Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. But there is forgiveness with thee ] Thou canst forgive; mercy belongs to thee, as well as judgment. The doctrine here is the doctrine of St. John: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." "Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord hath spoken!" Jesus has died for our sins; therefore God can be just, and yet the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus.
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 כי3588 עמך5973 הסליחה5547 למען4616 תורא׃3372
