Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's anger being slow is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His patience, mercy, and long-suffering nature. This attribute of God is often highlighted in contrast to human anger, which can be quick and impulsive. The slow anger of God underscores His desire for repentance and reconciliation rather than immediate judgment.Biblical Foundation One of the key verses illustrating this attribute is found in Exodus 34:6, where God reveals His character to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation of God sets the foundation for understanding His patience and mercy throughout the Scriptures. Similarly, in Numbers 14:18, it is stated, "The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression." Here, God's slowness to anger is directly linked to His willingness to forgive, highlighting His preference for mercy over judgment. Prophetic Insights The prophets also speak to God's slow anger. In Joel 2:13, the prophet calls the people to repentance, reminding them of God's character: "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion." This call to repentance is based on the assurance of God's patient and forgiving nature. Jonah 4:2 provides a narrative example, where Jonah expresses his frustration with God's mercy towards Nineveh: "I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion, One who relents from sending disaster." Jonah's complaint underscores the consistency of God's character, even towards those outside Israel. Wisdom Literature The theme of God's slow anger is also present in the wisdom literature. Psalm 103:8 declares, "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion." This psalm celebrates God's mercy and patience as reasons for praise and gratitude. Proverbs 19:11 offers a practical application of this divine attribute: "A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense." Here, the wisdom of emulating God's patience is encouraged, suggesting that slowness to anger is a mark of understanding and virtue. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the theme continues with an emphasis on God's patience as an opportunity for repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 states, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This passage highlights God's desire for salvation rather than judgment, reflecting His patient nature. Romans 2:4 also speaks to this aspect of God's character: "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Here, God's patience is portrayed as an expression of His kindness, intended to lead people to repentance. Theological Implications The slowness of God's anger is a profound aspect of His divine nature, reflecting His love and desire for humanity's redemption. It serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to practice patience and forgiveness in their own lives. This attribute of God reassures believers of His enduring mercy and offers hope for those seeking repentance and reconciliation with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 103:8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 48:9 Jonah 4:2 Nahum 1:3 Library The Patient Teacher, and the Slow Scholars Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice Of the Indifference which we are to have as to Our Advancement in ... Family Prayer. Instances of God's Repentance, and Notably in the Case of the ... Letter vi. --Fear Caused by Self-Love. Psalm 103 Part 2 Abounding Compassion of God; Or, Mercy in the ... Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube What God is to Us. God, My King, Thy Might Confessing Resources What does the Bible say about anger? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to not let the sun go down on your anger? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it says in your anger do not sin (Ephesians 4:26)? | GotQuestions.org Anger: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Anger: A Characteristic of Fools Anger: Ahab, Because Naboth Would not Sell his Vineyard Anger: Ahasuerus, Toward Vashti, for Refusing to Amuse his Courtiers Anger: Asa, Because the Prophet Rebuked Him Anger: Brings Its own Punishment Anger: Children should not be Provoked To Anger: Connected With: Clamour and Evil-Speaking Anger: Connected With: Cruelty Anger: Connected With: Malice and Blasphemy Anger: Connected With: Strife and Contention Anger: Elihu, Because Job had Beaten his Friends in Argument Anger: Ephraimites, Toward Gideon, for not Soliciting Their Help Against the Midianites Anger: General Scriptures Concerning Anger: Haman, Because Mordecai did not Salute Him Anger: Herod, Toward the Wise Men Who Deceived Him Anger: Jonah, Because the Gourd Withered Anger: Jonathan, on Account of Saul's Persecution of David Anger: May be Averted by Wisdom Anger: Naaman, Because Elisha Directed Him to Wash in the Jordan Anger: Saul, Toward Jonathan, on Account of his Sympathy With David Anger: should not Betray Us Into Sin Anger: Simeon and Levi, on Account of the Humbling of Their Sister, Dinah Anger: Sinful: Simeon and Levi Anger: The People of Nazareth, Toward Jesus Anger: Uzziah Toward Azariah, the Priest, Because of his Reproof of The Anger of God is Averted from Them That Believe The Anger of God is Averted Upon Confession of Sin and Repentance The Anger of God: Against: Apostasy The Anger of God: Against: Idolatry The Anger of God: Against: Impenitence The Anger of God: Against: Sin, in Saints The Anger of God: Against: The Wicked The Anger of God: Against: Those Who Forsake Him The Anger of God: Against: Unbelief The Anger of God: Aggravated by Continual Provocation The Anger of God: Averted by Christ The Anger of God: Cannot be Resisted The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Aaron and Miriam The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Abimelech The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Builders of Babel The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Cities of the Plain The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Egyptians The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Enemies of Israel The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Five Kings The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Israelites The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Korah The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Men of Bethshemesh The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Nadab The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Saul The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Saul's Family The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Sennacherib The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: The Old World The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: The Spies The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Uzzah The Anger of God: Extreme, Against Those Who Oppose the Gospel The Anger of God: Folly of Provoking The Anger of God: Manifested in Judgments and Afflictions The Anger of God: Manifested in Terrors The Anger of God: Removal of, should be Prayed For The Anger of God: should Lead to Repentance The Anger of God: Specially Reserved for the Day of Wrath The Anger of God: Tempered With Mercy to Saints The Anger of God: The Justice of, not to be Questioned The Anger of God: To be Born With Submission The Anger of God: To be Deprecated The Anger of God: To be Dreaded Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |