LEV1137 "But he, being full of compassion, forgives iniquity and destroys not." -- Psalms 78:38. … Moses was the first biblical figure to assert the crucial importance of forgiveness in God's relationship with man. The worshipers of the golden calf were initially condemned by God to death. Moses was distressed by God's decree, which did not leave the door open to forgiveness. Addressing the people, he said "You have sinned a great sin, and now I will go up unto the Lord; perhaps I shall obtain forgiveness for your sin" Exodus 32:30). Moses' forceful argument in his plea to God formulated the theological doctrine of forgiveness as a permanent factor of divine judgment. The doctrine which emerged out of the dialogue between God and Moses established the principle that forgiveness is a conditional privilege which only those who are worthy of divine compassion may expect. This principle was clearly spelled out in a divine proclamation [Exodus 34:6-7]. Forgiveness, according to this proclamation, is rooted in divine compassion, which is consistent with truth. In other words, forgiveness is not an emotional reaction but a rational judgment based on truth and justice. What must an offender do to deserve divine compassion and forgiveness? The basic condition is an admission of wrongdoing and an expression of penitence. This is the import of the biblical passage in Leviticus: "And they shall confess their inequity… in the treachery which they committed against me… if then perchance their uncircumcised heart shall be humbled… then I will remember my covenant with Jacob" (to protect his offspring; Leviticus 26:40-42).