Difference between mercy in new testament and old testament

In the Bible, the concept of mercy is present in both the Old and New Testaments, but there are some differences in its understanding and application.

Old Testament:

In the Old Testament, mercy (Hebrew: חֶסֶד, hesed) is often associated with God's covenant relationship with Israel. It refers to God's loyal love, faithfulness, and kindness towards His people, despite their disobedience and rebellion. Mercy is seen as a key aspect of God's character, and it is often linked with His justice and righteousness.

In the Old Testament, mercy is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a deliberate act of God's will. It is often expressed through acts of deliverance, forgiveness, and restoration. For example, God's mercy is seen in His deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:7-8), His forgiveness of Israel's sins (Psalm 103:12), and His restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile (Jeremiah 31:20).

New Testament:

In the New Testament, mercy (Greek: ἐλεημοσύνη, eleemosynē) is a key aspect of God's character, but it is also seen as a response to God's mercy towards humanity. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's mercy, and His life, death, and resurrection demonstrate God's love and compassion towards humanity.

In the New Testament, mercy is often associated with the concept of grace (charis). While the Old Testament emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel, the New Testament emphasizes God's universal love and redemption through Jesus Christ. Mercy is seen as a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5).

Some key differences between Old Testament and New Testament mercy include:

  1. Scope: Old Testament mercy is primarily focused on God's relationship with Israel, while New Testament mercy is universal, extending to all people.
  2. Nature: Old Testament mercy is often seen as a response to human obedience, while New Testament mercy is a response to human sin and need.
  3. Means: Old Testament mercy is often expressed through acts of deliverance and restoration, while New Testament mercy is often expressed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
  4. Emphasis: Old Testament mercy emphasizes God's covenant relationship with Israel, while New Testament mercy emphasizes God's universal love and redemption through Jesus Christ.

In summary, while both the Old and New Testaments emphasize God's mercy, the Old Testament focuses on God's covenant relationship with Israel, while the New Testament emphasizes God's universal love and redemption through Jesus Christ.