Devotions Based on Hymns from Glory to God and Their Scriptural Allusions

READ: Exodus 34:6 

“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” 

This may be the reader of the scriptures’ first encounter with these words. The content of Exodus 34:6 is repeated several times in the scriptures.

In Psalm 86:15 we read:

“You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

In Psalm 103:8 we read:

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.”

In Psalm 145:8 we read:

“The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”

In Jonah 4:2 we read:

“… You are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, ….”

Some portion of that sentiment is also found in: Numbers, Nehemiah and elsewhere in the Psalms.

In O Lord, You Are My God and King in verse 2 we find this scriptural allusion. Listen or sing: “How rich in grace are you, O Lord, full of compassion, merciful, your anger always slow to rise; your steadfast love you show to all, for you are good in all your ways; your creatures know your constant care. To all your works your love extends; all souls your tender mercies share.”

These words are received with great joy by those who know themselves to be sinners. We are thankful to know that God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. We are blessed beyond measure.

The tune is “JERUSALEM” by C. Hubert H. Parry and is often heard in British films, e.g. Chariots of Fire. This tune is also the setting for Hymn 373 O Day of Peace.

Prayer

O God, You are our God and King, and we humbly bow before You. We do give You thanks and praise that You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.