Hos. 14:9.—We have to remark that all the dealings of God with Israel were not again of absolute final pardon or clearing, but governmental. As a figure, their redemption as a nation was at the Red Sea; and they were brought to God. They then took up law first; afterward they were put under the revelation made to Moses when God’s goodness passed before him. And were so governed. Only as a chosen people, in all their affliction he was afflicted; and his gifts and calling are without repentance. No doubt, to deliver them really, as they were sinful men and a sinful nation, Christ must die for that nation; and this they will find out at the end according to Isaiah Eli. But the ways of God meanwhile were governmental pardons and chastisements on the way. I add, till grace is fully known and redemption, the mind may put these together, because sin has deserved judgment and final rejection, and God is not known. Only in the Psalms there is provision to sustain faith till redemption be fully known to them.