Expert: Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner - 2/3/2007

Question
Dear Rabbi:

Thanks so very much for your generous response. However, my question concerned locating instances in the Bible of MAN forgiving MAN, God notwithstanding. Can you help me with instances on this?

With gratitude,

Marvin
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I'm investigating the subject of forgiveness in the Old Testament. Clearly, there are numerous references to God forgiving man, but where do we have instances of man forgiving man?
-----Answer-----
Dear Marvin,

Thanks for writing, and indeed it is a great question. Generally we do not respond to research or assignmensts. But this was an opportunity for me to do some personal reading and thinking.

There is a volume by AJHeschel entitled God in Search of Man, just as he wrote previously Man in Search of God. That may be of assistance.

However, I believe that the Hebrew Scriptures demonstrate continually that  man forgives God since the Jewish people manifest continued loyalty to God and the commandments. If we had not forgiven God - as God forgave us - then we would have abandoned God rather than intensify our faithfulness.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov

Answer
Dear Marvin,

I wish that I were able to have the time and opportunity to do the research for you.

If you use a Biblical Concordance, you should be able to look up the various references. Similarly you can use the www.jewishencyclopedia.com on line, the Jewish Encyclopedia in the library and the Anchor Bible Dictionary - looking up the reference for forgiveness.

Good luck and sorry for not being to do the extensive research for you.

Rabbi Dov