When did the idea that God is compassionate originate?

[WoodenTaco]

@Thudlow Boink

Yes, but the Hebrews of Old Testament times seem to have had little or no idea of heaven as a place of infinite bliss or an eternal reward.

I suspect, in my non-expert opinion, that if you asked a Hebrew person from the time of the Old Testament or its writing your question about God being compassionate, the answer would have involved either “God is compassionate toward His own people, and this compassion may manifest itself in His destruction of their enemies,” or “God’s compassion doesn’t preclude his displeasure with and punishment of evil. In fact, punishing the bad guys helps (and thus, is a sign of compassion toward) the good guys.”

An excellent (and fascinating!) point. I’m not an expert on Jewish theology either, but what you say makes sense. It doesn’t address the question of why God is sometimes harsh to his own people, and I think that question would almost certainly be addressed by pointing to the Book of Job (ie, sticking it out and suffering without complaint will eventually result in divine providence).

[Siam_Sam]

My understanding is that the Old Testament was written at a time when life was really tough; thus and angry and vengeful God. The New Testament – written in Greek, wasn’t it? – was written at a time when life was somewhat better, and there was a well-functioning society; thus, a kinder, gentler God. The Old and New Testaments were reflections of their times.