Exodus 34:6-7 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.
When Israel fell at Sinai with the golden calf, it could have marked the end of their story. But instead, God called Moses back up the mountain for another forty days. According to Jewish tradition, this second ascent began on the first day of Elul. For forty days and nights, Moses interceded for a rebellious people, pleading for mercy and the renewal of the covenant.
During this time, God revealed Himself in a new way. He passed before Moses and proclaimed His Name:
“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Exodus 34:6-7).
When God revealed Himself and His attributes to Moses, it shattered the common picture many hold of the “God of the Old Testament” — a stern, vengeful, and ready-to-destroy deity, far from it. What He revealed was mercy, grace, patience, steadfast love, and forgiveness. This was more than words; it was God unveiling His very character. And this revelation became the heartbeat of Elul. That is why Elul is remembered as a season of teshuvah — return. Each of the forty days is a step deeper into repentance, mercy, and intimacy, culminating in Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement. Kippur means “covering,” the reminder that in His mercy, you are not exposed but covered by Him.
The forty days of Moses point us forward to the Messiah. Just as Moses stood on the mountain interceding for Israel, Yeshua (Jesus) now intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father (Romans 8:34). Elul is not only about our repentance; it is about His unceasing mercy and His covenant love that does not let go.
Beloved, the shofar blast in Elul is the sound of mercy — the voice of a God who proclaims Himself merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and forgiveness. Each blast is His invitation: “Return to Me — My mercy is greater than your failure, My love deeper than your shame, My covenant still stands.” The King is in the field, near and compassionate, extending His hand. Do not waste this season — every day is an open door to mercy, every moment a chance to be restored. The shofar is sounding — the God of mercy is calling you now.