Definition and Etymology
Mercy, in the biblical context, is a profound expression of compassion, forgiveness, and steadfast love. The Hebrew word often translated as "mercy" is "chesed," which encompasses kindness, loving-kindness, and covenant loyalty. In the New Testament, the Greek word "eleos" is used, signifying compassion and pity. Mercy is a central attribute of God and a fundamental aspect of His relationship with humanity.

Biblical Foundation
Mercy is a divine quality that is both commanded and exemplified throughout Scripture. It is a key characteristic of God's nature, as seen in Exodus 34:6, where the LORD proclaims Himself as "a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This divine mercy is not only a personal attribute but also a principle that upholds justice and righteousness in governance.

Mercy and Kingship
The concept of mercy as a sustaining force for the throne is deeply rooted in biblical wisdom literature. Proverbs 20:28 states, "Loving devotion and faithfulness preserve a king; by these he maintains his throne." Here, mercy is synonymous with loving devotion, suggesting that a king's rule is stabilized and legitimized through acts of kindness and faithfulness. This principle underscores the belief that a ruler's authority is not merely a matter of power but is sustained by moral integrity and benevolence.

Examples of Mercy in Kingship
1. David: King David is a quintessential example of a ruler whose throne was upheld by mercy. Despite his failings, David consistently sought God's mercy and extended it to others. In 2 Samuel 9, David shows kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, for Jonathan's sake, demonstrating that mercy can transcend political expediency and personal vendettas.

2. Solomon: Solomon's request for wisdom to govern his people justly (1 Kings 3:9) reflects an understanding that mercy and justice are intertwined. His reign is marked by a pursuit of righteousness and equity, as seen in his judgments and the prosperity of his kingdom.

3. Hezekiah: King Hezekiah's reign is another illustration of mercy upholding the throne. In 2 Chronicles 30, Hezekiah extends an invitation to all Israel and Judah to celebrate the Passover, showing mercy and a desire for unity among the divided tribes.

Theological Implications
Mercy as a sustaining force for kingship has profound theological implications. It reflects the divine order where justice and mercy coexist, as seen in Psalm 89:14: "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You." This balance is essential for godly leadership, where rulers are called to mirror God's character in their governance.

Christ as the Fulfillment of Mercy in Kingship
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the perfect union of mercy and kingship. As the promised Messiah, He fulfills the prophetic vision of a king whose reign is characterized by justice and mercy. In Matthew 9:13, Jesus emphasizes the importance of mercy over sacrifice, highlighting the heart of His kingdom. His sacrificial death and resurrection are the ultimate acts of divine mercy, establishing His eternal throne and offering redemption to all who believe.

Practical Application
For contemporary believers, the principle that mercy upholds the throne serves as a call to embody mercy in all spheres of life. Whether in leadership, community, or personal relationships, mercy is a powerful force that reflects God's kingdom values and sustains righteous living. As followers of Christ, believers are encouraged to "be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36), ensuring that their lives and leadership are marked by the same loving devotion that upholds the throne of kings.Proverbs 20:28
Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upheld by mercy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ...
... knows the end from the beginning and who upholds all things ... Solomon began his reign
by showing mercy to and yet ... who "shall be a Priest upon His throne" (Zech.6 ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter six the typical significance.htm

The Lord Reigneth
... universe. He upholds the stars in their courses. If ... 5). Here He reigns upon
a throne of grace. He ... them. But His mercy is infinite. And ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxvi the lord reigneth.htm

The Work of Christ.
... us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find ... unbroken intercession in the sanctuary, He upholds us individually ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

Oration Concerning Simeon and Anna
... the upholder of Him [3071] who upholds all things ... draught of immortality gushed forth;
the mercy-seat [3076 ... side of that glorious and virginal throne,"for by ...
/.../the writings of methodius fragments/oration concerning simeon and anna.htm

Our Expectation
... a single new-born lamb of grace"what a mercy to have ... when all the sacred seed shall
meet around the throne. ... it his banner, and his holy arm upholds it; but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/our expectation.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... into captivity might awaken the hope that mercy will be ... and the earth, and overthrow
the throne of kingdoms ... but the hand of the Lord secretly upholds them that ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

The Eternal Revolution
... with bowed gigantic backs, bore up the throne of the ... the ordinary sense, as meaning
one who upholds the claims ... not, have been gradually admitted to mercy or to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/orthodoxy/vii the eternal revolution.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... In his attributes of wisdom, power, justice, holiness, mercy, &c., he is also
inconceivably perfect and infinite, not to be comprehended by things in earth, or ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... names, derived from his contemplation of the works of God, he thus speaks of the
Divine nature: "The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

part i
... No one bound by evil shall dare to approach the throne of the God of love. ... hand is
constantly upon me, a sinner, and there is no moment when Thy mercy leaves me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

What is the difference between mercy and grace? | GotQuestions.org

What is the mercy seat? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8)? | GotQuestions.org

Mercy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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