Never forget
God Is Merciful
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(for he is a merciful God), he will not let you down or destroy you, for he cannot forget the covenant with your ancestors that he confirmed by oath to them.
Deuteronomy 4:31 (NET)
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Here’s what I like about this verse.
(Well, aside from the obvious promise it makes.)
God cannot forget the covenant.
Of course we are no longer under this particular covenant because Jesus established a new one on the cross.
But that doesn’t negate this aspect of God:
He cannot forget.
Much better than an elephant, which probably does forget some things (though I can’t prove that). Certainly much better than me who forgets important stuff all the time.
God is perfect and merciful.
I mean it tells us about His mercy right at the beginning of this verse.
Then it comforts us with encouragement that God will not let us down or destroy His people … because of the covenantal promise He made with us.
There were a few times in Israel’s history where that covenant was all that stood between them and complete disaster. I’m sure there have been times in my own life when God kept me from complete disaster too.
A verse like this gives me confidence as I walk through life.
I already know that as a child of God I am protected into eternity. I can rely on Him to take care of me, like any good father.
Not only does He have the desire to help His children, but He has the power to help at all times.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
