"I am the LORD, and I do not change.
(Malachi 3:6)
“. . . there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.”
(James 1:17)
Scripture makes it very clear that God does not change or repent. Yet, it also describes God as repenting. Both cannot be true. So how do we make sense of this? We have already seen the unfortunate translation of the Hebrew word that has created confusion, but need to look further at how this word is actually used.
In most cases, when the term nacham “repented” is used of God, it reflects a common figure of speech known as anthropopathism (literally, man feelings). This is a figure of speech where God’s actions are described symbolically in terms of human emotion. Essentially, human characteristics are used to help us understand God in a way that we would otherwise not understand. It is similar to another figure of speach, anthropomorphism (man form). This is a figure of speech where God is described as having physical parts (e.g., eyes, hands, etc.) even though he is not a physical being and does not have these parts.
Anthropopathism, is a figure of speech where human feelings or emotions are ascribed to God, in order to accommodate finite man’s inability to fully understand the complex and infinite intentions, plans, and actions of God.
Because God is infinite, perfect, and holy, He cannot change His mind as this change of mind in regard to thought or action as this would involve a move from one thought to one that is better or worse. Because God’s knowledge of the past, present, and future is perfect, He cannot change His mind or plans because He comes to learn something new. Even man’s actions are fully known by God and so, God will not change His mind because of seeing man’s actions. He always knew those actions.
Next: (70) Apparent Change
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