And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Ver. 6. And it repented the Lord, &c., and it grieved him.] These things are spoken of God ανθρωποπαθως, after the manner of men; but must be taken and understood θεοσπρεπως, as it beseemeth God. When repentance is attributed to God, saith Mr Perkins, it noteth only the alteration of things and actions done by him, and no change of his purpose and secret decree, which is immutable. God's repentance, saith another learned divine, a is not a change of his will, but of his work. Repentance with man is the changing of his will; repentance with God is the willing of a change. Mutatio rei, non Dei; effectus, non affectus; facti, non confilii .
a Mr Gataker.