Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. If thou-shouldest mark iniquities ] If thou shouldst set down every deviation in thought, word, and deed from thy holy law; and if thou shouldst call us into judgment for all our infidelities, both of heart and life; O Lord, who could stand? Who could stand such a trial, and who could stand acquitted in the judgment? This is a most solemn saying; and if we had not the doctrine that is in the next verse, who could be saved?
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-4 - The only way of relief for a sin-entangled soul, is by applying to God alone. Many things present themselves as diversions, many things offe themselves as remedies, but the soul finds that the Lord alone can heal. And until men are sensible of the guilt of sin, and quit all to come at once to God, it is in vain for them to expect any relief. The Holy Ghost gives to such poor souls a fresh sense of their dee necessity, to stir them up in earnest applications, by the prayer of faith, by crying to God. And as they love their souls, as they ar concerned for the glory of the Lord, they are not to be wanting in thi duty. Why is it that these matters are so long uncertain with them? I it not from sloth and despondency that they content themselves with common and customary applications to God? Then let us up and be doing it must be done, and it is attended with safety. We are to humbl ourselves before God, as guilty in his sight. Let us acknowledge ou sinfulness; we cannot justify ourselves, or plead not guilty. It is ou unspeakable comfort that there is forgiveness with him, for that is what we need. Jesus Christ is the great Ransom; he is ever an Advocat for us, and through him we hope to obtain forgiveness. There is forgiveness with thee, not that thou mayest be presumed upon, but tha thou mayest be feared. The fear of God often is put for the whol worship of God. The only motive and encouragement for sinners is this that there is forgiveness with the Lord.
Original Hebrew אם518 עונות5771 תשׁמר8104 יה3050 אדני136 מי4310 יעמד׃5975
