Genesis Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 Commentary by Mark Dunagan

Genesis Chapters 15-19

Chapter 15 “Believers have often found themselves in the gulf between divine promise and personal experience: God’s promise is clear but circumstances do not seem to be leading to its fulfillment….What is true of believers today was true of Abraham.

God had given him a great promise, but events raised such deep questions in his heart that he began to fear (15:1). Traveling through a strange land was not easy.

A famine had driven him to Egypt, and he had left in humiliation. Back in Canaan he had mediated a serious dispute between his men and Lot’s. The invasion of the kings from the east and Lot’s capture had also complicated things. Surely Abraham, like many of us, was perplexed about how circumstances could possibly fulfill God’s promises to him” (Davis p. 183).

15:1-3 God has always greatly rewarded His servants (Matt. 5:12; Romans 8:18).

Childlessness among ancient people was viewed as a great tragedy. Adopting a servant to be the heir of a childless couple was a well known and common practice in Mesopotamia. “It was not an uncommon practice at the time for childless couples to adopt an heir, sometimes, as here, a slave. The adoption contract might contain a proviso that if a natural son was born he would take precedence as the legal heir” (Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible, p. 137). “So far, Abram has been tested chiefly in the realm of security….through stresses of anxiety and ambition. The pressure now builds up round a new center, and promise of a son, a hope to be deferred through six more chapters and some twenty-five years” (Kidner p. 122). Be impressed that Abram’s focus is still upon the promise of a child. A lesser man would have been content with the promise found in 15:1.

15:1 “Do not be afraid”: Obviously, Abram was afraid of something, probably of not having an heir (15:2). It is interesting that often a righteous man will exhibit great courage (as in chapter 14), and then yield to fear.

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15:4 While a legal heir could be spoken of as a “son”, God makes it clear that the promised seed will literally come from Abraham. “A further question, whether this son could possibly be his through Sarai, would be the next challenge to his faith, worked out in the heart-searchings of chapters 16 and 17” (Kidner p. 123).

15:5-6 The same word or power that had created the stars would also bring about this promise. Davis notes, “Sitting in an open space on the Judean hills, one feels he can almost touch the myriad stars before him” (p. 186). The Bible is right concerning the fact that the stars cannot be counted. And yet in 150 B.C., Hipparchus taught that there were less than 3000 stars. Ptolemy (150 A.D.), counted 1056 stars and claimed the actual number would not exceed 3000. After inventing the telescope, Galileo (1608 A.D.), realized that the stars cannot be numbered. To comprehend the possibility of counting the stars, if a man were to count the stars just in our Milky Way Galaxy at the rate of 200 per minute, it would take him 1000 years. To appreciate the vast number of stars scattered through the sky, you need to be, like Abram, away from any distractions. Or, pick up a handful of sand and try to count the grains.

This is not the first time that Abram believed God, for he had manifested his faith in God in leaving his homeland (Genesis 12:1ff; Hebrews 11:8). At this point all that God required of Abram on this occasion was to accept what He had said. It is a misuse of this passage to argue that one is saved at the moment of mental assent or saved by faith only. Paul’s argument is not that Abraham was saved by faith only, but rather that Abraham was saved without the Law of Moses (Romans 4). Hence it cannot be argued that observing the Law of Moses is an eternal requirement for a relationship with God. Like Christians today, Abraham was saved by an obedient faith (James 2:14-26). In addition, no one really believes (or practices) in a salvation by faith alone for such a doctrine would exclude hearing the gospel message (Romans 1:16), the blood of Christ, the grace and love of God from having any role to play in our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).

Davis notes, “This reveals much about the nature of true faith. It does not ignore natural processes, but it does recognize that God is superior to them all and can alter them to suit His purposes” (p. 186).

15:7-12 Observe how Abram is asking for help, we see the strain that he was under. As if Abram was saving, “Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief!” The covenant here was typical in the ancient world. “By killing and dividing the

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animals the parties to the treaty made it clear that the penalty for breaking the agreement was death” (Eerdmans p. 138).

15:13-17 The 400 years of oppression is a round number, Exodus 12:40 is more specific, 430 years. The New Testament views this conversation with Abram as a historical reality (Acts 7:5-6; Romans 4; Galatians 3:6). A generation (15:16) could easily be 100 years. “In the patriarchal context a century is a conservative equivalent of this” (Kidner p. 125). Note that the path to obtaining the promises of God is not always easy or smooth. “The clause for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full (16) throws significant light on Joshua’s invasion…as an act of justice, not aggression. Until it was right to invade, God’s people must wait, if it cost them centuries of hardship” (Kidner p. 125). Here again we see that God gives people time to repent (2 Peter 3:9). “This helps put the conquest into perspective.

The campaigns under Joshua were not purely militaristic or nationalistic; they were also judicial” (Davis p. 187). The sins of a nation or people can become so full that punishment must immediately come and cannot be delayed any further (Matthew 23:34-35). Truly, righteousness does exalt a nation and sin is a disgrace to any people (Proverbs 14:34). From the fact that God held the Canaanites and other nations accountable for their sins infers that they were also accountable to His laws.

15:18 In contrast to those who claim that Israel has never possessed the land described in this verse, the Bible says otherwise (1 Kings 4:21; 8:65; 2 Kings 14:25; Joshua 21:43-45).

15:19-21 The land which his descendants would inherit was large and contained many tribes. Those who were not destroyed became forced laborers during the time of Solomon (2 Chron. 8:7-8).

Chapter 16 16:1-4 Ten Years after coming to Canaan, when Abram was around 85, Sarai came up with her own plan of action. “The childless Sarai falls back on custom in giving her slave-girl to Abram…But human emotions in such a situation are complex, and the unhappy sequel is not surprising” (Eerdmans p. 138).

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Once again we see the short-sighted nature of human customs. In the ancient world such was viewed as legal and moral, but when man tries to do things apart from the will of God, matters are typically only complicated further. God allows us to complicate our lives! “This chapter marks another stage in eliminating every means but miracle towards the promised birth….Custom sanctioned this way of obtaining children….Abram could reason that the promise of 15:4 could be fulfilled in this way, and the fact that ten years had now passed in Canaan (16:3) must have added to the pressure on him to act” (Kidner p. 126). Yet what looked or seemed like a wise plan of action, would soon unravel (Proverbs 16:25).

16:4-6 We need to learn a great lesson here, especially in our own time when man is constantly wanting to tinker with the human race. People are not machines. Cloning, test-tube babies, surrogate mothers may all look good on paper, but real life is often very different and far more complicated. “Each of the three characters displays the untruth that is part of sin, in false pride (4), false blame (5), false neutrality (6). “When the former slave realized she was pregnant, she expressed her womanly pride by flaunting her condition in a spirit of disdain for Sarai” (Aalders p. 300). Although Sarai arranged for Hagar to have a child by her husband, she later blamed Abram for the results. It is often easier to strike out in frustration and accuse someone else than to admit an error and ask for forgiveness.

16:6 Sarai tried to put Hagar in her place. It appears that behind Sarai’s demand for justice (16:5), there was some hate (16:6 “treated her harshly”). Anger, especially when it arises from our own short-comings can be very dangerous and destructive. Sarai will take her anger out on both Abram and Hagar.

16:7-16 Abram may have acquired Hagar when he was in Egypt, for she appears to be trying to get back to her homeland. The way to Shur, is on the northeastern frontier of Egypt. God does not consider harsh treatment as justification for leaving one’s responsibilities (16:9). Consider the contrast between Ishmael, his descendants and the descendants of Isaac. Kidner notes, “Enough that Ishmael would multiply, and be at nobody’s beck and call. To some degree this son of Abram would be a shadow, almost a parody, of his father, his twelve princes notable in their times (17:20; 25:13) but not in the history of salvation; his restless existence no pilgrimage but an end in itself; his non-conformism a habit of mind, not a light to the nations” (p. 127). Ishmael is typical is many people today who refuse to conform, not for godly reasons (Romans 12:1-2), but for selfish reasons.

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16:14 “Beer-lahai-roi” is pronounced (BEE ear lah HIGH roy).

In this chapter we have seen three people wrongly handle a situation: 1. Sarai who did not trust God’s plan, implemented her own and then blamed everyone else when it did not work out the way she had imagined. Remember, human plans once started—cannot be manipulated or controlled. Human plans typically have unintended consequences. 2. Abram who failed to exercise leadership and went along and then refused to help solve the problem when everything went wrong. 3. Hagar, who simply wanted to runaway from everything. Typically, running away does not solve anything, rather she is told to return, submit, have the right attitude and accept God’s promise of help.

Yet, as messy and complicated as this problem is, God solves it. Sarai and Abram eventually get their child in God’s time period, and God cares for Hagar and her son. No problem is very too complicated for God if we are willing to let Him help.

Chapter 17 17:1-5 Thirteen years later, God appears to Abram “Abram” means exalted or high father, while “Abraham” means, “father of a multitude”. God does not want a distant or half-hearted relationship (17:1), and the same is true today (Mark 12:30-31). Twenty-four years after their departure from Haran, the time of the promise is drawing near.

17:8 The promise of the land was as “everlasting” as God’s covenant with the physical nation of Israel. As long as the physical nation of Israel were the people of God, the land was theirs. Yet this covenant ended at the death of Christ, when the people of God became Jews and Gentiles who obey His Son (Galatians 3:2628; 6:16; 1 Peter 2:5-10).

17:10-14 Circumcision was not “new” in the ancient world, for many nations used it as marking the entrance into manhood. Yet it was different with Israel. It was not a cultural sign, rather it was a divine symbol of a relationship with God. It also implied a mark of ownership and a life that was to be dedicated to God, including actions as well as thoughts (Deut. 30:6). “There are good medical grounds for the practice, and for the choice of the eighth day” (Eerdmans p. 139).

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Observe that a provision was also made for non-Jews to become part of this covenant (17:12), God always leaves doors open to any who might seek Him. Circumcision was given: 1. As a sign of obedience to Him in all matters. 2. As a sign of belonging to His covenant people. 3. As a symbol of cutting off the old life of life, purifying one’s heart, and dedicating oneself to God. 4. Possibly, for health reasons as well.

17:15 It appears that “Sarai” and “Sarah” both mean “princess, heroic or heroine”. “Sarai is the older form of the feminine ending while Sarah is the newer form.

17:17-18 Here we see that Abraham really did love Ishmael and was willing for this young boy to be his heir. He seems to be trying to steer God into a more reasonable path, in his mind. “Abraham’s doubt was wonderfully tempered by faith and love in the prayer for Ishmael” (Kidner p. 130). God did not forget Ishmael, and neither does He “forget” anyone.

17:19-27 The promised child would be named “Isaac” which means “he laughs”.

His name would be a constant reminder that both Abraham and Sarah (18:12) had laughed at the Word of God. Abraham promptly obeys what God has commanded earlier in the chapter (17:23).

Chapter 18 At some point during that same year the events of chapter 18 take place (17:24; 18:10; 21:5).

18:1 Mamre (MAM reh) is probably located about two miles north of Hebron (Genesis 13:18).

18:2-8 ”The almost royal honours paid to a chance visitor—the fervent welcome however inconvenient the moment (it was the midday siesta), the assurance that his arrival is an honour (3), even a providence, and the lavish meal deprecated as a morsel of bread (5)---are still characteristic of Bedouin hospitality, even to the host’s insistence in some cases on standing (8) until his guests have finished” (Kidner p. 132). Between this and the next chapter (19) we find a great contrast.

On the one hand, Abraham is tender, sensitive and caring for his guests. On the other, the men of Sodom are trying to rape the same messengers. On the one

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hand, the guests accept Abraham’s hospitality, praise and bless him, on the other, the guests bring judgment and condemnation, “Behold then the kindness and severity of God” (Romans 11:22). In this chapter, we also are given a good lesson on what it means to be hospitable (Heb. 13:1-2).

18:9 Obviously these men were not ordinary men, for they knew the name of Abraham’s wife, but they were total strangers to Abraham.

18:12-15 Evidently Abraham had failed to convince Sarah what God had said would happen. The rebuke from the Lord demonstrates that behind Sarah’s laughter was unbelief and shallowness. “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” is truly a concept that we need to remember (Luke 1:37). “Is a child from a dead womb too marvelous for the One who called all things into existence? It is no laughing matter” (Bible Knowledge Comm. p. 59). Yet how many people today, even professed “Christians” routinely deny that God is all-powerful? How many religious people deny the six-day Creation, the virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus, the resurrection, various events in the Old Testament, including the Flood?

God’s message is clear, “If you believe in Me, then believe in Me!” Application   

“Are the challenges of this day or tomorrow too much for God?” “Is this sinful habit that I have too hard to Him and us to break together?”

“Is this relationship problem beyond His wisdom and help?”

18:15 Sarah’s motive for lying here is common. Often people lie when they are afraid of being exposed, but lying causes greater complications and in many cases, nothing is gained, for everyone sees through our lie.

18:16-33 This is a fascinating section of Scripture: God allows Abraham to join Him in deliberating about what to do with the evil in Sodom which is crying out for justice. God initiates the conversation and will determine when the conversation will end. This is Abraham’s second intervention on behalf of these sinners (14:14). “It would be easy to say that this prayer comes near to haggling, but the right word is ‘exploring’” (Kidner p. 133).

There is a tremendous amount of humility on the part of Abraham (18:23,27,30)---he realizes to Whom he is speaking. He isn’t trying to tell God what to do, and neither is he questioning God, rather, he is trying to find out the range of God’s mercy. Abraham also needed to know the reason for this terrible 7

destruction the cities were about to undergo. He would need to explain it to his offspring (18:19), and they to all their descendants. The overthrow of these cities would be a graphic reminder to Abraham, the spiritual leader of a new nation, of the national consequences arising from sin. Abraham also recognized God as the “Judge of all the earth” (18:25), i.e. the God to whom all men, from every nation and culture must answer. Abraham recognized that the God he served wasn’t a tribal deity. This section also teaches us that God will spare the wicked at times for the sake of a small minority of righteous people! And that God never acts on a whim, but only acts after careful consideration, that He is longsuffering, even towards flagrant sinners (Romans 2:1-4).

Chapter 19 Why after all this trouble, Lot moved back into Sodom, I don’t know. You would think that Abraham would have given Lot some advice. As far as we know, Genesis 14 is the last time that Lot and Abram ever saw each other.

19:1 Two of the angels that had come to Abraham near Hebron (18:1), proceed to the city of Sodom. “The journey from Hebron to Sodom would have covered at least 25 miles of rugged, mountainous terrain” (Davis p. 200). We find Lot sitting at the city gate, which was a place where business was transacted, courts were held, etc…”Evidently Lot himself was now some kind of magistrate of the place” (Morris p. 345). His relationship to Abram, who had earlier saved the people of the city and its wealth, may have helped Lot gain this position. The king of Sodom may have made Lot an offer that he couldn’t refuse. As much as he hated the ways of this city (2 Peter 2:7-8), he stayed there. The reader should be aware that besides being mentioned in the biblical record, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are also mentioned in secular sources. Recent excavations at Tell Markikh, also known as Elba, uncovered about 15,000 clay tablets. On some of these tablets these two cities are mentioned.

19:2-3 Despite his shortcomings, Lot practices hospitality and he pressed his invitation until they accepted it (Hebrews 13:1), He knew the city in which he lived! He was looking out for the best interests of his fellowman, even if such were mere strangers.

19:4 The entire population is given over to wickedness, both young and old. We can now see why in some cases God commanded the Israelites to exterminate entire populations.

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19:5 Some modern writers who try to justify homosexuality argue that the word “know” (“have relations with” NASV) in this verse has nothing to do with sexual relations. And that God condemned these cities because they were rude. But such an interpretation is dishonest at best. The context demands that the phrase “have relations” refers to sexual relations, for: 1. Lot so understood their request (19:8). 2. How could wanting to merely know who a person was or asking for their credentials (passport, ID?) be considered wickedness? (19:7). 3. The New Testament labels the sin here as sexual in nature (Jude 1:7; 2 Peter 2:7).

19:8 Lot’s offer of his daughters to these men has confused readers for years: First of all, we must give credit where credit is due. Lot tried to protect these men, and even was willing to sacrifice himself—not to mention his daughters (19:9-10). He spoke the truth (19:7) and opposed their evil ways. He tried to protect his guests. For all these things the New Testament describes him as a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7-8). Some say that Lot had perceived that his visitors were angels and he felt that he must go to any lengths to protect them, even the sacrifice of his own children. I think in this situation we see a good man who had simply allowed himself to live for too long—too close to the world. He is simply at this point operating by human wisdom. He had gotten himself into a situation in which the Lord will mercifully deliver him. Some say that during that period of time hospitality took precedence over all else. If this is true, then the lesson to be learned is that the values of society are never an infallible guide!

19:9 Consider the depravity of these men. They are insulted by Lot’s offer.

“This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge”. Nothing has changed! We can almost hear these men whining, “He’s judging me!” Give Lot this much credit, he wasn’t being politically correct in Sodom. “We let this fellow settle among us and now he tries to tell us what to do!” (Tay) Lot had managed for himself an “uneasy” peace in this city, now God upsets the peace! “The angels visit has shattered the uneasy peace in which he has lived too long” (Kidner p. 134). This verse well depicts the “tolerance” found in the world.

“Lot had for some time thought he was at home among the people of the city… he quickly learned that they had never really accepted him. He had no influence over them whatever under these present conditions, and they resented even the very fact that he had judged their intended action to be morally wrong” (Morris p. 349). When you start speaking the truth you quickly learn, who your friends are, and that the world isn’t a very tolerant place after all. Are there any present friendships that we would lose if Jesus came and stayed at our home for a couple of days? Have we managed for ourselves an “uneasy” peace with the world?

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Application One danger we face when we blend in with the world is that when we do take a stand, nothing takes us seriously. When Lot finally took his stand—nobody listened—not even the men who were to marry his daughters.

19:10-11 Lot had only succeeded in almost getting himself killed. At this point God intervenes. Archaeology has revealed that the doors to the houses of this period did have strong hinges and were exceptionally heavy and sturdy. The blindness of this section might not have been total, but could also have been a case in which they could see, but couldn’t identify what they saw. It could have included a mental blindness, in which the eye sees but does not see the right object. I say this, because even blinded individuals can find their way to the door.

19:12-14 Lot’s future sons-in-law show themselves to be men to have very little character. They are like so many people who cannot seem to take anything seriously. “They responded as do many who, upon hearing of God’s final judgment, mock and deride the very possibility of such an event” (Davis p. 202).

(2 Peter 3:4).

19:16 “But he hesitated”: Why? Lot shows that he had been affected by his environment, a little bit of Sodom had crept into him. Kidner notes, “The grip ‘of this present evil world’, even on those who love it with a bad conscience, is powerfully shown in this last-minute struggle…The warning to ‘remember Lot’s wife’ (Luke 17:32) gives us reason to see ourselves potentially in the lingering, quibbling Lot himself, wheeling a last concession as he is dragged to safety. Not even brimstone will make a pilgrim of him” (p. 135). God mercifully grabs and yanks him out!

Application It is easy to criticize Lot for being “hypnotized” or “paralyzed”, but are we? Our we completely taken by the things of this world? To be wiser than Lot, we must see that our hesitation to obey stems from the false attractions of our culture’s pleasures.

19:18-20 Lot, outside the city continues to wheel and deal. The mountains are too scary (besides lacking modern conveniences and comforts). Bela or Zoar is the small city which Lot wanted God to spare. Presumably, of the five cities, Zoar was the smallest and least contaminated by wickedness. “It is pitiful the

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way Lot begs for the opportunity to continue to be at least somewhat comfortable in the world, stressing that Zoar was such a small city…that it couldn’t hurt to spare it” (Morris p. 351).

Yet are we really any different at times? “God I will serve you—but….” Davis notes that in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, two cities which were destroyed when Mt. Vesuvius erupted. The remains of people have been found, “people sprawling on the streets with jewelry and other precious objects in their hands” (p. 202). When I read this section I am reminded of how some people want to “wheel and deal” when it comes to their salvation from eternal damnation, “Do I really have to get baptized?” “Do I really have to be a member of a local congregation?” “Do I really have to attend that often?” And all the while they are trying to make deals, the volcano is rumbling beneath their feet!

19:24-25 Clearly the destruction of these cities was not the result of some chanced occurrence. God directly intervened. He may have in addition used the natural flammable and explosive materials which are found in this region, but this wasn’t a mere natural occurrence or accident. The New Testament backs up not only the account, but also the details! (2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7). “Brimstone” is a bright yellow mineral which is found near active volcanoes. Large deposits of this substance are found in the region of the Dead Sea. It is highly combustible and produces a noxious suffocating sulphur dioxide gas when it burns.

This chapter is a wakeup call. Instead of naively thinking that most people are going to heaven, this chapter and others says the exact opposite. This was a major city in the area and there were not even 10 righteous people in it! Hello!

19:26 To this specific detail, Jesus completely agrees (Luke 17:28-29; 32 “Remember Lots’ wife”). Jesus places her in the context of those who try to hold on to earthly things, pursuits and goals at all cost. Evidently, this woman was seeking to hold on to her life in Sodom, everything she owned and valued was back there! She couldn’t let go, she couldn’t believe that what she presently had was far more important than all her possessions! And such is a good question to ask ourselves, “If your life more important than what you have?” The Bible often warns us about “turning back” (Hebrews 10:38,39).

19:27-29 From his vantage point near Hebron, Abraham could see the smoldering ruins of what was “the big city and the bright lights”. Abraham realized that even 10 righteous people couldn’t be found here. And yet, God remembered Abraham and had rescued Lot.

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19:30 Even though Lot had pleaded for the chance to live in Zoar, he finally did end up living in the mountains. Mountains surround the area of the Dead Sea and in such hills are found many caves. Why was he afraid to stay in Zoar?

Did the people of the city resent the fact that he was the only survivor of their sister cities? Did the people there resent his values? Did he fear that in time God would also destroy that city?

19:31-36 One wonders why Lot didn’t return and live with Abraham? Was he too proud after losing everything? Lot was a man in whom we see what Kidner calls “the restlessness of fear…Fear had driven him there (19:19); fear blindly drove him out again” (p. 136). “Lot was able to take his daughters out of Sodom, but he was not able to take the philosophy of Sodom out of his daughters” (Davis p. 206). Even though they seemed to lose most of their belongings, they had a stock of wine on hand? Lot had some influence upon them, they were still virgins (19:8). Here again, we see the short-comings of human wisdom and situation ethics. Where was their faith? They didn’t have to live in a cave forever, what was preventing them from seeking help from their uncle Abraham? Where all the good men on the earth dead? Probably through feelings of loneliness and self-pity, Lot drunk himself into a stupor and allowed the events at the end of this chapter to transpire. Once again, we see the integrity of the Scriptures, no skeletons in the closet here!

Application Why had Lot failed to find husbands for his daughters from godly people, from Abraham’s family? Or, did the girls want children, but they did not want godly husbands? We are most likely to sin when we are desperate, do not trust God’s timing and do what we feel that we must have right now.

19:37-38 Neither do the daughters show any shame or repentance. Moab means “from the father”. Little did Lot know that the offspring from these unions, the Moabites and Ammonites would prove to be deadly enemies for the descendants of Abraham. One act of sin can change world history! So much stemmed from his bad decisions! Let no one say, “I’m just hurting myself!” Now and then we hear people saying, “I’m not going to bring my children to church, I’m just going to let them explore the world on their own”. I like the response which says to such a person, “So, we are going to raise another generation which is ignorant of God! So we are going to raise another generation which will end up lost in hell!”

Application

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In this section we see two facets of God’s character. Tremendous grace, mercy and patience and tremendous wrath. As we grow spiritually, we should find ourselves more and more impressed by God’s mercy towards the humble and God’s anger against the defiant.

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