The Lord repented of the evil— That is, to give weight to the intercession of Moses, he did that which men do, who are influenced by proper arguments, he altered his sentiments. The Almighty can neither change nor repent: such expressions are always to be understood, as they are always spoken, after the manner of men; but this expression we have explained fully in the note on Genesis 6:6.
REFLECTIONS.—We have here the prayer of Moses; and an effectual fervent prayer it is. God, even in the restraint he seemed to lay, had given a ground of encouragement, and faith knows how to plead every argument. Though their provocations were great, and God might justly consume them, he begs for mercy, and that God would repent of the evil; that he would change the sentence he was ready to utter. For which purpose he urges,
1. The mercy that God had shewn them. He had brought them from Egypt, and will he now cast them off? Past mercies received are an encouraging ground to hope still. If God has pardoned and been gracious to us before, let us not despair, but apply to him again, however undeserving. 2. God's glory was concerned. The Egyptians will triumph in their ruin. It lies near the heart of a true believer to hear the heathen blaspheme; and he wishes in himself and others to remove every such occasion. 3. He produces the promise made to their fathers. If they were not spared on any other consideration, yet, for his oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, let them find mercy. God's promises are a sure ground of hope: while we have them to plead, we may draw near, and not despair.
Hereupon God is entreated. He spares at Moses's intercession. Behold the power of prayer. And shall Moses be heard for the thousands of Israel, and shall not Jesus in heaven succeed for the sinful soul? However desperate our state may appear, we should not utterly abandon ourselves: while we have such an advocate with the Father, the most miserable and the most guilty may find mercy!