Divine regret is a theological concept that explores instances in the Bible where God expresses sorrow or repentance over certain actions or decisions. This notion raises questions about the nature of God, His omniscience, and His relationship with humanity. The concept is primarily derived from several key passages in the Old Testament, where God appears to express regret over His actions or the actions of His creation.

Key Biblical Passages

1. Genesis 6:6-7: "And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'"

In this passage, God's regret is linked to the wickedness of humanity, which had reached a point that grieved Him deeply. The expression of regret here is anthropopathic, attributing human emotions to God to convey His profound displeasure with the moral state of the world.

2. 1 Samuel 15:11: "I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned away from following Me and has not carried out My instructions."

Here, God's regret is directed towards Saul, the first king of Israel, who failed to obey God's commands. This passage highlights the conditional nature of God's favor, contingent upon obedience and faithfulness to His will.

3. 1 Samuel 15:29: "Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind."

This verse, spoken by the prophet Samuel, seems to contrast with the earlier expression of divine regret. It emphasizes God's unchanging nature and His ultimate sovereignty, suggesting that divine regret does not imply a change in God's eternal purposes.

Theological Considerations

The concept of divine regret must be understood within the broader context of God's attributes, including His omniscience, omnipotence, and immutability. From a theological perspective, divine regret does not imply a lack of foresight or a change in God's ultimate plan. Instead, it reflects God's relational nature and His responsiveness to human actions within the framework of His sovereign will.

Anthropopathic Language

The use of anthropopathic language in Scripture serves to communicate God's emotions and relational dynamics in a way that is comprehensible to human beings. By expressing regret, the Bible conveys God's deep concern for righteousness and His desire for a faithful relationship with His creation. This language helps believers understand the seriousness of sin and the importance of aligning with God's will.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The interplay between divine regret and human responsibility is a recurring theme in Scripture. While God is sovereign and His purposes are ultimately fulfilled, human beings are accountable for their actions. Divine regret underscores the reality of human free will and the consequences of disobedience, while also affirming God's commitment to justice and redemption.

Conclusion

Understanding divine regret requires a careful examination of the biblical text and a recognition of the limitations of human language in describing the divine. It invites believers to reflect on the nature of God, His relationship with humanity, and the moral implications of their choices.