The Womb of God’s Love

"The LORD descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the LORD. Then the LORD passed by in front of him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations” (Ex. 34:5-7).

Moses spent many days in God’s presence, receiving instructions from Him. But this time God’s appearance was special. God revealed himself to Moses like never before.

What happened can be best described that Moses saw God from the back with peripheral vision. He heard the LORD’s proclamation which established Israel’s God as a the Merciful One ( אֵל רַחוּם ; El Rachum). Hebrew word (רַחֲמִים pronounced: rachamim) means “mercy” or “compassion”. It is in plural form in Hebrew, which Jewish tradition often sees as abundant mercy (not just a single act of compassion, but overflowing mercies).

The noun רָחִים (pronounced: rachim) means something like “darling” or “beloved”. What is most intriguing is that the root that conveys mercy (רַחֲמִים rachamim) also connects to the idea of pregnancy. In Hebrew, a mother’s womb is called רֶחֶם (pronounced: rechem), still the same root. Just as a mother’s womb surrounds, nurtures, and protects the unborn child, so God’s mercy envelops, nurtures, and protects His people.

That’s why when Scripture says God is El Rachum, it carries the tender image of the One whose love is as deep and instinctive as that of a mother for the child in her womb. With this title God revieled Himself to Moses. And it is part of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy revealed in Exodus 34:6–7, where God proclaims His compassionate and gracious nature.

We look to God with hope and love, just as babies, toddles and little children look to their parents. There is delight and security in trusting Him — our reliance and dependence rest on His care. Like newborn babes emerging from the womb, weak and fragile, we require constant nurture. God is pictured as a mother: sustaining, feeding, clothing, training, and teaching. In this parental image, mercy is not abstract but deeply personal — the tender compassion of one who rejoices in the growth of her child.

Yet, as children grow, they test boundaries. So too, Israel often rebelled, straying from the paths laid before them. The story of the wilderness reveals this rhythm of mercy: correction and forgiveness, discipline and love. God’s wisdom and compassion accompanied His people, guiding them step by step in their faith-journey.

In this, the LORD is revealed as both just and merciful — strong against arrogance, yet gentle toward the humble. Tender mercy is one of His main thirteen attributes. Mercy, like the womb itself, is a place of protection, patience, and unfailing love.

The link to the page with list of thirteen attributes of God: https://www.sacredspaces.app/the-lords-13-attributes-of-mercy/