Michaelmas II (Trinity 20) 2017

In today’s introit we praised God for His “steadfast love.”  If you’re a Psalm reader, you know this phrase well.  “Steadfast love” is the English Standard Version’s translation of the very important Hebrew word hesed.  NIV translated it as “unfailing love” and the King James used “lovingkindness.”  This word is used in the Psalms 127 times, and it is in more than half of the Psalms.  Obviously steadfast love as one of God’s many attributes is an important thing.  David and the other Psalm writers felt it was so important that it had to dominate their writings.  The translations of hesed give us a bit of an understanding of the definition of this major word.  It’s much more than mercy.  Mercy, while it is something wonderful, especially when it comes from God, falls short.  Mercy can be a one-time event.  “I had mercy on the passenger behind me on the airplane who kicked my seat, but next time he does it I’m going to get angry.”  Hesed endures.  It is rooted in patience.  It is not temporary or measured. 

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