This expression is used in Scripture both in a way of mercy and of judgment. The Lord saith, that he hath so completely blotted out the sins of his people, "that the iniquity of Israel should be sought for, and there should be none; and the sins of Judah, and they should not be found." (Jeremiah 50:20) And elsewhere, the Lord describes the same thing, under the image of blotting out the sins of his people as a cloud, and as a thick cloud. (Isaiah 42:25; Isaiah 44:22) In other parts of scripture, blotting out is spoken of as an awful judgment. (Deuteronomy 9:14; Deuteronomy 25:19; Psalms 69:28)