love. Micah in particular provides a challenging statement: Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. (Mic. 7:18, KJV) The Lord is not merely merciful, but relishes the opportunity to grant His mercy. This seminal characteristic of God, as Micah shrewdly notes, also distinguished Him from the myriad of pagan gods that had captured the fancy of many Israelites.