'Relenting' in the Bible
While Elisha was still talking with them, the messenger came down to him [followed by the king] and the king said, “This evil [situation] is from the Lord! Why should I wait for [help from] the Lord any longer?”
“You who have forsaken Me,” declares the Lord,“You keep going backward.So I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you;I am tired of relenting!
But let that man be like the citiesWhich the Lord overthrew without relenting,And let him hear an outcry in the morningAnd a shout of alarm at noon;
Shall I ransom them from the power of Sheol (the place of the dead)?Shall I redeem them from death?O death, where are your thorns?O Sheol, where is your sting?Compassion is hidden from My eyes [because of their failure to repent].
And rend your heart and not your garments.”Now return to the Lord your God,For He is gracious and compassionate,Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindnessAnd relenting of evil.