We are in chapter thirty-four of Exodus with our word for today which is a phrase used for the first time in the Bible. אֶ֥רֶךְ אַפַּ֖יִם slow to anger, slow nose [literally – the idea is one’s nostrils flare when one is angry so we are slow to flare our nostrils in anger]. It is used 13 times in the Old Testament. In our chapter, as we have looked at over the last couple of days, is the first time God gives us a list of characteristics about himself which includes our phrase for today. Exodus 34:6-7 The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, אֶ֥רֶךְ אַפַּ֖יִםslow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Later when the people grumbled and rebel against God. God is angry and wants to destroy them. Moses prays. In his prayer he references our phrase. Numbers 14:15-19 And now, please let the power of the Lord be great as you have promised, saying, ‘The Lord is אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֙יִם֙ slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, 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 generation.’ Please pardon the iniquity of this people, according to the greatness of your steadfast love.” Moses appeals to this character quality of God in asking him to forgive the people’s sins. This quality of God does not negate the need for repentance as we see in our chapter and will focus on in the days to come. Nahum spells this out for us well. Nahum 1:1-3 the Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord is אֶ֤רֶךְ אַפַּ֙יִם֙ slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. God is slow to anger but that doesn’t mean he will not let lose his full wrath against evil if there is no turning away from it. As with the other character traits of God we have seen, God wants us also to become like Him in this way. The book of Proverbs calls the person who is like God in this way wise. Proverbs 14:29 Whoever is אֶ֣רֶךְ אַ֭פַּיִם slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly (Proverbs 15:18; 16:32). We also see this instruction in the New Testament. James 1:19-21 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Did you catch how we can become slow to anger like God is? By putting away our sinful nature and receiving God’s word inside of us. This takes a humble willingness to pray and study God’s word. The passage in Hebrews is a good reminder of the power of God’s word to transform us. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. I’ll close with a great example of humility and openness to God’s word. Jeremiah is praying to God and uses our phrase. Jeremiah 15:15-16 O Lord, you know; remember me and visit me, and take vengeance for me on my persecutors. לְאֶ֥רֶךְ אַפְּךָ֖In your forbearance take me not away; know that for your sake I bear reproach. Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
