Topical Encyclopedia The patience of God, particularly in His dealings with the nation of Israel, is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. This divine attribute is evident in God's enduring commitment to His covenant people despite their repeated disobedience and rebellion.Covenant and Promise God's relationship with Israel begins with His covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant is reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob, establishing a lineage through which God would work His redemptive purposes. Despite Israel's frequent failures, God's patience is manifest in His unwavering commitment to these promises. The Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings The patience of God is vividly displayed during the Exodus and the subsequent wilderness wanderings. After delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage with mighty acts, God provides for them in the desert. Yet, the people frequently grumble and rebel against Him. In Exodus 34:6, God reveals Himself to Moses as "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth." This self-revelation underscores His patience, as He continues to guide and sustain Israel despite their lack of faith and gratitude. The Period of the Judges The era of the Judges further illustrates God's patience. Israel repeatedly turns away from God to worship idols, leading to cycles of oppression by surrounding nations. Each time, when they cry out in distress, God raises up judges to deliver them (Judges 2:16-19). This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance highlights God's long-suffering nature, as He continually responds to their cries for help. The Monarchy and Prophetic Warnings During the monarchy, Israel's kings often lead the nation into idolatry and injustice. Despite this, God sends prophets to call the people back to Himself, warning them of the consequences of their actions while offering hope for repentance and restoration. The patience of God is evident in His willingness to delay judgment, giving Israel numerous opportunities to return to Him. In 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 , it is noted, "Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to them through His messengers, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place." Exile and Return Even when Israel's persistent disobedience leads to exile, God's patience does not wane. He promises to bring them back to their land and restore them. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah recount the fulfillment of this promise, as God moves the hearts of foreign kings to allow the return and rebuilding of Jerusalem. This period underscores God's faithfulness and patience, as He continues to work out His purposes for Israel despite their past unfaithfulness. The New Covenant The patience of God reaches its zenith in the New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Despite Israel's history of rebellion, God promises a new heart and spirit, writing His law upon their hearts. This covenant, extended to all who believe in Christ, demonstrates God's ultimate patience and desire for reconciliation with His people. Throughout Israel's history, the patience of God is a testament to His enduring love and faithfulness. His willingness to bear with their shortcomings and continually offer opportunities for repentance and restoration reveals a divine character that is both just and merciful. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 78:38But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 48:9 Library Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience As God is the Author of Patience So the Devil is of Impatience. God. God's Last Arrow The Millennium in Relation to Israel. The Waters of Meribah On Patience The Book of God 'Fruit which is Death' Resources Is God cruel? | GotQuestions.orgHow can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Patience of God is Part of his Character The Patience of God: An Encouragement to Repent The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: His People The Patience of God: Exercised Toward: The Wicked The Patience of God: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins The Patience of God: Illustrated The Patience of God: Jerusalem The Patience of God: Limits Set To The Patience of God: Plead in Prayer The Patience of God: Salvation, the Object of The Patience of God: should Lead to Repentance The Patience of God: The Wicked: Abuse The Patience of God: The Wicked: Despise The Patience of God: The Wicked: Punished for Despising The Patience of God: Through Christ's Intercession 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) |
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