The Hebrew word çᵉlîychâh, represented by H5547, means forgiveness or pardon. It is a specific term derived from the root for pardon and appears only 3 times in 3 unique verses, always in the context of God's character and actions. Its rarity underscores the significance of the passages where it is found.
In its biblical usage, H5547 is exclusively associated with God's capacity to pardon. In Nehemiah's prayer of confession, God is described as a "God ready to pardon" in direct contrast to Israel's rebellion and refusal to obey Nehemiah 9:17. Daniel makes a similar statement, affirming that "mercies and forgivenesses" belong to the Lord, even when the people have rebelled against Him Daniel 9:9. The Psalms connect this divine pardon to a specific response from humanity, stating that there is forgiveness with God so "that thou mayest be feared" Psalms 130:4.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H5547 is used:
- H4775 mârad (to rebel): This word defines the action that makes pardon necessary. It is used to describe humanity's state when God extends mercy and forgiveness Daniel 9:9.
- H7349 rachûwm (compassionate): This divine attribute is closely linked to God's readiness to forgive. God is described as merciful in the same breath as being "ready to pardon," highlighting that His compassion is a source of forgiveness Nehemiah 9:17.
- H3372 yârêʼ (to fear; morally, to revere): This term reveals the intended result of God's pardon. The existence of divine forgiveness is meant to inspire a reverential fear of the Lord, not to be taken for granted Psalms 130:4.
- H3985 mâʼên (to refuse): This word captures the human side of the dynamic, describing Israel's choice to refuse to obey, which then magnifies the grace of God who is "ready to pardon" despite this rejection Nehemiah 9:17.
The theological weight of H5547 is focused on the nature of God and His relationship with a rebellious people.
- A Divine Attribute: Forgiveness is presented as an inherent characteristic belonging to God. The phrase "To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses" establishes pardon as a divine possession and prerogative Daniel 9:9.
- A Response to Rebellion: God's readiness to pardon is consistently set against the backdrop of human failure. Nehemiah contrasts Israel hardening their necks and their rebellion with God being ready to pardon and full of kindness Nehemiah 9:17.
- The Foundation for Reverence: Divine pardon is not intended to make God seem lenient but to reveal a depth of character that inspires awe. The psalmist understands that it is precisely because there is forgiveness with God that He should be rightly feared Psalms 130:4.
In summary, H5547 is a potent and specific term for the pardon that originates from God. Though used sparingly, it appears in key moments of prayer and confession to define a core aspect of God's character. It reveals a God who is merciful and ready to forgive, even in the face of persistent rebellion, and whose pardon is the very reason He is to be revered.
TRV