He hath not dealt with us after our sins, Nor rewarded us after our iniquities.
If the Lord had dealt with us as our sins deserve, Israel would have perished and we long ago consigned to the lowest hell. We ought to praise Him as much for what He has not done as for His works; even the negative side demands our adoring gratitude. At our very worst, we have never suffered what we merited. Every power of our being might have been rent with anguish, yet instead we enjoy comparative happiness and many of us inward joy. Let all that is within us bless His holy name.
AI summary
God's mercy toward those who fear Him is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth, which is the greatest distance known. As the flood waters prevailed and covered the highest hills, so abundant and superabounding is His grace over those that fear Him. This character is given not as the cause of mercy, but as descriptive of those who partake of it, to prevent obstinate and presumptuous sinners from expecting it.
AI summary
He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. (g) Who have proved by continual experience that his mercy has always prevailed against our offences.