In Robert Chisholm’s article “Does God ‘Change His Mind’?” the author addresses the function of the Hebrew verb necham (NHM) as found in Exodus 32:14. Though often translated “to repent” (i.e. RSV, ASV), a more appropriate translation in this context is “to relent or change one’s mind.” Frequently, particularly among evangelical thinking, it is believed that because of God’s “unchanging” quality, he also does not change his mind. To say this, however, is to also believe that God never allows human decision to alter the course of things. When viewed scripturally, this theory is proven invalid. As is shown with God’s relenting in Exodus 32 (along with many other passages, including Amos 7, passages in Jeremiah, Joel and Jonah), at times, God chooses to not exercise meticulous control over the universe.
The criterion that must be considered when evaluating God’s response is whether God’s stated action is a decree or an announcement. Chisholm describes a decree as an “unconditional declaration.” Most often, an oath has been made that a particular course of action will be taken (see Numbers 23, 1 Samuel 15, Psalm 110; also keep in mind God’s covenants with his people). On the other hand, an announcement is conditional, allowing for interaction and a response from the recipient. In the case of Exodus 32, God had not declared that he was going to destroy Israel for their idolatrous behavior; rather, he announced his anger with the people to Moses and stated that, if Moses did not intervene, he would consume them in his wrath. However, in faith, Moses did not “leave him alone” as he recalled the faith of the patriarchs and God’s covenant with them. Through God’s unchanging faithfulness and Moses’ faithful response, God relented.
- Chisholm, Robert, "Does God 'Change His Mind'?" Bibliotheca Sacra 152 (October-December 1995) 387-99
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