When God declared Himself to be “merciful and gracious” in Exodus 34:6, He revealed the heart of His character toward sinners: compassionate, patient, and willing to forgive. These attributes were announced after Israel’s grievous sin with the golden calf, showing that God’s mercy and grace are the foundation of His covenant relationship with His people.
Exodus 34:6–7 says:
“And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty…’”
“Merciful” speaks of God’s compassion toward those in misery and His readiness to relieve their suffering. “Gracious” emphasizes His unearned favor, blessing the undeserving and pardoning sin out of His own goodness rather than obligation.
This revelation assures us that while God is holy and just, “by no means clearing the guilty”, He is also full of steadfast love. His mercy and grace make reconciliation possible, not by human effort but by His initiative.
Ultimately, these attributes point to Christ, where God’s mercy and grace are fully displayed. Titus 3:5 explains:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, God remains just while justifying the sinner (Romans 3:26). The declaration that He is “merciful and gracious” reminds believers that His covenant love is unwavering and that forgiveness flows from His very nature, giving hope to all who repent and trust in Him.
