In “the pit of corruption.” This description suggests—1. Loathsomeness. It is a fit simile of the world in which the unconverted live. It is not a quagmire, but a pit; not a dry pit, but one full of corruption—filth, death, worms. To God, “glorious in holiness,” every man in the pit of corruption must be loathsome. He may be educated, loving, philanthropic, and worldly wise, but being dead in trespasses and sins, he is fit only for being buried out of the sight of God and good men. 2. Helplessness. A man in a pit is helpless, like Joseph. No man ever yet got out of the pit of corruption by his Latin, his logic, or his mother wit. It is not for him to postpone the date of a deliverance once vouchsafed. 3. Increasing danger. Men never mend in the pit.
II. The sinner’s helper.
“Thou,” &c. In vain does the sinner look within himself or to his fellow-men for help, but God gives it. Every saint praises God for his salvation: “Thou,” &c. Note, 1. The freeness of God’s redeeming love. There is nothing in a man wallowing in a pit of corruption to draw out love. Where it is shown, it is a free gift. 2. The fulness of that love. “Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.” Some wink at our sins others cast them into our teeth on all occasions. God does neither. He abhors sin, but when He forgives the sinner, He forgets the sin (Jer. l. 20; Rom. viii. 33; Ps. xxxii. 2; H. E. I. 2322–2337).
III. The sinner’s duty.
He is not to lie quiet, but to cry for a deliverer. Wishing, hoping, thinking will not do. The crying, to be effectual, must be made now. Now God says, “My arm is not shortened,” &c. (lix. 1). When once gone, to all your cries His reply will be, “Because I called,” &c. (Prov. i. 24–26).
Why will you die? Bring forth your strong reasons against salvation.—M.: Christian Witness, xviii. 392–393.
Forgiveness of Sin.
xxxviii. 17. For Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.
This is part of the song which Hezekiah wrote when he had recovered from his sickness. He had betaken himself to prayer. The nation, threatened with invasion from the powerful kingdom of Assyria, could ill afford to lose its head. His prayer was heard. The prophet was sent with a new message. The Divine hand was visible, although ordinary means were employed. This the king fully recognised (ver. 20). God’s mercies should not be forgotten when the occasion has passed.
The king sees the connection of his disease with sin, and the removal of disease with the removal of his sins. From the text we observe that the forgiveness of sin is necessary, possible, complete, knowable.