1 Kings 20:31

" The kings of Israel are merciful kings ." How true is that of the true King of Israel. He is the very fount of mercy ( Exodus 34:7 ; Numbers 14:18 ; Psalms 25:10 ; Psalms 100:5 ; Psalms 102:17 ; Psalms 130:7 ). We often picture Him as "less merciful than His image in a man." But let us do Him this dishonour no more. It is "His property always to have mercy." Is He less clement than an Ahab? Is His heart less tender to penitent rebels? "Behold now, we know that the King of Heaven, the God of Israel, is a merciful God; let us put sackcloth upon our loins, and strew ashes upon our heads, and go meet the Lord God of Israel, that he may save our souls."