Matthew Henry Commentary Isaiah 43:22-28

"Yet thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. Thou hast not brought me of thy sheep for burnt-offerings; neither hast thou honored me with thy sacrifices. I have not burdened thee with offerings, nor wearied thee with frankincense. Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices; but thou hast burdened me with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake; and I will not remember thy sins. Put me in remembrance; let us plead together: set thou forth [thy cause], that thou mayest be justified. Thy first father sinned, and thy teachers have transgressed against me. Therefore I will profane the princes of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacob a curse, and Israel a reviling." — Isaiah 43:22-28 (ASV)

Those who neglect to call upon God are weary of him. The Master did not tire the servants with his commands, but they tired him with disobedience. What were the riches of God's mercy toward them? I, even I, am he who yet blotteth out thy transgressions.

This encourages us to repent, because there is forgiveness with God, and shows the freeness of Divine mercy. When God forgives, he forgets. It is not for anything in us, but for his mercies' sake, his promise' sake; especially for his Son's sake. He is pleased to consider it his honor.

Would man justify himself before God? The attempt is desperate: our first father broke the covenant, and we all have copied his example. We have no reason to expect pardon, unless we seek it by faith in Christ; and that is always attended by true repentance, and followed by newness of life, by hatred of sin, and love to God. Let us then remind him of the promises he has made to the penitent, and the satisfaction his Son has made for them.

Plead these with him in wrestling for pardon; and declare these things, that you may be justified freely by his grace. This is the only way, and it is a sure way to peace.