How did God show himself merciful, when he punished them so severely? Answ.
1. Because it was less than their sin deserved, for it was rebellion.
2. Because their punishment was God's chastisement, which to his people is an act of love and mercy, as you see, Hebrews 12:6-9.
3. Because God preserved them in their captivity, and delivered them from it. They therefore that pray to God under their sin and misery must eye God's mercies, as well as his justice, Psalms 2:1, Psalms 130:4. For as the one doth east them down, so the other bears them up, and gives them hope; or else we might he swallowed up of too much sorrow and despair, 2 Corinthians 2:7,11, wherein Satan would be too hard for us, as well as in dedolency or want of godly sorrow.