Considering Examples

Psalm 143:12 (KJV) And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

(Proverbs 3 also read)

One of the words that brings the most joy to my reading is chesed (2617).  My favorite translation of this is “loving kindness.”  Here the KJV has “mercy”.  It’s such a broad word, and has such deep meaning that it warms my heart and put a new shine on the day.

Then I read it in a context like this, and David seems to feel that God’s mercy is going to “cut off” (6789) his “enemies”.  That seems a bit violent and I would assume rightfully so.  How does destroying and cutting off reflect loving kindness?

One of the answers would be, that God has a different attitude towards those who follow him as opposed to those who resist him.  You have God’s people on one side and the rebels on the other.  Just because we talk of Yahweh, as “God is love”, does not mean that love is stupid or unprincipled.

So?  Yes, God is love.  He is also holy, righteous, light, and a God of wrath.  Make a decision, which side of God do you want directed toward you?  Remember, Jesus died on the cross to save sinners, but there will be no mercy for those who die unrepentant.