Here is, 1. An earnest petition to God for his favour. Those that own
the justice of God in their afflictions (as David had done, v. 75) may,
in faith, and with humble boldness, be earnest for the mercy of God,
and the tokens and fruits of that mercy, in their affliction. He prays
for God's merciful kindness (v. 76), his tender mercies, v. 77. He can
claim nothing as his due, but all his supports under his affliction
must come from mere mercy and compassion to one in misery, one in want.
"Let these come to me," that is, "the evidence of them (clear it up to
me that thou hast a kindness for me, and mercy in store), and the
effects of them; let them work my relief and deliverance." 2. The
benefit he promised himself from God's lovingkindness: "Let it come to
me for my comfort (v. 76); that will comfort me when nothing else will;
that will comfort me whatever grieves me." Gracious souls fetch all
their comfort from a gracious God, as the fountain of all happiness and
joy: "Let it come to me, that I may live, that is, that I may be
revived, and my life may be made sweet to me, for I have no joy of it
while I am under God's displeasure. In his favour is life; in his
frowns are death." A good man cannot live with any satisfaction any
longer than he has some tokens of God's favour to him. 3. His pleas for
the benefits of God's favour. He pleads, (1.) God's promise: "Let me
have thy kindness, according to thy word unto thy servant, the kindness
which thou hast promised and because thou hast promised it." Our Master
has passed his word to all his servants that he will be kind to them,
and they may plead it with him. (2.) His own confidence and complacency
in that promise: "Thy law is my delight; I hope in thy word and rejoice
in that hope." Note, Those that delight in the law of God may depend
upon the favour of God, for it shall certainly make them happy.