Shabbat: The Patient Pursuit of the Wayward Heart

“Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity... because He delights in mercy?” — Micah 7:18

Shabbat quiets the storm within. It is the breath between the rush and the return. And it is here, in this sacred hush, that we become aware of God's incredible patience—not just in the vast sweep of history, but in the slow, personal work of the heart. This week, we reflect on a quiet story often overshadowed by grander narratives: the story of King Manasseh, one of the most wicked kings in Judah’s history—and his eventual, stunning return.

A Story of Erech Apayim: The Repentance of King Manasseh

(2 Chronicles 33)

Manasseh was the son of King Hezekiah, a righteous ruler who led Judah in a great spiritual revival. But when Hezekiah died, Manasseh reversed his father's reforms. He did more evil than the nations God had driven out.

He rebuilt the high places of idolatry, worshiped the stars, desecrated the Temple, practiced sorcery, consulted mediums, and even sacrificed his own children in fire. Scripture says, “He led Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem astray, to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord destroyed” (2 Chronicles 33:9).

Surely, here is where God’s patience would end.

And yet… it didn’t.

The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to the people. But they would not listen.

Even then, God does not destroy them outright. He allows the king of Assyria to capture Manasseh, bind him with bronze chains, and take him to Babylon. It is there—in exile, broken, alone—that something extraordinary happens.

“In his distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers.” (v. 12)

And what does the God of justice do?

He forgives.

“God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.” (v. 13)

Manasseh returns and begins to undo the evil he had done. He removes foreign gods, repairs the altar of the Lord, and commands Judah to serve the God of Israel.

Why This Story Shines with Erech Apayim

Manasseh had committed atrocities. By all human measure, he was beyond redemption.

But God's patience is not like ours. It stretches across generations. It reaches into exile. It waits, even after repeated rejection. It hopes that even the most hardened heart might one day turn.

God’s erech apayim is not denial—it is divine hope. It gives space for repentance. It believes in transformation. And when it comes, no matter how late, God welcomes it with open arms.

Manasseh’s story tells us: no one is beyond return.

On This Shabbat: Let Patience Take Root in You

Shabbat is a gentle echo of God’s own erech apayim. It gives us space—not only to rest, but to reflect, to repent, to begin again.

Ask yourself:

• Where have I needed God’s patience in my life, and received it?

• Is there someone I’ve written off as “too far gone”? Can I hope again for their return?

• Can I be patient with myself, as God has been with me?

  
  

God did not give up on Manasseh. He will not give up on you.

As the prophet Joel said, “Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger (erech apayim), and abounding in steadfast love.” (Joel 2:13)

Shabbat Shalom, beloved soul. May you rest in the patience of the God who waits for you, gently, faithfully. May His long-suffering love soften every hard place within you. And may you become an echo of His patience in a hurried world—slow to anger, quick to forgive, and ready to begin again.