But God did not destroy.

What happened?

God had appointed a man to intercede, to care about the people, to enter into conversation on their behalf.

That man reflected the heart of God who, though provoked and ready to destroy, loved ….

Loves ….

Desires to redeem and reconcile.

Call it a mystery, a conundrum, a dance. It does not matter. We are still here even as our spiritual ancestors of ancient Israel.

Still here … because of grace.