To preach salvation by works is not only to mock impotent sinners, but is to grossly insult the ineffable Jehovah. He was amazed that the king should even notice, much less favorably regard, such a worthless creature as he felt himself to be. Laodicean complacency and Pharisaic self-righteousness. O what a stench in the nostrils of the Almighty must be the reeking pride of modern Christendom. Because the hearts of so very few are really touched and affected by the grace of God.
Grace ever humbles.
First, there was life for him, for the king refused to slay him when he was in his power. That his life was spared him was a notable act of clemency on the part of the monarch. Third, there was an inheritance for him. How it portrays to us the bounty of our God in bestowing upon poor bankrupt paupers the riches of His grace. Though we come to Him empty-handed, He does not suffer us to remain so.