forgiving avenger

Moses and Aaron were among his priests,

Samuel also was among those who called upon his name.

They called to the LORD, and he answered them.

In the pillar of the cloud he spoke to them;

they kept his testimonies

and the statute that he gave them.

O LORD our God, you answered them;

you were a forgiving God to them,

but an avenger of their wrongdoings.

Psalm 99:6-8

This is not a familiar psalm, but should be. I presume it is not very popular because it’s message is quite sobering. 

Psalm 99 praises God for His faithful care of His people Israel, recounting a history of God’s rule as King over His people with justice, equity, and righteousness (Psalm 99:4). This mighty God revealed Himself in His Word and appointed priests to minister on His behalf to His people. Moses, Aaron, and Samuel are remembered as some of the best whom God used in this way. These men interceded for Israel, calling out to God and being answered by Him from the pillar of the cloud of His glory that surrounded His holy tabernacle. They upheld His Law and served as intercessors, prophets, and priests.

Yet even these three men are flawed sinners for whom God must forgive sin. He graciously provided the means to do so as they obeyed the sacrificial laws of the Old Testament. God showed them mercy by being a forgiving God.

But there was also another mercy shown to them in God’s chastising discipline. He “avenged” their wrongdoings as well. Moses was kept from entering Canaan with Israel because of his presumptuous, prideful sin. Aaron endured the pain of losing disrespectful sons whom God killed for offering improper service at the tabernacle. Samuel suffered similarly in his old age as his sons wandered from the Lord. The God Who forgives sin also chastises sinners in order to conform them to His own holiness. God is a forgiving avenger, but He is never soft on sin. Never.

And that is important to remember. In Christ I am forgiven of the worst aspects of all my sin. Completely forgiven and clothed in Christ’s righteousness is how I am seen by my Father. But God, in mercy, may still discipline me in order to mature my growth in Christlikeness. Consequences my follow to keep me humble so that I might lean into His grace securely and seriously. God disciplines and forgives His children out of love.