It Repenteth God

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 4-6 and Romans 2.

In Genesis 6, we read of the beginning of Noah's family and subsequently the judgment that God pronounced on the world.
v.6,7 seem to pose some difficulty for some:
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

What exactly is this "repentance" of God? What we know for sure is it is not the same as ascribed to man (c.f. Num 23:19).
The second part of v.6 seems to give an idea what it is all about - grieved him at his heart.
The original Hebrew word "nacham", stems from the idea of "breathing deeply" or "sighing".
We may not fully appreciate the exact sentiment of God in having to destroy His own creations, which were purposed to be good (c.f. Gen 1:31). The limitations stem from the vast gap between the understanding of the human mind and God's (Isa 55:8,9) and the language God has provided for us.

But the important thing here is for us to realise, it is not an easy decision for God to make! Far be it for God to "gloat" over the failings of man. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked! (Eze 18:23)

Let us then take heed and constantly strive to do what God wills for us and not grieve Him through our disobedience.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: ~ Act 17:30