see His mercy manifested to a backslidden nation.

· In the case of King Solomon, God was angry with him, because he  turned from the ways of God because of the multitude of his wives.

1 Kings 11:9-14; 1 Kings 15:2-5

Luke 1:72; Jeremiah 23:5-6;