The God Who Forgives

El Nose

The Meaning of the Word:

Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, Volumes I–XV I. Fundamental Meaning

The root nśʾ, “to lift high, carry, take,” is a common Semitic root referring to the physical movement of raising, lifting up, and carrying, along with every conceivable association.

Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, Volumes I–XV I. Fundamental Meaning

The main emphasis, both in the physical and in the emotional and spiritual sense, resides in the notion of carrying or bearing, be it punishment, shame, or something similar. In the OT this notion has been expanded to include the principle of forgiveness, and forgiveness is itself associated with the idea of lifting away or taking away guilt, sin, and punishment.

Exodus 34:7 NASB95

who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Numbers 14:18 NASB95

‘The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.’

Psalm 32:1 NASB95

How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!

Psalm 32:5 NASB95

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

Praying the Name

Adoration:

You are a Forgiving God. You do not hold a grudge or bear anger against Your people. You let us learn from our wrong choices but You also let us learn the depth of your forgiveness. Your love covers my sins and your teach me through my wrong choices.

Confession:

I experience this name of Yours daily, hourly. When You forgive me, I experience Your pure love. Often times I cannot remember all my sins, yet You know them all and I beg for Your mercy and I’m grateful to receive it, El Nose.

Thanksgiving:

My heart overflows w/ gratitude to You for Your capacity to forgive. Words can’t adequately express the thankfulness w/in me for this Your greatest gift. Thank you for the grace and mercy of Your forgiveness in my life and all it allows me to experience.

Supplication:

I ask You to help me to not take lightly the gift of Your forgiveness. Create in me a heart of gratitude that will motivate me to serve You w/ my life. Remind me of the terrible price You paid—on the cross—to offer me forgiveness.I pray that I will truly own and walk in this truth. Write in on my mind, heart, and soul, and help me stand confidently before You, approaching Your throne of grace boldly.