Our God is a covenant-making God. The word for covenant also means treaty. It is an arrangement between two parties and negotiated to the advantage of both, with privileges and duties. As such it is participatory. Our god is a
participant in our lives, distant maybe, but in no way out of touch. God sees us, God cares about us. God may be stern but God is also forgiving. God rebukes and corrects, but also restores us to the fullness of life God created. The Hebrews prophets show a cycle of punishment and forgiveness. God blesses the repentant. You have
sinned, but only return to me and I shall fully restore you.