What role does compassion play in God's mercy as seen in Deuteronomy 13:18? Verse in Focus Deuteronomy 13:17-18: “None of the devoted things shall cling to your hands, so that the LORD will turn from His fierce anger, show you mercy, have compassion on you, and multiply you, as He swore to your fathers, because you obey the LORD your God, keeping all His commandments that I am giving you today, and doing what is right in the sight of the LORD your God.” Why Compassion Is Mentioned at All • Mercy describes God withholding deserved judgment. • Compassion (Hebrew racham) adds the idea of tenderhearted feeling that moves Him to act for the good of His people. • By pairing the two, the text shows God is not merely canceling punishment; He is emotionally invested in blessing His obedient people. How Compassion Shapes God’s Mercy in This Passage • Turns wrath into favor: His anger is “fierce,” yet compassion redirects it toward mercy. • Leads to multiplication: Compassion motivates God to go beyond pardon; He “multiplies” Israel. • Anchors the covenant promise: Compassion ties back to the oath sworn to the patriarchs (Genesis 22:17). • Shows relational closeness: Instead of distant legal pardon, God’s compassion draws near with fatherly warmth (cf. Psalm 103:13). Conditions Highlighted in Verse 18 1. Obeying the LORD’s voice. 2. Keeping all His commandments. 3. Doing what is right in His sight. These conditions do not earn compassion but position Israel to experience it fully, because idolatry has been removed and relationship is restored. Other Scriptures Echoing This Pattern • Exodus 34:6-7 – “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious…” • Isaiah 54:7-8 – “With great compassion I will gather you.” • Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the LORD’s compassionate mercies we are not consumed.” • Hosea 11:8-9 – God’s heart “is moved with compassion” even while judging. • Luke 15:20 – The father “felt compassion” and ran to the returning son, illustrating the same divine impulse. Take-Home Insights • Compassion personalizes mercy; it shows God’s heart as well as His decision. • When sin is purged, compassion flows freely, bringing growth and blessing. • Obedience keeps our hands free of “devoted things,” clearing the way for us to experience God’s merciful compassion today. |
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