What Lies Beneath (2)

and proclaimed, “YHWH, YHWH God, compassionate, gracious, long-suffering and great in goodness  Exodus 34:6

Long-Suffering – Every word matters.  That’s the approach taken by the rabbis, and it’s the same approach that we must take if we want to truly mine the Scriptures.  That’s why it just isn’t adequate to stick with an English translation.  There is so much more to discover in the Hebrew or Greek text if we take the time to look.  This verse is another example of something that lies beneath the surface, never seen in translation.

The Hebrew for “long-suffering” is an idiomatic expression that literally means “long of nose.”  The idea is simple.  If God takes a long breath, His anger is delayed.  The longer His nose, the longer it takes for Him to come to judgment rather than mercy.  And God has a very long nose!

But that’s not all.  The normal Hebrew expression would be erech af  (singular).  God has only one nose (anthropomorphically) so we would expect a singular noun af.  But that’s not what the Scripture says.  It says erech apayim – literally “long noses.”  Is this a mistake?  Absolutely not!  The rabbis explain this apparent error by noting that God is equally long-suffering with the righteous and with the wicked.  He is long-nosed toward both.  His long-suffering has a dual character reflecting His personal forbearance toward both.  I will venture to guess that not a single translation of this verse in any other language expresses what we find in Hebrew.  It’s a shame, because this is part of God’s own declaration of His character.  We need to know that God is gracious toward the righteous and the wicked.  His attribute of mercy is not limited to those who have accepted His covenant.  It extends to all.

Living in covenant relationship has but one goal – to imitate the character of God in life.  His character is our standard.  We are to emulate His compassion, His graciousness, His goodness, His mercy and His long-suffering.  Jesus says the same thing.  Paul declares imitation as a primary motivation.  So, unless we understand the depth of God’s own character, how are we going to set the course of our lives in the right direction?  Here, in this mixed-up word, we have another hidden exhortation toward holiness.  We are to exhibit double-breathing.  Our forbearance must extend to the righteous and the wicked in equal measure.  If God can breath twice, so must we.

Who do you tolerate?  Who do you put up with?  How do you act toward those who drive you crazy or who are morally repugnant?  Now you get to reconsider all of those short-breath reactions.  Now you must compare the length of God’s nose with your own.  Chances are there is work to be done – and confession to be made.

Topical Index:  long-suffering, erech apayim, Exodus 34:6, character, God’s nose