What does "great is His mercy" reveal about God's character in this passage? Context: A Crisis Meets Compassion 1 Chronicles 21:13: “David said to Gad, ‘I am deeply distressed. Please, let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hand of men.’” David has just sinned by ordering a census; judgment is inevitable. Yet when offered three forms of punishment, he chooses to place himself under God’s direct discipline rather than human hostility. Why? Because he is convinced that “great is His mercy.” Key Observation: Mercy Defines the Heart of God The Hebrew word translated “mercy” (chesed) carries the idea of steadfast love, loyal kindness, covenant faithfulness. David stakes everything on that one attribute. What “Great Is His Mercy” Reveals About God’s Character • Unfailing Compassion – God’s heart is moved toward His people even in their failure (Psalm 103:13–14). – His compassion never runs dry (Lamentations 3:22). • Reluctance to Punish, Readiness to Forgive – “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth” (Exodus 34:6). – Judgment is real, yet mercy places a limit on it (2 Samuel 24:16). • Covenant Loyalty – Mercy here is not random kindness; it flows from God’s covenant promises (Psalm 89:28). – Because God binds Himself to His word, His mercy has a legal, steadfast quality. • Sovereign Freedom – Mercy is God’s prerogative; He gives it as He wills (Romans 9:15–16). – David rests in a Lord who rules even over deserved consequences. • Superiority to Human Mercy – David prefers divine discipline because human justice is often harsh, selfish, or excessive. – God’s mercy is “great”—infinitely higher than the best humanity can offer (Isaiah 55:7–9). • Justice Tempered, Not Nullified – Mercy does not cancel justice; it works with it, providing restraint and an avenue for restoration (Micah 7:18). Echoes Across Scripture • Psalm 145:8–9 — “The LORD is gracious and compassionate… great in loving devotion.” • Psalm 117:2 — “For great is His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.” • 1 Peter 1:3 — “According to His great mercy He has caused us to be born again.” • Ephesians 2:4–5 — “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” Life Application: Living Under Great Mercy • Confidence in Repentance – No sin outruns God’s mercy; like David, come quickly and honestly. • Humility in Success – Every blessing rests on mercy, not merit (Titus 3:5). • Patience with Others – Those who have received great mercy extend it (Matthew 18:33). • Hope in Discipline – Even God’s corrective hand is guided by a heart of mercy aiming at restoration (Hebrews 12:6–11). The phrase “great is His mercy” centers our view of God on a Father whose justice is real yet whose compassion is greater still. |
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