The concept of appealing to God's character is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, where individuals and communities call upon the nature and attributes of God in prayer, supplication, and intercession. This appeal is rooted in the understanding that God's character is unchanging, righteous, and merciful, providing a foundation for believers to seek His intervention and guidance.

Attributes of God

1. Holiness: God's holiness is a central aspect of His character, setting Him apart from all creation. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This holiness is the basis for God's moral perfection and purity, which believers appeal to when seeking justice and righteousness.

2. Love and Mercy: God's love and mercy are foundational to His interactions with humanity. In Exodus 34:6-7, God reveals Himself to Moses, saying, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." This declaration is often cited in prayers for forgiveness and compassion.

3. Faithfulness: God's faithfulness assures believers that He will fulfill His promises. Lamentations 3:22-23 states, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This attribute is a source of hope and trust for those who rely on God's steadfastness.

4. Justice: God's justice ensures that He will act righteously and fairly. Psalm 89:14 declares, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You." Believers appeal to God's justice when seeking redress for wrongs and the establishment of His kingdom on earth.

Biblical Examples of Appeal

1. Moses: In Exodus 32:11-14, Moses appeals to God's character when interceding for the Israelites after they worship the golden calf. He reminds God of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of His reputation among the nations, leading God to relent from destroying the people.

2. David: In Psalm 51, David appeals to God's mercy and lovingkindness after his sin with Bathsheba. He begins, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1). David's appeal is based on his understanding of God's forgiving nature.

3. Jehoshaphat: In 2 Chronicles 20:5-12, King Jehoshaphat appeals to God's power and past acts of deliverance when facing a vast army. He prays, "O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You" (2 Chronicles 20:6).

4. Nehemiah: In Nehemiah 1:5-11, Nehemiah appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and mercy as he prays for the restoration of Jerusalem. He acknowledges God's greatness and confesses the sins of Israel, relying on God's promise to gather His people.

Theological Implications

Appealing to God's character underscores the relational aspect of faith, where believers engage with God based on His revealed nature. It reflects a deep trust in God's attributes and His willingness to act in accordance with His character. This practice encourages believers to align their prayers with God's will, seeking His glory and the fulfillment of His purposes on earth.