The paper is a topical comparative study of the grace formula (Exod 34:6–7) in its ancient Near Eastern context using the Shockey method.
After an overview of the creed’s central importance in the Hebrew Bible, the study focuses on three aspects of the grace formula in its ANE context. First, the “gracious and merciful God” (אל רחום וחנון) is compared with similar Ugaritic and Aramaic epithets (e.g., lṭpn’il dp’id, ilu rēmēnû) as well as onomastic and epigraphic evidence to discern similarities and possible origins.
Second, at the chiastic center of the grace formula is the Lord’s ḥesed, which is often considered a distinctly Hebrew term. The meaning of חֶסֶד in its biblical and ancient Near Eastern context is discussed. Exod 34:6–7 expresses both the mercy and wrath of God, a prominent motif in the Hebrew Bible and the ancient Near East (e.g., Enuma Elish, Ludlul Bēl Nēmeqi, the Gula Hymn of Bulluṭsa-rabi).
Third, the similarity between the language of transgenerational punishment (Exod 34:7) and the Esarhaddon Succession Treaty has generated much discussion. Yet many other striking parallels in antiquity illuminate its meaning (e.g., ancient Hittite oaths, inherited family guilt in ancient Greece, etc.).
The paper demonstrates the viability of Shockey’s method of comparative study of the Old Testament in its ANE context. In particular, the topical study generates significant new insight into the central creedal confession of the Hebrew Bible. Comparing the character of Israel’s God expressed in Exod 34:6–7 over against other ANE deities reveals the distinctiveness of YHWH. The grace formula expresses the Lord’s intrinsic nature revealed throughout Israel’s turbulent history. He is not a God of wrath, nor evening the score, but gracious forgiveness, enduring patience, and tender compassion, which no sin of his people can alter. This scarlet thread of hope unites the diverse literature of the Hebrew Bible and is unique throughout the ancient Near East.