Nevertheless, he regarded their distress when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and showed compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love. (Psalm 106: 44-45)

The psalmist begins by admitting, "Both we and our ancestors have sinned; we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly."

He then takes thirty-eight verses to recount the most prominent sins of his ancestors. Of his own sins he is discreetly quiet.

Despite these failures and betrayals God understands the people and shares their passions. God continues in relationship.

God shows compassion - in this case nacham - or offers comfort because of the abundance - rob - the many faceted and overflowing nature of love.

God's love is chesed: unalterably and unconditionally kind, faithful, and good. Chesed is the fundamental character of God.

Above is Three Poems by Robert Motherwell.