The psalmist used three names for God in this verse:
– “LORD” – The Hebrew is “Yahweh” or “Jehovah.” This is the name God revealed to Moses at the burning bush.
– “God” – “Elohim.” This is the first name used for God as found in Gen. 1:1.
– “God-Who-Forgives” – “El Nasah.” The Hebrew “El” means “God” and “nasah” means “to forgive,” or “to bear.”
The LORD answered those who prayed to Him on behalf of the people of God. In this case, the psalmist referred to Moses, Aaron and Samuel (v.6), who were priests. God answered and God forgave the people when these three men acted as mediators. He forgave the people, yet He still punished their sinful deeds.
Today, God has sent His Son to be our “El Nasah.” In Him, God has answered, forgiven, and even judged our sins. For Christ received the punishment that was ours, that we might receive the acceptance that is His.