What does "the LORD is slow to anger" teach about God's character? Setting the Scene Moses has asked to see God’s glory (Exodus 33:18). In response, the LORD proclaims His own name and character: “The LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.’” (Exodus 34:6) Key Phrase “slow to anger” (Hebrew: ʾerekh ʾappayim—literally “long of nostrils,” picturing deep, measured breathing that restrains wrath). Breaking Down “Slow to Anger” • Patience: God deliberately withholds immediate judgment, giving space for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). • Self-restraint: His power is under perfect control; wrath is never impulsive (Nahum 1:3). • Covenant love: His delay in anger flows from loyal commitment to His people (Psalm 103:8). • Justice preserved: Slowness to anger is not softness on sin; judgment will still come in His set time (Romans 2:4-5). What This Reveals About God • He is consistently compassionate. Grace is His default posture toward humanity (Psalm 145:8). • He values repentance over retribution. God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). • His character never changes. The same patience shown to Israel is offered to us today (Malachi 3:6). • His anger, when it comes, is righteous and purposeful, aimed at restoring holiness and justice (Isaiah 30:18). Why This Matters for Us Today • Hope for sinners: No one is beyond the reach of God’s patient mercy. • Motivation to repent: Divine patience is not permission to continue in sin; it is an open door to turn back now. • Model for relationships: As God restrains anger, so we are called to be “slow to anger” with others (James 1:19-20). • Assurance of justice: Evil will not go unpunished; God’s timing is perfect, and His judgment will be completely fair. “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.” (Psalm 145:8) |
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