Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity ] w[ tan nasatha avon, Thou hast borne, or carried away, the iniquity. An allusion to the ceremony of the scapegoat.
Thou hast covered all their sin. ] As thou hast freely forgiven it, its offensiveness and abominable nature no longer appear. The whole is put out of sight; and, as we are restored from our captivity, the consequences no longer appear.
Selah. ] This is true. Our return to our own land is the full proof.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - The sense of present afflictions should not do away the remembrance of former mercies. The favour of God is the fountain of happiness to nations, as well as to particular persons. When God forgives sin, he covers it; and when he covers the sin of his people, he covers it all See what the pardon of sin is. In compassion to us, when Christ ou Intercessor has stood before thee, thou hast turned away thine anger When we are reconciled to God, then, and not till then, we may expec the comfort of his being reconciled to us. He shows mercy to those to whom he grants salvation; for salvation is of mere mercy. The Lord' people may expect sharp and tedious afflictions when they commit sin but when they return to him with humble prayer, he will make them agai to rejoice in him.
Original Hebrew נשׂאת5375 עון5771 עמך5971 כסית3680 כל3605 חטאתם2403 סלה׃5542
