---

It is probable that the psalmist here refers to some special manifestation of God's mercy vouchsafed him in a season of past dangers and troubles, which being brought to his recollection in this his present calamity, he is encouraged to pray for a like deliverance. The recollection of former deliverances is a great help in praying for a rescue from present evils. Or, it may be that he was inquiring for those mercies which God had promised him, and this was a still greater source of confidence: "Which Thou swarest unto David in Thy truth."

I. THE CONTENTS OF THE INQUIRY.

1. The fact of an inquiry being made argues an acquaintance, either personal or by report, between the inquirer and the one sought for.

2. It implies an imagined temporary cessation of intercourse.

3. It exhibits an ardent desire for a renewal of the intercourse.

4. It breathes a spirit of sincerity.

II. THE CHEERING REPLIES TO THE INQUIRY.

1. Mercy still exists. Many of her former gifts are now no more; many of the instruments by whose means, in former days, she performed mighty deeds have been laid aside; many of her former messengers to you have become silent in death (Zechariah 1:5). No; a race that some of you still remember have passed away. But Mercy is still alive.

2. She is with the Lord, and is always to be found at home.

3. She is still in possession of all her faculties. She has sufficient strength of arm for the hardest undertaking, while she retains a firmness of hand and delicacy of touch for the most intricate work.

4. She is still equally well disposed toward you.

III. THE PROBABLE RESULTS OF SUCH INQUIRY MADE IN A PROPER SPIRIT.

1. It will gain the Divine approbation

2. Every probability of a renewal of the intercourse.

(D. Roberts.).

---

---

KJV: Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?

WEB: Lord, where are your former loving kindnesses, which you swore to David in your faithfulness?