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God's identity is beyond what we could ever fully express in human words. But Scripture uses one particular word to describe the distinctiveness of God's character: the Hebrew word hesed. Hesed is a concept so rich in meaning that it doesn't translate well into any single English word or phrase. Michael Card unpacks the many dimensions of hesed, often expressed as lovingkindness, covenant faithfulness, or steadfast love. He explores how hesed is used in the Old Testament to reveal God's character and how he relates to his people. Ultimately, the fullness of hesed is embodied in the incarnation of Jesus. As we follow our God of hesed, we ourselves are transformed to live out the way of hesed, marked by compassion, mercy, and faithfulness. Discover what it means to be people of an everlasting love beyond words.… (more)
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The author attempts to explain what he sees as the core meaning of hesed and then explores how hesed is used in various passages to make sense of the concept.
His explanations get creative at times, although most of his conjectures
He is right to see hesed as a fundamental characteristic of God and His disposition toward His people, but I left the work disappointed in the one-sided emphasis the author espouses toward hesed. Much is heard of love, grace, mercy, kindness, and precious little said about covenant loyalty, even though hesed is marrying love/grace/mercy/kindness in the framework of covenant and God's loyalty/faithfulness to His people in that covenant.
Thus, hesed is being explained while missing one of its pillars, which makes it difficult to recommend the work.