Related commentaries – Mercy

Gideon’s Sense of Justice – Judges 8:13 – 8:23

A Prayer for Mercy – Psalms 122:1 – 123:4

The Mother Who Sought a Pardon For Her Son From Napoleon

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. “But I don’t? ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.” “But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied. “Sir,” the woman cried, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.” “Well, then,” the emperor said, “I will have mercy.” And he spared the woman’s son. (Luis Palau, “Experiencing God? (Forgiveness”, Multnomah Press, 1984)