"The Tender Compassion of Our God"-When Jehovah Withholds Compassion

Are we to imagine that Jehovah's tender compassion is without limits?  On the contrary, the Bible clearly shows that in the case of individuals who set themselves against his righteous ways, Jehovah rightly withholds compassion.  (Hebrews 10:28)  To see why he does so, recall the example of the nation of  Israel.

Although Jehovah repeatedly delivered the Israelites from their enemies, his compassion eventually reached its limit.  This stubborn people practiced Idolatry, even bringing their disgusting idols right into Jehovah's temple!  (Ezekiel 5:11; 8:17, 18)  Further, we are told:  "They were continually making jest at the messengers of the true God and despising his words and mocking at his prophets, until the rage of Jehovah came up against his people,  until there was no healing."  (2 Chronicles 36:16)  The Israelites reached a point where there was no longer any proper basis  for compassion,  and they provoked Jehovah to righteous anger. With what result? 

Jehovah could no longer feel compassion for his people.  He proclaimed:  "I shall show no compassion, nor feel any sorrow, and I shall not have the mercy to keep from bringing them to ruin."  (Jeremiah 13:14)  Thus, Jerusalem and its temper were destroyed, and the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon.  How tragic is it when sinful humans get so rebellious that they exhaust the limits of divine compassion! - Lamentations 2:21. 

Next time: "The Tender Compassion of Our God"-Conclusion of When Jehovah Withhold Compassion

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah