If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
'If He were to set His heart on man,' either to injure him, or to take strict account of his sins. The connection supports rather (Umbreit), 'If He had regard to Himself (only), and were to gather unto Himself (Psalms 104:29) His Spirit. etc. (which He sends forth to give life to man and all other animals, Psalms 104:30; Ecclesiastes 12:7), all flesh must perish together,' etc. (Genesis 3:19.) God's loving preservation of His creatures proves He cannot be selfish, and therefore cannot be unjust.