The attributes/qualities of compassion and mercy

 The "13 qualities of compassion" traditionally associated with Micah are not the same as the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy (13 Midot) revealed to Moses in the Torah (Exodus 34:6–7). Instead, Micah’s prophetic message in Micah 7:18–20 is often interpreted as outlining a similar set of compassionate divine qualities, sometimes paralleled or distilled for specific emphasis:

Micah 7:18–20 mentions the following qualities, which are frequently summarized as eight or sometimes expanded by interpretive tradition (such as kabbalistic teachings) into 13 for deeper mystical study, though the biblical text itself lists less than 13:

  1. Who is a God like You? – Emphasizing God’s uniqueness and compassionate nature.
  2. Pardons iniquity – Forgiveness for wrongdoing.
  3. Forgives the transgression – Absolves misdeeds.
  4. Of the remnant of His heritage – Specifically cares for His people.
  5. Does not maintain His anger forever – Limited wrath, does not hold a grudge.
  6. Because He delights in mercy – Takes pleasure in showing kindness and compassion.
  7. He will again have compassion upon us – Renews divine compassion.
  8. He will suppress our iniquities – Overcomes or removes sins.
    The listing beyond these eight is drawn from mystical or kabbalistic expansions, not directly from the biblical text itself.*

Some sources, especially within Jewish mystical (kabbalistic) tradition, expand these into "the 13 gates of compassion," especially when referencing Micah as a model for divine mercy. However, the explicit biblical passage in Micah only names a handful.

Summary Table: Micah’s Qualities vs. Expanded Kabbalistic List

Micah’s Biblical Qualities (Micah 7:18–20)Expanded (Kabbalistic) 13 Qualities
1. Who is a God like YouAs above, plus additional attributes based on Exodus 34:6–7 or mystical interpretations, for total of 13
2. Pardons iniquity
3. Forgives the transgression
4. Of the remnant of His heritage
5. Does not maintain His anger forever
6. Because He delights in mercy
7. He will again have compassion upon us
8. He will suppress our iniquities

Further clarification:
The “13 qualities of compassion” are more formally associated with the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy revealed to Moses (Exodus 34:6–7) in Jewish tradition, while Micah’s passage is understood as echoing and celebrating these same qualities, sometimes expanded for mystical or liturgical purposes[1][3]. The actual biblical text in Micah does not list thirteen distinct attributes, but rather a poetic summary of God’s merciful nature.

References
[1] https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/3609722/jewish/What-Are-the-13-Attributes-of-Mercy.htm
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Attributes_of_Mercy
[3] https://www.kabbalahempowerment.com/13-attributes-of-mercy/
[4] https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/340279
[5] https://www.emunabuilders.com/post/the-13-attributes-of-mercy-a-modern-day-guide-to-infinite-forgiveness

Also:

The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, as revealed to Moses in Exodus 34:6–7, are foundational in Jewish tradition and are often recited in prayer as a means of invoking divine forgiveness. Here are the attributes:

  1. HASHEM – YHVH (יהוה): Refers to God's merciful nature towards those who don't deserve it.
  2. HASHEM – YHVH (יהוה): Denotes God's mercy in accepting repentance after sin.
  3. God: Implies mercy even greater than YHVH.
  4. Compassionate: God eases punishment and helps avoid distress.
  5. Gracious: God is gracious even to the undeserving.
  6. Slow to Anger: God is patient with both the righteous and wicked.
  7. Abundant in Kindness: God shows kindness to everyone.
  8. Truth: God is faithful to His Word.
  9. Preserver of kindness for thousands of generations: Kindness is preserved for the benefit of future generations.
  10. Forgiving iniquity: God forgives wrongdoing.
  11. Transgression: God forgives intentional sin.
  12. Sin: God forgives unintentional sin.
  13. Who will not clear (the guilty): God does not leave the guilty unpunished, but brings iniquity upon subsequent generations[1][2][4].


References
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Attributes_of_Mercy
[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+34%3A6-8&version=TLV
[3] https://esm.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/13_Attributes.pdf
[4] https://christianforums.net/threads/thirteen-attributes-of-mercy.101533/
[5] https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/383108

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