Which other scriptures highlight God's restraint for His name's sake? Setting the Scene: Isaiah 48:9 “For the sake of My name I delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I restrain it, so that you will not be cut off.” God’s own reputation—His “name” and “praise”—becomes the very reason He holds back righteous anger. This thread of divine restraint runs through all of Scripture. Early Deliverances in the Wilderness • Exodus 32:12–14 – After the golden-calf fiasco, Moses pleads that the nations might mock if God destroys Israel. “So the LORD relented from the calamity He had threatened.” His mercy guards His honor among the Egyptians. • Numbers 14:13-19 – Faced with Israel’s refusal to enter Canaan, Moses again intercedes: “Then the Egyptians will hear of it… They have heard that You, O LORD, are in the midst of this people.” God pardons, preserving His fame. Foundations in Israel’s National Life • 1 Samuel 12:22 – “For the LORD will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His own.” • 2 Kings 19:34 (parallel Isaiah 37:35) – “I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.” Under siege by Assyria, Jerusalem is spared so God’s character remains unquestioned. • 2 Kings 20:6 – Hezekiah’s life is extended: “I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for My own sake.” Prophetic Echoes of Divine Patience • Isaiah 43:25 – “I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.” • Ezekiel 20:9 – “But I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations among whom they lived.” • Ezekiel 20:14 – “I acted for the sake of My name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations.” • Ezekiel 20:22 – “I withdrew My hand and acted for the sake of My name.” • Ezekiel 36:21-23 – “I had concern for My holy name… I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations.” God’s future restoration of Israel is anchored in preserving His reputation. Psalms: Worshipful Reminders of His Motive • Psalm 79:9 – “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake.” • Psalm 106:8 – “Yet He saved them for His name’s sake, to make His power known.” • Psalm 23:3 – “He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” • Psalm 143:11 – “For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me; in Your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.” Jeremiah’s Pleas during National Crisis • Jeremiah 14:7 – “Although our sins testify against us, O LORD, act for Your name’s sake.” • Jeremiah 14:21 – “For the sake of Your name do not despise us; remember Your covenant with us.” Themes Threaded Through These Passages • God’s holiness is publicly displayed when He withholds wrath. • His covenant love remains reliable even when His people fail. • The nations are watching; the LORD’s reputation shapes history. • Divine patience is never weakness—it serves the larger purpose of showcasing His glory and inviting repentance. • Believers today can rest in the same character: God keeps His promises because His very name is at stake. |
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