God's Return and Repentance: Hope Found in Uncertainty

"Who knoweth but He will turn and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him?" The prophet's hope rests upon three certainties about Adonai's character. First, the Lord would return—not in spatial movement, for He fills heaven and earth, but in manifestation of favor. When Yahweh withdraws His wonted assistance due to a people's pride, self-confidence, and carnality, He departs; when His anger is appeased, He shows Himself favourable again.…