What does it mean that God keeps mercy for thousands?

The phrase 'keeping mercy for thousands' found in Exodus 34:7 emphasizes God's sovereign decision to extend mercy to His chosen people. This does not suggest a quantitative limit, but rather expresses the abundance of God's mercy toward those whom He has set apart for His grace. The 'thousands' indicate that God's mercy remains active and steadfast across generations of His faithful. As emphasized in the doctrine of sovereign grace, God reserves the right to choose whom He wills to be recipients of His mercy and to show compassion. This reflects His unchanging nature and faithfulness to preserve His promises to His people.