God's Character

Written by Pastor Kyle Jones

Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:5 - 7)

After the incident with the golden calf, where Israel quickly turned from God’s commands, Moses interceded for the people, seeking God’s forgiveness and guidance. God, in His mercy, instructed Moses to chisel out two new stone tablets to replace the ones shattered in anger. As Moses finished this task, the Lord appeared in a cloud and proclaimed His name. In these verses, God reveals His character—merciful yet just, forgiving yet holy, setting the foundation for how His people would understand and relate to Him.

This declaration of God’s nature echoes throughout the biblical narrative, resonating in the hearts of those who seek Him. It is not a mere statement of divine attributes; it is a self-revelation that defines the covenant relationship between God and His people. The themes of Exodus 34:5-7 also resonate in the New Testament, particularly in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the full revelation of God, personifies this divine proclamation. In John 1:14, we read, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus is the ultimate display of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, embodying the attributes declared on Sinai. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He upholds the justice of God, taking upon Himself the punishment for sin, while also extending forgiveness and grace to all who believe.

Exodus 34:5-7 is not just an ancient declaration; it is a living promise that finds its fulfillment in Christ. It invites believers to approach God, not with fear of condemnation, but with confidence in His steadfast love and mercy. Just as Moses interceded for Israel, Jesus now intercedes for us, embodying the character of God revealed on that mountain. In Christ, we see the fullness of God’s grace and truth, a God who is patient with our failings, abundant in mercy, and unwavering in His justice. This revelation calls us to respond in worship and trust, knowing that the God who spoke to Moses on Sinai is the same God who speaks to us today through His Son.

Image by Riccardo Mion on Unsplash