Deut. 4:25-31, The “Manifold” Name of God (2)

Previously we studied the self-describing name of God, given to Moses and Israel early in their history, in Ex. 34:6-7.  This name tells us two things about God and sin: He is very gracious and forgiving, and He will not overlook sin.  Let us meditate on some passages where God’s people were strengthened in His name.

·       Deut. 4:31: Moses speaks of a future time when Israel will fall into idolatry.  God will judge them.  But in their distress, if they will seek the LORD their God, God will answer for the LORD your God is a merciful God.  Moses is assured of this because that is what God said of Himself in Ex. 34:6-7.

·       2 Chron. 30:9: The northern kingdom of Israel had been taken captive by the Assyrians.  The few who were left were a sad lot.  But King Hezekiah sent letters to them, encouraging them to turn to God, to come to Jerusalem for Passover.  He assured them God would receive them because the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, truth from Ex. 34:6-7.

·       Nehemiah 9:17,31: Israel had returned from Babylon.  It was not long before they sinned by intermarrying with the surrounding nations.  They came to repent and rectify the situation and were led in a prayer of confession by the Levites.  In their prayer they twice reminded God of His grace and mercy from Ex. 34:6-7.

·       Psalm 103:8: This whole Psalm is worthy of our attention.  David is rehearsing all the “benefits” of the LORD.  As part of that recitation he remembers how God made His ways known to Moses and Israel and quotes from Ex. 34:6-7.

·       Joel 2:13: The prophet Joel is calling the people to repentance, lest the LORD bring judgment on them.  Return to the LORD your God, he says, For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, of great kindness, taken from Ex. 34:6-7.

·       Lam. 3:22-23:  It is quite likely that Jeremiah, in this magnificent passage about God’s mercy and faithfulness, has in mind Ex. 34:6-7.  Do you see the connection?

·       Jonah 4:2:  Jonah ran from God, not wanting to go call the people of Nineveh to repentance.  Why?  Because He knew the LORD was a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.  He knew this from Ex. 34:6-7.

·       Daniel 9:9: Daniel, in Babylon, knew the seventy years of captivity were about over.  He knew it was time to come to God, confessing sin.  He said, To us belongs shame of face … because we have sinned against You.  To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.  Daniel was encouraged in prayer from Ex. 34:6-7.

May we likewise find such encouragement in prayer from Ex. 34:6-7.