Abundant in Goodness
Dear Readers, we have now reached the fourth article of our series of readings dedicated to studying the character of God, according to the text in Exodus 34:6: “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”
In this article, we will focus on the second-to-last attribute mentioned here: “abundant in goodness”, which in Hebrew corresponds to the term “khesed”. The meaning of this word remains somewhat mysterious, as it is difficult to translate into other languages.
This term combines three characteristics: love, generosity, and a continuous commitment to keeping one’s word, all encapsulated in a single expression. Therefore, “khesed” describes an act of loyalty motivated by deep concern and affection.
This expression appears multiple times in the Old Testament, particularly in the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman married to a man from the people of Israel. After her husband’s death, Ruth is left with nothing but her poor mother-in-law, who was also widowed. Having nothing else to offer the young woman, Naomi urges her to return to her homeland, to her family.
But Ruth is determined to stay by her side and take care of her. Ruth’s act was one of goodness, as she remained loyal to the end, even in unfavorable circumstances. This gesture of “khesed” is entirely unconditional—it does not matter whether the other person can reciprocate the kindness received or whether they are deserving of it. This attribute depends solely on the nature and character of the one who gives it.
Thus, Ruth acted in this way because her character was generous and filled with the kind of love that remains faithful to its word. This is what “khesed” means.
The affection and loyalty of Ruth are an inspiration to us, but the only One who is truly abundant in goodness at all times and without measure is the Lord, our Heavenly Father.
To demonstrate this, I would like to mention the experience of Jacob. Despite his deceitful past—having deceived his own family in a crafty manner, the Lord still chose him and repeated to him the promise once made to his grandfather Abraham: “And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” Genesis 15:5
This promise assured the patriarch that he would have a great multitude of descendants, through whom the Lord would bless all of humanity.
And behold, twenty years later, when Jacob finally acknowledges his wrongdoing and deems himself unworthy of divine grace, he proclaims: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies [khesed] and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant.” Genesis 32:10
Take note that God’s “khesed” never depended on Jacob’s merits or righteousness, for the goodness of God is the natural expression of His loving and faithful character.
Throughout the centuries, the Lord has continually proven Himself to be a good God, even in times when His people lost their moral compass and willingly turned away from His precepts.
Even after delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage, they murmured and despaired during their journey through the wilderness, fearing they would perish at the hands of the surrounding nations. They were so spiritually blind that they even threatened to harm Moses and sought to return to Egypt, from where they had been delivered.
This greatly displeased the Lord, and His anger was kindled against Israel. But at that moment, Moses stood as an intercessor, reminding Him of His abundant goodness, saying: “Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of Thy mercy [khesed].” Numbers 14:19
Moses did not plead based on whether Israel deserved God’s forgiveness or not, but rather, he asked the Lord to show mercy because it was consistent with His character.
The only reason why the God of heaven is able to show “khesed” unconditionally is that it is part of His very nature. The Lord delights when His children respond positively to the kindness they receive, but even when they do not, His goodness remains unshaken.
The prophet Isaiah compares Israel’s goodness to the morning dew, which disappears in an instant; but the “khesed” of God endures forever.
David himself, in Psalm 136, declares twenty-six times: “For His mercy [khesed] endureth forever.”
When we critically examine the history of the world, which is filled with violence, injustice, wickedness, and death, we reach the conclusion that most people have forgotten God, misusing His “khesed“.
Yet, in the darkest moment of the world’s history, He did not hesitate to demonstrate the most extreme act of kindness: Taking on human form, identifying with human suffering, and uniting us to Himself through Jesus, His only begotten Son.
Those who walked with Him and followed Him as their Master saw the character of the Father in His love and goodness. Jesus remained faithful and loving until the very end, and through His life, death, and resurrection, God opened for us a way and a new future.
Not because of our merits, but because it is consistent with His Holy character!
What a wonderful truth it is to know that, despite our fallen nature, the Father is always ready to show His goodness towards us.
May the Lord help us to experience the “khesed” of God in our lives and share it with others.
May the Lord bless you. Amen.
By Ylenia Gallo