Who is a God like unto thee? • Deshen Daily

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, And passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, Because he delighteth in mercy (Micah 7:18 KJV)

Every faithful Jew in the Old Testament was convinced about one thing: there was no god amongst the nations’ gods like Yahweh, the God of Israel. Although He is the creator of heaven and earth—an attribute no other god ever claimed—the prophet Micah is enraptured as he considers God’s grace and mercy.

Mercy is not a typical attribute of the gods of idols or demons. Instead, these gods are often merciless toward humans. Furthermore, this mercilessness was characteristic not only of these gods but of most ancient human kings. In contrast to these gods or human kings, the Lord is merciful: he forgives sin and passes over our transgressions.

But Micah’s portrait of the Lord extended beyond a God who is merciful. Yahweh is not only merciful, but He delights in mercy. Being merciful is wonderful, but delighting or taking pleasure in showing mercy to people is glorious. When He forgives us and frees us from our sins, He does not do so with pain or regrets. Similarly, when He delivers us from the mess we put ourselves in, He does not silently say to His heart, “you little rebels, next time, you will go to hell!”. No! That is not our Father. Mercy is His delight, and grace is His good pleasure.

So, God stands separate from other gods and, in fact, separate from His creation. He is God by Himself. Not only is His power, wisdom, or holiness transcendent, His love, grace, and mercy have never been seen in another god, angel, or human being.