Lecture 11

^3:31^ Caph. For the Lord will not cast off forever.

^3:32^ Caph. For if he has cast off, he will also have mercy, according to the multitude of his mercies.

^3:33^ Caph. For he has not humbled from his heart, nor cast off the children of men.

55. Here he shows the divine mercy as regards the relaxation of punishment.

And first, he presents the release from punishments: the Lord will not cast off, because he will not always punish. The Lord will not cast off his people (Ps 93:14). The thresher shall not thresh it forever, neither shall the cart wheel hurt it (Isa 28:28).

Second, he makes an argument from the divine tenderness: for if he has cast off, he will also have mercy, for it belongs to a tender father, after striking for the sake of correction, to offer consolation. If it be under correction, it shall be allowed to come to your mercy (Tob 3:21). And from his love for men: for he has not humbled from his heart, that is, driven by his love. The children of men shall put their trust under the covert of your wings (Ps 35:8).