In Psalm 103:8-14 King David describes the reasons why God had prepared a plan before creation to set us free from our bondage to sin, describing the heart and soul of our Lord God and Father in heaven. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.” The English translation does not begin to bring justice to the richness of the character of our Father in heaven as does the original Hebrew. First, the word translated “mercy” (2617-‘checed’) includes all of these three aspects: strength, steadfastness, and perfect love. Not only an obligation as Creator, but also of generosity; plenteous, large amounts! The Lord is merciful (7849-‘rachuwm’) from the word “compassion” (7355) added to mercy (2617). The Lord is gracious (2587-‘channuwn’) the actions that spring from His love (26-agape” perfect love), so with compassion and mercy He freely provide for all our needs, whether we deserve it or not.
Let me paraphrase Psalm 103:8; Because our Lord God’s perfect love moved Him to compassion, and compelled Him to be gracious and merciful, providing for our every need whether we deserve it or not. Therefore being without excuse, we should come to repentance and not perish, but have everlasting life. But many still refuse!
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