Attribute of God: Mercy Defined in Scripture References
The Attribute of God's Mercy in Scripture
The concept of God's mercy is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing God's compassion and loving-kindness towards humanity. Scripture describes God's mercy as a fundamental aspect of His character, highlighting its significance in understanding His relationship with humanity.
According to biblical references, God's mercy is characterized as being great, rich, manifold, plenteous, abundant, sure, and everlasting [2]. For instance, Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103:8 illustrate God's merciful nature, while Nehemiah 9:17 and Jonah 4:2 further emphasize His merciful character. The Psalmist also notes that God's mercy is "higher than the heavens" (Psalm 103:11) and "fills the earth" (Psalm 119:64) [2].
The biblical basis for understanding God's mercy is multifaceted. It is often associated with God's loving-kindness and faithfulness to His promises. In Proverbs 3:3, "mercy and truth" are linked to God's faithfulness, while in Ephesians 2:4, God is described as "rich in mercy" [4, 5]. The sending of Christ is also seen as a manifestation of God's mercy, as it demonstrates God's willingness to provide salvation for humanity [2].
Theological interpretations of God's mercy vary across traditions. According to Thomas Aquinas, mercy is a perfection of the divine nature and is essential to God, although it is not an "affection of passion" but rather seen in its effects [3]. John Calvin emphasizes that God's mercy is free and not based on human merit, highlighting the importance of understanding God's acceptance of humanity as being rooted in His mercy [7].
In Jewish tradition, the Babylonian Talmud discusses the concept of causing the Divine Attribute of Mercy to take effect, underscoring the significance of mercy in God's interactions with humanity [6].
The practical implications of God's mercy are also explored in Scripture. For example, Matthew 25:35-36 describes acts of compassion as "deeds of mercy," emphasizing the importance of showing mercy to others [8]. Psalm 37:26 notes that the merciful are blessed, and Proverbs 11:17 highlights the benefits of exercising mercy [1].
The biblical portrayal of God's mercy serves as a foundation for understanding His character and informs the way believers are called to interact with others. As Psalm 145:9 states, "The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made," reflecting the expansive nature of God's mercy [2].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy — After the example of God -- Lu 6:36. Enjoined -- 2Ki 6:21-23; Ho 12:6; Ro 12:20,21; Col 3:12. To be engraved on the heart -- Pr 3:3. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 37:26; Isa 57:1. Should be shown With cheerfulness. -- Ro 12:8. To our brethren. -- Zec 7:9. to those that are in distress. -- Lu 10:37. To the poor. -- Pr 14:31; Da 4:27. To backsliders. -- Lu 15:18-20; 2Co 2:6-8. To animals. -- Pr 12:10. Upholds the throne of kings -- Pr 20:28. Beneficial to those who exercise -- Pr 11:17. Blessedness of showing -- Pr 14:21; Mt 5:7. Hypocrites devoid of -- Mt 23:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Mercy of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6,7; Ps 62:12; Ne 9:17; Jon 4:2,10,11; 2Co 1:3. Described as Great. -- Nu 14:18; Isa 54:7. Rich. -- Eph 2:4. Manifold. -- Ne 9:27; La 3:32. Plenteous. -- Ps 86:5,15; 103:8. Abundant. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure. -- Isa 55:3; Mic 7:20. Everlasting. -- 1Ch 16:34; Ps 89:28; 106:1; 107:1; 136:1-26. Tender. -- Ps 25:6; 103:4; Lu 1:78. New every morning. -- La 3:23. High as heaven. -- Ps 36:5; 103:11. Filling the earth. -- Ps 119:64. Over all his works. -- Ps 145:9. Is his delight -- Mic 7:18. Manifested In the sending of Christ. ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, First Part (Prima Pars), The Justice and Mercy of God, Art. 3: Article: Whether mercy can be attributed to God? I answer that, Mercy is especially to be attributed to God, as seen in its effect, but not as an affection of passion. In proof of which it must be considered that a person is said to be merciful [misericors], as being, so to speak, sorrowful at heart [miserum cor]; being affected with sorrow at the misery of another as though it were his own. Hence it follows that he endeavors to dispel the misery of this other, as if it were his; and this is the effect of”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 3:3: mercy and truth--God's faithfulness to His promises is often expressed by these terms (Psa 25:10; Psa 57:3). As attributes of men, they express integrity in a wide sense (Pro 16:6; Pro 20:28). bind . . . write . . . heart--outwardly adorn and inwardly govern motives.”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 2:4: But God, who is rich in mercy,.... Mercy is a perfection of the divine nature, and is essential to God; and may be considered with respect to the objects of it, either as general, extending to all men in a providential way; or as special, reaching only to some in a way of grace; for though mercy is his nature, yet the display and exertion of it towards any object, is the act of his will; and special mercy, with all the blessings and benefits of it, is only exhibited in Christ Jesus: and God is said to be "rich" in it, because he is free and liberal in dispensing it,”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot 128b.63:21: Rava, also interpreting this verse, said that Rav Yitzḥak said: The term vayḥal teaches that he caused the Divine Attribute of Mercy to take effect [ heḥela ] upon them.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 72: you observe that man’s acceptance with God is twofold. As man is by nature, God finds nothing in him which can incline him to mercy, except merely big wretchedness. If it is clear then that man, when God first interposes for him, is naked and destitute of all good, and, on the other hand, loaded and filled with all kinds of evil,—for what quality, pray, shall we say that he is worthy of the heavenly kingdom? Where God thus clearly displays free mercy, have done with that empty imagination of merit. Another passage in the same book—”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 25:35: 25:35-36 The deeds described here, often called “deeds of mercy,” were acts of compassion shown to the helpless (see Isa 58:1-12; Ezek 18:7; Jas 1:26-27). These good deeds are not attempts to merit God’s favor; rather, they arise from a love for Christ that results in compassion toward others (see 6:1-4).”