§. 98. Of Gods readinesse to afford succour.
A Particular blessing arising from Gods mercy and grace is thus expressed, to help in time of need. The word translated a 1.1 help is a Noun: for perspicuity 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it may be thus translated, b 1.2 for help.
Of the emphasis of the Greek word translated help, See Chap. 2. vers. 18. §. 184.
This word implieth a readinesse in God to afford succour. God, according* 1.3 to the notation of the Greek word is ready to runne at the cry of his children to succour them.
He is said to ride upon the heavens for their help, Deut. 33. 26. God himself ren∣ders this reason of succouring his people in Egypt, I have heard their cry, Ex•…•…d. 3. 7. In this respect God is resembled to parents, (Psal. 103. 13. Isa. 66. 13.) who use to runne when they hear their childe cry. Yea God in pity and compassion is preferred before earthly parents, Psal. 27. 10. Isa. 49. 15.
This is a point of admirable comfort to us that are subject to many miseries, and oft forced to cry bitterly. God hath an ear to hear our cries, and an heart to pity us. When Hagars childe cried, and Hagar could not help it, God heard the voice of the lad, and afforded help, Gen. 21. 16, &c. This is sufficient to keep us from •…•…ainting in our distresses.
This also may be a motive to stirre us up to cry and call to God in all our distresses. Children in their need will cry to their parents, yet it may be their parents hear them not; or if they hear them, are not able to help them; as Hagar could not help her childe, Gen. 21. 16. But God alwaies hears, even our inward cries, Exod. 14. 15.