I will go and return to my place, until they acknowledge their offense, And seek my face. In their affliction they will seek me earnestly."
In their affliction they shall seek Me early - God does not only leave them hopes, that He would show forth his presence, when they sought him, but He promises that they shah seek Him, i. e. He would give them His grace whereby alone they could seek Him, and that grace should be effectual. Of itself affliction drives to despair and more obdurate rebellion and final impenitence. Through the grace of God, “evil brings forth good; fear, love; chastisement, repentance.” “They shall seek Me early,” originally, “in the morning,” i. e., with all diligence and earnestness, as a man riseth early to do what he is very much set upon. So these shall “shake off the sleep of sin and the torpor of listlessness, when the light of repentance shall shine upon them.”