coptichymns.net - Sharing the Joy of Coptic Hymns Around the World

mikokiko

posted on Dec 14, 2010 - 05:06 PM

“I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” (1 Samuel 15:11)
and again,
"...and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel." (1 Samuel 15:35)

Ok, so I know I've been making a lot of threads lately, but this question has been bothering me for some time. Why does it say that God regrets what He does? If He is perfect, no decision He has ever made should be regretted.

Is this just part of the more primitive understanding of God in the OT, where He tends to be pictured more anthropomorphically? I remember God also saying that He felt sorry that He had even created man when the whole world became full of sinners (interestingly, the story of the flood of Noah appears in many other pagan mythologies at the time). Another place says the Lord is a jealous God, again what does this mean? Anthropomorphic imagery?

GB

Joined: Feb 11, 2003 | Posts: 1350

Truth.Seeker

posted on Dec 14, 2010 - 08:26 PM

Anthropomorphic imagery.

Joined: Feb 25, 2008 | Posts: 967

mikokiko

posted on Dec 14, 2010 - 09:23 PM

to mean...

Joined: Feb 11, 2003 | Posts: 1350

Truth.Seeker

posted on Dec 14, 2010 - 10:53 PM

To mean that God will now do something about it.

It is impossible for God to have regrets, even putting aside the fact that all of His decisions are perfect. That is for the simple reason that He knows everything that will happen in our universe, and already knew what Saul would become before making him king.

When humans use the word "regret" they usually mean something like "I wish I hadn't done that". In God's case, He would know that before He would have even "done that", and therefore, would not have done it.

So, the verses saying "and God regretted" is just another way of saying God is about to do something about it.

Joined: Feb 25, 2008 | Posts: 967

aguirguis

posted on Dec 15, 2010 - 12:16 AM

mikokiko,

Here are two previous threads that I think will help answer your question:


http://www.coptichymns.net/index.php?na ... highlight=

http://www.coptichymns.net/index.php?na ... highlight=

In Him,

_________________
Andrew
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. " MT 5:14-16

Joined: Apr 27, 2003 | Posts: 209
Location: Boston, MA USA

aguirguis

posted on Dec 15, 2010 - 12:18 AM

I'm sorry, I sent the same link twice. This was supposed to be the second link:

http://www.coptichymns.net/index.php?na ... highlight=

Joined: Apr 27, 2003 | Posts: 209
Location: Boston, MA USA

mikokiko

posted on Dec 15, 2010 - 11:15 PM

thank you

Joined: Feb 11, 2003 | Posts: 1350