(9) If ye turn again.--When ye return unto Jehovah, your brethren and your sons (shall become) objects of pity (rahamim, "compassion;" here that which inspires it) before their captors. (Comp. Psalm 106:46, "And he made them objects of pity before all their captors;" Nehemiah 1:11.)

Gracious and merciful.--Psalm 86:15; Exodus 34:6; in both places "merciful and gracious." Nehemiah 9:17; Nehemiah 9:31, "gracious and merciful," as here. (Comp. the formula of the Koran: "In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate.")

Turn away his face.--Literally, turn aside face (a different word from "turn away" in 2Chronicles 30:8).

30:1-12 Hezekiah made Israel as welcome to the passover, as any of his own subjects. Let us yield ourselves unto the Lord. Say not, you will do what you please, but resolve to do what he pleases. We perceive in the carnal mind a stiffness, an obstinacy, an unaptness to compel with God; we have it from our fathers: this must be overcome. Those who, through grace, have turned to God themselves, should do all they can to bring others to him. Numbers will be scorners, but some will be humbled and benefited; perhaps where least expected. The rich mercy of God is the great argument by which to enforce repentance; the vilest who submit and yield themselves to the Lord, seek his grace, and give themselves to his service, shall certainly be saved. Oh that messengers were sent forth to carry these glad tidings to every city and every village, through every land!For if ye turn again unto the Lord,.... To the fear or worship of the Lord, as the Targum:

your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land; who had been carried away by Tiglathpileser, see Psalm 106:46,

for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful; so he had proclaimed his name, as they must know, Exodus 34:6,

and will not turn away his face from you; in wrath and anger; or withdraw his Shecaniah from you, as the Targum; his gracious and glorious presence:

if ye return unto him; his fear and worship, as the same paraphrase.