Divine Anger and Forgiveness: Not Retaining Wrath Forever

Full Summary

This shiur delves deeply into the fifth of the thirteen divine attributes found in Michah: 'lo hechsik lo'ad apo' - Hashem (ה׳) does not retain His anger forever. Rabbi Zweig begins by addressing a fundamental question: if God's anger is initially justified due to our sins, why should it abate over time without repentance? The answer lies in understanding the dual nature of divine response to wrongdoing. Using a powerful Midrash about Yosef's revelation to his brothers and Bilaam's talking donkey, the shiur explains that when someone hurts us, two elements are involved: they've done something objectively wrong, and they owe us personal restitution. This creates a legitimate debt that justifies initial anger. However, the problem with human anger is that we withhold all future kindness until this debt is paid, essentially saying 'until you apologize, I want nothing to do with you.' The divine attribute teaches that while Hashem maintains His just claim for wrongdoing, this doesn't prevent Him from continuing to provide for our needs and maintaining relationship. His feelings for us aren't contingent on how we treat Him - unlike human relationships where we're nice to people because they're nice to us. God's love is unconditional and based on His intrinsic care for us. This understanding resolves a difficult Rambam (רמב"ם) in Hilchos Teshuvah. The Rambam states that certain sins require lengthy processes of repentance, Yom Kippur, and suffering for retroactive forgiveness. Yet he also describes how someone can transform their relationship with God immediately through teshuvah. The resolution: retroactive repair of past wrongs requires the full process, but prospective relationship can begin anew instantly because God's love isn't withheld due to past hurts. The shiur applies this to the sin of the Golden Calf, explaining how the thirteen attributes saved the Jewish people from destruction. The sin wasn't erased - we still suffer consequences throughout history - but God's relationship with us could continue because He separates past debts from ongoing care. This represents the ultimate form of giving: loving regardless of how we're treated in return. In practical terms, this divine quality should guide our relationships, especially with children. We have the right to address wrongdoing and expect appropriate restitution, but we shouldn't withhold love or care based on past hurts. The challenge lies in separating legitimate consequences from vindictive withholding of relationship.