Forgiving
Forgiveness is divine mercy and human plea, with conditions.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The concept of forgiving in the Hebrew Scriptures is portrayed both as a divine attribute and a human request. God is described as 'keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin' (Exodus 34:7), yet also as one who 'will by no means clear the guilty' (Exodus 34:7; Numbers 14:18). Human figures, such as Joseph's brothers and Pharaoh, plead for forgiveness from one another or from God (Genesis 50:17; Exodus 10:17). Moses intercedes for Israel, asking God to forgive their sin or else blot him out of God's book (Exodus 32:32).
- Divine forgiveness declared
- Exodus 34:7; Numbers 14:18
- Human plea for forgiveness
- Genesis 50:17; Exodus 10:17; 1 Samuel 25:28
- Forgiveness conditional on human authori
- Numbers 30:5, 8, 12
- Forgiveness linked to repentance and pra
- 1 Kings 8:30, 34, 36, 39, 50; 2 Chronicles 6:21, 25, 27, 30, 39
- Forgiveness refused due to God's holines
- Joshua 24:19
Lore & Background
Forgiveness in these passages is often sought in moments of crisis or guilt. Joseph's brothers, after their father's death, send a message begging Joseph to forgive their past evil, which moves Joseph to weep (Genesis 50:17). Pharaoh, after the plague of locusts, asks Moses to forgive his sin 'only this once' and to entreat God to remove the death (Exodus 10:17). Abigail, in a diplomatic plea, asks David to forgive her trespass, citing the LORD's future establishment of his house (1 Samuel 25:28).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray forgiveness as a divine prerogative that is both merciful and just. God is 'longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression' (Numbers 14:18), yet He does not clear the guilty and visits iniquity to later generations (Exodus 34:7). Human forgiveness is often conditional: a father or husband can disallow a woman's vow, and then 'the LORD shall forgive her' (Numbers 30:5, 8, 12). In Solomon's temple prayer, forgiveness is repeatedly tied to hearing from heaven and responding to the people's supplication (1 Kings 8:30, 34, 36, 39, 50; 2 Chronicles 6:21, 25, 27, 30, 39). Joshua warns that God will not forgive transgressions if the people attempt to serve Him while clinging to other gods (Joshua 24:19). Moses' bold intercession offers his own life as a substitute if God will not forgive Israel (Exodus 32:32).
Did You Know?
- Joseph wept when his brothers asked for forgiveness (Genesis 50:17).
- Moses offered to be blotted out of God's book if Israel's sin was not forgiven (Exodus 32:32).
- Pharaoh asked for forgiveness only 'this once' (Exodus 10:17).
- A woman's vow could be voided by her father or husband, leading to divine forgiveness (Numbers 30:5, 8, 12).
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"Abraham to the LORD regarding the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, in Genesis 18:22 - 32 (KJV), after which, it is recorded that the LORD responds: I will not destroy it for ten's sake." — Forgiving "Put from you the belief that "I have been wronged", and with it will go the feeling. Reject your sense of injury, and the injury itself disappears." — Forgiving "They who forgive most shall be most forgiven." — Forgiving "There is no revenge so complete as forgiveness." — Forgiving
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
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