When we look at the character of God in Exodus 34 we see some wonderful things. God proclaims his own character as compassion and gracious and patient when it comes to anger. He also says that he abounds in love and faithfulness. What does this really mean? Let’s dive deeper. 

Exodus 34:6b-7a 

“abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”

In this passage, the phrase is “rab hesed emet”. Rab means much, greatness or numerous. Hesed is an interesting word to translate. It can mean kindness or lovingkindness. Emet can mean faith or trust. One translation says “abounding in kindness and good faith”. This paints the picture of a God who is overflowing with kindness, love, and faithfulness. Isaiah 63:7 says, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us— yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses.” The Lord is so gracious and compassionate he should be praised for what he has done. He has done them because he is so kind and gracious. 

This is why he keeps love to thousands and forgives. He is so overflowing with love that he maintains his love to thousands or keeps his love. His love overflows into forgiveness. He is so faithful and true to his covenant that he forgives guilt, rebellion, and sin. He forgives us of the action of going against Him and the morality of the action. 

Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are able to gain eternal forgiveness through Jesus. 1 John 2:2 says, “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus was the sacrifice we needed for our sins. No longer through animal sacrifices but through the sacrifice of God’s son (Hebrews 10:10). 

Jesus had so much love and compassion that it poured out in his sacrifice for the world. His Father, our God has shown his love and compassion throughout our human history. He then poured out his love and forgiveness through his sending of Jesus so that we could have eternal life.