Matthew Poole and continuators on Daniel 9:9

9 To the LORD our God belong mercies and forgivenesses , though we have rebelled against him .

How did God shew himself merciful, when he punished them so severely? Answ. 1 Because it was less than their sin deserved, for it was Rebellion. 2. Because their punishment was Gods chastisement which to his People is an act of Love and Mercy, as ye see Heb. 12.6, 7, 8, 9. 3 Because God preserved them in their Captivity, and deliver'd them from it.

They therefore that pray to God under their sin, and misery, must eye Gods Mercies▪ as well as his Justice, Psal. 51.1. and 130.4. For as the one doth cast them down, so the other bears them up, and gives them hope, or else we might be swallowed up of too much sorrow and despair, 2 Cor. 2.7, 11. wherein Satan would be too hard for us, as well as in dedolency or want of godly Sorrow.