“The King said, ‘Is there not yet anyone of the house of Saul to whom I may show the kindness of God?’”

~2 Samuel 9:3

What is the “kindness of God”?

The word “kindness” used in 2 Samuel 9:1, 9:3, 9:7 and 10:2 are all translations of the same Hebrew word: hesed.

Hesed is a word that appears frequently in the Old Testament, and can refer to goodness, kindness, mercy or loyalty being put into action toward another. It can be used in the context of human relationships, as we see in 2 Samuel 9 when David shows hesed to Mephibosheth by putting his kindness into action on Mephibosheth’s behalf. It is important to note that even in this context, the source of hesed is God Himself because it is a part of His own character.

Throughout the Old Testament, when hesed is used to describe God, it’s not just lovingkindness, but it’s abundant lovingkindness! (See Numbers 14:18, Psalm 86:5, Joel 2:13 and Jonah 4:2 for a few examples.) God is literally “filled with” unfailing kindness and mercy, which He pours out on us. He specifically describes Himself as hesed just before He gives the Ten Commandments to Moses in Exodus 20 and again in Exodus 34, connecting His kindness to our worship and obedience. This is especially interesting in light of Romans 2:4, which tells us that it is the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.

Under the Old Covenant, external obedience to the law set forth by the Ten Commandments was required. Under the New Covenant, brought about by Jesus’ death and resurrection, the focus shifts to an internal change of heart in the believer. We are made holy by His sacrifice, once for all (Hebrews 10:10) and we gain confident access to the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19). Although these are significant differences, the character of God is unchanging—under both covenants, His kindness and mercy draw us toward Him and make Him worthy of our faithful obedience and worship forever. As A.W. Tozer says, “The whole outlook of mankind might be changed if we could all believe that we dwell under a friendly sky and that the God of heaven, though exalted in power and majesty, is eager to be friends with us.” Do you see the goodness of God at work in your life? Is His hesed flowing out of you onto others? May it be so!

To learn more about the meaning of hesed, Click this link.