But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
But - rather, in the usual sense of the Hebrew х kiy (H3588)], "FOR" (see note, Psalms 130:3, for the ellipsis), which requires for, not but, to follow here.
There is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. The knowledge of God's character as, "forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Exodus 34:7), gives the hope of acceptance with Him, and deliverance from sin's penalty. So men who by the Spirit are taught what God is, are instinctively led to come and reverently worship Him with the 'fear,' not of trembling slaves, but of loving sons. A harsh God (such as the devil pictures God to the unregenerate) would either be shunned altogether, or be worshipped only in order that He might not hurt us (as the pagan worship their gods). But the sense of God's forgiveness leads His children lovingly to reverence Him, and to shrink with fear from all that would offend Him (1 Kings 8:39-40).