Page 36 - Shalom: The Peace That Comes From Being Whole

motivated by a need to atone for sin, but by a
sense of wholeness and a free-willed desire for
perfection. 2
God’s Goodness

1 Chron. 16:34 O give thanks unto the Lord;
for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
The phrase “For He is Good and His mercy
endureth forever” was used by Israel in praise,
in battle, in song, when the Temple was dedi-
cated, etc. His covenant people were to con-
fess and be constantly reminded that their
covenant-keeping God is Good.
One of my favorite writers is David Baron.
He was born in Russia in 1855 and educated
in the best rabbinical schools. He became a
Christian, and his writings reflect a depth of
meaning that his insight into biblical Hebrew
affords. I have written the following on the
flyleaf of my Bible to remind me of the good-
ness of God and that my capacity to receive
that goodness can be increased.
“Goodness” is very frequently attributed to
God in the Old Testament, as, for instance in
Psalm 31:19: “Oh, how great is Thy goodness
which Thou hast laid up [treasured] for them
that fear Thee. Which Thou hast wrought for
them that put their trust in Thee, before the
sons of men” and Psalm 145:7: “They shall
utter the memory of Thy great goodness.”
34