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I. It is not an act that TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE OF THE OFFENDER. When a human father forgives his offending child, or a human sovereign his offending subject, it is an outward act. But Divine forgiveness is an inner change, it is a moral revolution; the soul breaking away from its past — its past masters, purposes, and life.

II. It is not an act PROMPTED BY ENTREATIES. A father forgives his offending child because of the child's importunate appeals, and the king his rebels for the same reason. But Divine forgiveness is uninfluenced. He is essentially a forgiving God, and no entreaties need alter His purposes of mercy.

III. It is not an act EXERCISED WITH LIMITATION. In human forgiveness there is a limitation to persons, only a few of the offenders are selected for the favour. Limited also to time. He who has been forgiven more than once is not likely to receive such a favour again, and his chances decrease with every repetition of the offence. But in Divine forgiveness there is no limitation. "Abundantly pardon." "Seventy times seven."

IV. It is not an act of EXCITED SYMPATHY RATHER THAN PLAN. The forgiving act of man is generally excited by commiseration for the offender, it is not the plan of his life, it is an occasional act. But Divine forgiveness is a plan settled, eternal, immutable. His forgiveness delivers men not only from the consequences of sins, but from the sins themselves. "He sent His Son to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself."

(David Thomas, D. D.)

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KJV: But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

WEB: But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.