Inexpressible

God's identity is beyond what we could ever fully express in human words. But Scripture uses one particular word to describe the distinctiveness of God's character: the Hebrew word hesed. Hesed is a concept so rich in meaning that it doesn't translate well into any single English word or phrase. Michael Card unpacks the many dimensions of hesed, often expressed as lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, or steadfast love. He explores how hesed is used in the Old Testament to reveal God's character and how he relates to his people. Ultimately, the fullness of hesed is embodied in the incarnation of Jesus. As we follow our God of hesed, we ourselves are transformed to live out the way of hesed, marked by compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Discover what it means to be people of an everlasting love beyond words.



Michael Card is an award-winning musician and performing artist. He earned a master's degree in biblical studies from Western Kentucky University under Dr. William Lane. His many books include Scribbling in the Sand, A Fragile Stone, and the Biblical Imagination Series on the four Gospels. Card and his family live in Tennessee.

Preface: The Untranslatable Defining the Inexpressible


Introduction: A Word on the Meaning of Words
Part I. The God of Hesed


1. Opening the Door


2. The Definitive Encounter


3. Slow to Anger


4. Like No Other God


5. An Everlasting Refrain


6. A Prayer of Honest Rage
Part II. The Objects of Hesed


7. When Dinah Held My Hand


8. The Heseds of David


9. Ethan: "I Will Sing"


10. Moses: "In the Morning"


11. Jeremiah: "I Am Hesed"


12. Hosea: A Novel of Hesed
Part III. Hesed Finally Defined


13. Hesed and Truth


14. On Jesus' Lips


15. How to Amaze Jesus


16. The One Who Showed Hesed


17. Paul and the Path to Redemption
Part IV. An Instinct for Hesed


18. Here, Rabbi, Take My Seat


19. Hesed in Post–AD 70 Judaism


20. Gemilut Hesed and Tikkun Olam


Conclusion: Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly: The Monumental Nature of Kindness


Afterword


Appendix A: Occurrences of Hesed in Scripture


Appendix B: Comparison of Translations


Appendix C: A Vocabulary of Associated Words


Appendix D: For Further Study


Notes


Bibliography


Scripture Index

"Michael Card brilliantly leads us to discover the heartbeat of hesed, as he gives language to this virtually undefinable word. When he first shared with me his basic definition of hesed—'When the person from which I have a right to expect nothing gives me everything'—I couldn't wait to learn more. I've been completely moved by this book: first, to explore and experience an aspect of God's character I never knew before, and second, to let his hesed inspire me to live hesed every day."



"Michael approaches the rich concept of God's hesed love from many different angles. The result is an edifying collection of reflections on the shocking, loyal, and limitless love of God in Christ for us and the world. Read it and you will not only learn but sing hesed!"



"Michael Card has given his life to joining the wonder of Scripture with careful scholarship. He writes with the touch of an artist, the mind of a scholar, the heart of a pastor, and the reverence of a disciple. This book, focused on the character of a merciful God, is not just a book about words in Scripture—it is a thoughtful, beautiful meditation on the Word Incarnate himself, Jesus Christ. A wonderful book." weniger anzeigen expand_less