The Pardoning God

“The Pardoning God” by Samuel Davies is a profound hymn of gratitude and awe, reflecting on the boundless mercy of God toward repentant sinners. Rooted in Micah 7:18, which asks, “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?”, the hymn celebrates the wonder of divine forgiveness.

Samuel Davies, a colonial-era Presbyterian preacher and educator, was known for his eloquence and heartfelt piety. His writings and sermons often focused on the grace of God in salvation, and this hymn follows the same theme. Rather than presenting forgiveness as a cold doctrine, Davies portrays it as a living revelation of God’s heart—a mercy that astonishes both angels and men.

The hymn unfolds as a meditation rather than a mere song of praise. It contrasts human guilt and helplessness with the perfect compassion of God, who delights in pardoning rather than condemning. Each stanza draws the singer closer to understanding that God’s forgiveness is not reluctant but freely offered through Christ.

Unlike many hymns of its century that emphasize fear of judgment, “The Pardoning God” overflows with assurance. It encourages believers to rest in the certainty that the Lord’s mercy is greater than all sin. In worship, the hymn often serves as a moment of quiet reflection, helping believers grasp the magnitude of grace that redeems and restores.

Samuel Davies’s combination of theological depth and poetic tenderness has allowed “The Pardoning God” to endure across generations. It remains a moving tribute to the forgiving nature of God, leading worshipers to humility, gratitude, and renewed faith in the redeeming power of Christ.