Hashem’s 13 attributes of Mercy are great to meditate on and it is said that Yeshua reflected them perfectly. The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (י״ג מִידּוֹת) or Shelosh-‘Esreh Middot HaRakhamim (transliterated from the Hebrew: שְׁלוֹשׁ־עֶשְׂרֵה מִידּוֹת הַרַחֲמִים) as enumerated in the Book of Exodus (Exodus 34:6–7) in Parasha Ki Tissa are the Divine Attributes with which, according to Judaism, God governs the world. The thirteen attributes are alluded to a number of other times in the Bible where God is described using all or some of the attributes include Numbers 14:18, Joel 2:13, Jonah 4:2, Micah 7:18, Nahum 1:3, Psalms 86:15, 103:8, 145:8, and Nehemiah 9:17

The first two Attributes are based on the two-fold occurrence of the “Name,” “YHVH” for which we say “Hashem.” “Hashem” is really not in itself a Name of God; rather, it simply means “The Name.” It is used here in place of a particular One of God’s Names because we are not permitted to articulate, or even to write, that Name, except for in the Torah scroll itself…

1) YHVH. This Name denotes mercy. God is merciful before a person sins, even though He knows the evil lies dormant in the person.

2) YHVH. God is merciful after the sinner has gone astray.

3) EL. This Name denotes power. God’s mercy sometimes surpasses even the degree indicated by the name Hashem.

4) Rachum. Compassionate; God eases the punishment of the guilty, and He does not put people into extreme temptation.

5) ve-Chanun. And Gracious; even to the undeserving.

6) Erech Apayim. Slow to Anger; so that the sinner can reconsider long before it is too late. (Rav Moshe Cordovero in “Tomer Devorah,” describes God like a “Melech Ne’Elav,” an “Insulted King,” Whose subjects disobey Him, yet He maintains their existence.)

7) Ve-Rav Chessed… And Abundant in Kindness…; towards those who lack personal merits. Also, if the scales of good and evil are evenly balanced, He tips them towards the good.

8)…Ve-Emet. And Truth; God never reneges on His word.

9) Notzer Chessed La-Alafim. Preserver of Kindness for thousands of generations; The deeds of the righteous benefit their offspring far into the future.

10) Nose Avon… Forgiver of iniquity…; God forgives the intentional sinner, if he or she repents.

11) …Va-Phesha… …and willful sin…; Even those who purposely anger God are allowed to repent.

12) …VeChataah. …and error; This is a sin committed out of carelessness or apathy.

13) VeNake. And Who cleanses; God wipes away the sins of those who repent.

How wonderful it is to know the Character of our Creator and to meditate on how we can apply it to our own lives so that His light can shine through us brightly to all whom we meet… for we are called to be His light to the Nations!

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Torah Parashah teaching with video and audio and illustrations by Rabbi Isaac. © Assembly of Called-Out Believers. Use by Permission.

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