What does "He will have compassion" mean?
What does "He will have compassion" teach about God's character and promises?

Setting the Scene

The simple phrase “He will have compassion” appears in several Old and New Testament passages, such as Micah 7:19, Deuteronomy 30:3, and Isaiah 14:1. Each context is different, yet the statement always spotlights the same dazzling facet of God’s nature—His unfailing mercy toward His people.


Unpacking “He Will Have Compassion”

• “Will” points to a settled, future-oriented promise, not a mere possibility.

• “Have” reveals a deliberate choice rather than a passing feeling.

• “Compassion” (Hebrew racham) carries the idea of tender mercy, mother-like care, and active rescue.

Put together, the phrase assures us that God stands ready, by His own decision, to extend tender, rescuing mercy whenever His people turn to Him.


What This Reveals About God’s Heart

• Constant Mercy

– “His compassions never fail; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

• Parental Affection

– “As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13).

• Willing Restoration

– “He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities” (Micah 7:19).

• Covenant Loyalty

– “The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again He will choose Israel” (Isaiah 14:1).


Promises Anchored in Compassion

1. Forgiveness of Sin

Micah 7:19 shows God’s compassion linked to casting sins “into the depths of the sea.”

2. Return from Exile

Deuteronomy 30:3 ties compassion to gathering His scattered people.

3. Daily Sustenance

Lamentations 3:22-23 connects His compassion with fresh morning mercies.

4. Future Hope

Isaiah 49:10-13 depicts a compassionate Shepherd guiding and comforting His flock.


How This Shapes Our Daily Walk

• Encourages Repentance

– We can run to Him knowing He “will have compassion,” not condemnation (cf. Luke 15:20).

• Cultivates Trust

– His promised mercy steadies us in seasons of discipline or delay (Hebrews 4:16).

• Inspires Mercy Toward Others

– “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

• Fuels Worship

– Gratitude wells up when we recall He freely chooses to show compassion.


Scriptures That Echo the Same Assurance

Exodus 34:6

2 Chronicles 30:9

Psalm 86:15

Isaiah 30:18

Hosea 14:3

James 5:11


In Summary

“He will have compassion” is more than a comforting phrase; it is a rock-solid promise rooted in God’s unchanging heart. Wherever we find ourselves—broken, wandering, or simply weary—we may lean on the certainty that the Lord not only can be merciful but has pledged Himself to be merciful.

How does Deuteronomy 32:36 reveal God's justice and compassion for His people?
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